After losing Luhansk to Russia, Ukraine forces regather for defence of Donetsk
- Donetsk now in Kremlin crosshairs as Russians capture Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine
- Russia’s Vladimir Putin has made capturing the entire Donbas a key goal in his war in Ukraine
Russian forces set their sights on their next objectives in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk province, after President Vladimir Putin claimed victory in neighbouring Luhansk province as the five-month long war entered a new phase.
The capture of the city of Lysychansk on Sunday completed the Russian conquest of Luhansk, one of two regions in Donbas, the industrialised eastern region of Ukraine that has become the site of the biggest battle in Europe in generations.
Both sides have suffered heavy casualties in the fight for Luhansk, particularly during the siege of the twin cities of Lysychansk and Sievierodonetsk. Both cities have been left in ruins by the relentless Russian bombardment.
“The city doesn’t exist any more,” said Nina, a young mother who has fled Lysychansk to take refuge in the central city of Dnipro.
“It has practically been wiped off the face of the Earth. There is no humanitarian aid distribution centre, it has been hit. The building which used to house the centre does not exist any more. Just like many of our houses.”
Ukrainian forces on Tuesday took up new defensive lines in Donetsk, where they still control major cities, while Putin told his troops to “absolutely rest and recover their military preparedness”, while units in other areas keep fighting.