Vladimir Putin’s troops are moving towards Donetsk amid Russia’s plan to seize the entire Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.
It comes just days after the Russian president declared on Monday a “major victory” in Donetsk’s neighbouring Luhansk.
Both regions – that have been controlled by Moscow-backed separatists since before the start of the invasion of Ukraine – have sustained huge damage with Putin’s troops “shelling everything in their path”.
This is according to Luhansk governor Serhiy Haidai, who said Russia has seized the cities Lysychansk and Severodonestk in his region.
Mr Haidai told Ukrainian television, according to Reuters: “A large quantity of equipment is being sent towards Donetsk region. Of course, after Luhansk region, Donetsk is at the top of their list.”
He added: “There is still a great deal of shelling in both Luhansk and Donetsk regions ... They are sustaining quite heavy losses.
“Some battalions have been moved there to make up the numbers they need ... They are not taking all their wounded with them. The hospitals are full to bursting as are the morgues.”
