Ukraine accuses Russia of shelling more than 40 towns in Donbass

After failing to capture the Ukrainian capital Kiev and the city of Kharkov, Russia is trying to gain full control of the Donbass.

Russia has poured thousands of troops into the area, attacking from three sides in an attempt to encircle Ukrainian forces holding the cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk. If Russia succeeds, the entire Luhansk province will be under Russian control, which is considered an important goal of the Kremlin.

“Russia shelled more than 40 towns in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, destroying and damaging 47 civilian sites, including 38 houses and schools. 5 civilians were killed and 12 were injured.” Armed Forces of Ukraine announced.

The force also said it repelled 10 Russian attacks, destroyed 4 tanks and 4 drones, and killed 62 enemy soldiers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the Russian army was “much outnumbered us” in some areas of the east.

Reuters could not independently confirm the battlefield reports.

As Moscow seeks to consolidate its power over the territory it occupies, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree simplifying the process for residents of newly occupied districts to obtain Russian citizenship and passports. .

This week, Mr. Zelensky said the conflict could only end with direct talks between him and President Putin.

Russia declared the purpose of a special military operation to disarm Ukraine and protect it from the Nazis. In response, Ukraine and the West called Russia’s accusations baseless and “unacceptable.