Ukraine military confirms fall of Lysychansk city to Russia as war enters day 131

On 131st day of brutal war in eastern Europe, Ukrainian Armed Forces admitted that Lysychansk region was completely captured by invading Russian troops. This allowed strategic victory to Moscow by claiming control over one of major areas of Luhansk Oblast- which has become centrepiece of Kremlin's military ambition in Ukraine.

"After heavy fighting for eastern city of Lysychansk, (Ukrainian) defence forces were forced to withdraw from ir occupied positions and lines," said General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine in a statement on Monday.

pullback of Ukrainian troops after weeks of decisive and fierce battle offered a major breakthrough for Moscow after Russia shifted focus from toppling Kyiv in initial days of war. After Severodonetsk in east Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast, Lysychansk is a pivotal ground located in Luhansk Oblast- which groups toger to form Donbass region. Russia's war in eastern part of ex-Soviet nation is aimed at "liberation" of Donbass from "neo-Nazis" and Azov nationalists. War analysts stated that capture of Lysychansk offers Russian forces a gateway to advance on Kramatorsk and Sloviansk region.

After being outgunned by Russia's advanced military, and manpower in east Ukraine, defenders were asked to retreat by Kyiv's command, General Staff of Ukraine said. decision to pull out armed forces was "in order to preserve ir lives," statement by Ukrainian military said. This came hours after Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu anunced that his troops had taken "full control" of Lysychansk in Luhansk region.

'We will win back land:' Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during his usual night address, furr confirmed that Ukrainian troops were "forced to withdraw" from Lysychansk as continuing defence actions in city would have led to "fatal consequences" in face of Russia's weapons superiority. "Unfortunately, steel will and patriotism are t eugh for success- material and technical resources are needed, Zelenskyy remarked in televised address.

However, Zelenskyy promised to return to seized city and "win back land" in days to come. However, he did t outline prospective plans as to when Kyiv intends on launching a counteroffensive in twin cities. "If commanders of our army withdraw people from certain points at front, where enemy has greatest advant in firepower, and this also applies to Lysychansk, it means only one thing,” embattled President said in his evening video address.

“That we will return thanks to our tactics, thanks to increase in supply of modern weapons,” he added.

Meanwhile, city of Sloviansk came under heavy shelling by Russian troops. At least 6 people were killed on Sunday as Russia pounded Ukraine-held region. This comes after Kyiv claimed that Russian invaders attacked Karamatorsk on Sunday with Smerch multiple rocket launchers (MLRs), which destroyed a hotel and residential buildings in region. On or hand, Russian occupiers are controlling most entry and exit into Severodonetsk, ar region that forms a significant part of industrial Donbass, although city has been reduced to ruins due to arbitrary bombings over past two to three weeks.

(Im: AP)