Russia said on Monday (June 5) that its forces managed to thwart a major Ukrainian offensive at five points along the Donetsk region and killed hundreds of pro-Kyiv troops. Russia's defence in the Donetsk region at the time of this Ukrainian attack was led by&nbsp;Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov himself.

It is yet not clear if the troops at the Ukrainian side consisted of&nbsp;the regular forces or some anti-Russia militant group.

The supposed attack is deemed a part of Ukraine's counteroffensive which President Zelensky had been promising since months to recapture the territory lost in the war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-appeals-residents-to-evacuate-border-district-amid-ukraine-shelling-600363">New fighting on Russian side of Ukraine border, says governor</a>

Russia's defence ministry said Ukraine had attacked with six mechanised and two tank battalions in southern Donetsk, where Moscow has long suspected Ukraine would seek to drive a wedge through Russian-controlled territory.

"On the morning of June 4, the enemy launched a large-scale offensive in five sectors of the front in the South Donetsk direction," the defence ministry said in a statement posted on Telegram.

"The enemy's goal was to break through our defences in the most vulnerable, in its opinion, sector of the front," it said. "The enemy did not achieve its tasks, it had no success."

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russian authorities ask villagers to evacuate border villages

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Meanwhile, a pro-Ukraine group of Russian partisans on Sunday said it had captured several Russian soldiers during a cross-border raid and would hand them over to Ukrainian authorities.

The Russian Volunteer Corps made the claim in a video statement released on Telegram. The brief clip showed what appeared to be around a dozen Russian soldiers being held captive, with two lying on hospital beds.

The group said earlier it had taken two soldiers prisoner.

Earlier, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov published a cryptic message on Twitter on Sunday, quoting Depeche Mode's song "Enjoy the Silence".

"Words are very unnecessary. They can only do harm," his tweet said.

Russian forces killed 250 Ukrainian troops as well as destroying 16 tanks, three infantry&nbsp;fighting vehicles and 21 armoured combat vehicles, the ministry said.

Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, who is in charge of Moscow's military operation in Ukraine, was in the area of the Ukrainian attack, the ministry said.

"(Gerasimov) was at one of the advanced command posts," the ministry said.

Sixteen months into the war, Russia now controls at least 18 per cent&nbsp;of what is internationally recognised to be Ukrainian territory, and has claimed four regions of Ukraine as Russian territory.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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Russia said on Monday (June 5) that its forces managed to thwart a major Ukrainian offensive at five points along the Donetsk region and killed hundreds of pro-Kyiv troops.

Russia said on Monday (June 5) that its forces managed to thwart a major Ukrainian offensive at five points along the Donetsk region and killed hundreds of pro-Kyiv troops. Russia's defence in the Donetsk region at the time of this Ukrainian attack was led by Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov himself. It is yet not clear if the troops at the Ukrainian side consisted of the regular forces or some anti-Russia militant group. The supposed attack is deemed a part of Ukraine's counteroffensive which President Zelensky had been promising since months to recapture the territory lost in the war. Also read | New fighting on Russian side of Ukraine border, says governor Russia's defence ministry said Ukraine had attacked with six mechanised and two tank battalions in southern Donetsk, where Moscow has long suspected Ukraine would seek to drive a wedge through Russian-controlled territory. "On the morning of June 4, the enemy launched a large-scale offensive in five sectors of the front in the South Donetsk direction," the defence ministry said in a statement posted on Telegram. "The enemy's goal was to break through our defences in the most vulnerable, in its opinion, sector of the front," it said. "The enemy did not achieve its tasks, it had no success." Also watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Russian authorities ask villagers to evacuate border villages × Meanwhile, a pro-Ukraine group of Russian partisans on Sunday said it had captured several Russian soldiers during a cross-border raid and would hand them over to Ukrainian authorities. The Russian Volunteer Corps made the claim in a video statement released on Telegram. The brief clip showed what appeared to be around a dozen Russian soldiers being held captive, with two lying on hospital beds. The group said earlier it had taken two soldiers prisoner. Earlier, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov published a cryptic message on Twitter on Sunday, quoting Depeche Mode's song "Enjoy the Silence". "Words are very unnecessary. They can only do harm," his tweet said. Russian forces killed 250 Ukrainian troops as well as destroying 16 tanks, three infantry fighting vehicles and 21 armoured combat vehicles, the ministry said. Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, who is in charge of Moscow's military operation in Ukraine, was in the area of the Ukrainian attack, the ministry said. "(Gerasimov) was at one of the advanced command posts," the ministry said. Sixteen months into the war, Russia now controls at least 18 per cent of what is internationally recognised to be Ukrainian territory, and has claimed four regions of Ukraine as Russian territory. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Zelensky's counteroffensive crashing? Russia says it killed hundreds of Ukrainian troops in Donetsk region

A Ukrainian missile strike on a Russian village near the border killed at least two people, the regional governor said Sunday (April 30). The governor of Bryansk oblast, Alexander Bogomaz, said that the missiles hit the village of Suzemka, to the east of the frontier between the two countries.&nbsp;

He said in a message posted on Telegram: "As a result of the strike inflicted by Ukrainian nationalists, unfortunately, two civilians were killed."&nbsp;

"According to preliminary data, one residential building was completely destroyed, two more houses were partially destroyed," he added.

The missile attack appeared to be part of the counteroffensive as it comes a week after Russia renewed heavy missile attacks on Ukrainian cities while&nbsp;a massive fire broke out in Moscow-annexed Crimea on Saturday after a suspected drone attack triggered a blaze at a fuel storage facility.&nbsp;

The officials, appointed by Russia, in eastern Ukraine also reported that Ukrainian shelling had killed nine people, including an eight-year-old girl, in the city of Donetsk.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine on supply route into Bakhmut&nbsp;</h2>

A military spokesperson said on Saturday that Ukraine remains in control of a key supply route into Bakhmut as the head of Russia's mercenary Wagner Group threatened to withdraw some of his troops from the eastern city if Moscow did not send more ammunition.&nbsp;

Russian forces have been trying to break into the shattered remains of what was once a 70,000-population city, but Kyiv has said that it is committed to defending Bakhmut, which Russia sees as a starting stone to a larger offensive on other cities.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Serhiy Cherevatyi, who is spokesperson for the Ukrainian troops in the east, said in an interview with the local news website Dzerkalo Tyzhnia: "For several weeks, the Russians have been talking about seizing the 'road of life,' as well as about constant fire control over it. Yes, it is really difficult there...(but) the defence forces have not allowed the Russians to 'cut off' our logistics."&nbsp;

The news agency further added that the "road of life" connects the ruins of Bakhmut to the neighbouring town Chasiv Yar to the west, a distance of slightly over 17 kilometres.&nbsp;

In its daily briefing on Sunday, Ukraine's senior military command stated that its forces withstood 58 Russian attacks the previous day along the frontline spanning from Bakhmut through Avdiivka and on to Maryinka farther south in the Donetsk area.&nbsp;

Military observers have said that if Bakhmut falls, Chasiv Yar would be the next target for Russians, despite the fact that it is on higher terrain and Ukrainian forces are thought to have built defensive fortifications nearby.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A Ukrainian missile strike on a Russian village near the border killed at least two people, the regional governor said Sunday (April 30). The governor of Bryansk oblast, Alexander Bogomaz, said that the missiles hit the village of Suzemka, to the east of the frontier between the two countries.

A Ukrainian missile strike on a Russian village near the border killed at least two people, the regional governor said Sunday (April 30). The governor of Bryansk oblast, Alexander Bogomaz, said that the missiles hit the village of Suzemka, to the east of the frontier between the two countries. He said in a message posted on Telegram: "As a result of the strike inflicted by Ukrainian nationalists, unfortunately, two civilians were killed." "According to preliminary data, one residential building was completely destroyed, two more houses were partially destroyed," he added. The missile attack appeared to be part of the counteroffensive as it comes a week after Russia renewed heavy missile attacks on Ukrainian cities while a massive fire broke out in Moscow-annexed Crimea on Saturday after a suspected drone attack triggered a blaze at a fuel storage facility. The officials, appointed by Russia, in eastern Ukraine also reported that Ukrainian shelling had killed nine people, including an eight-year-old girl, in the city of Donetsk. Ukraine on supply route into Bakhmut A military spokesperson said on Saturday that Ukraine remains in control of a key supply route into Bakhmut as the head of Russia's mercenary Wagner Group threatened to withdraw some of his troops from the eastern city if Moscow did not send more ammunition. Russian forces have been trying to break into the shattered remains of what was once a 70,000-population city, but Kyiv has said that it is committed to defending Bakhmut, which Russia sees as a starting stone to a larger offensive on other cities. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Serhiy Cherevatyi, who is spokesperson for the Ukrainian troops in the east, said in an interview with the local news website Dzerkalo Tyzhnia: "For several weeks, the Russians have been talking about seizing the 'road of life,' as well as about constant fire control over it. Yes, it is really difficult there...(but) the defence forces have not allowed the Russians to 'cut off' our logistics." The news agency further added that the "road of life" connects the ruins of Bakhmut to the neighbouring town Chasiv Yar to the west, a distance of slightly over 17 kilometres. In its daily briefing on Sunday, Ukraine's senior military command stated that its forces withstood 58 Russian attacks the previous day along the frontline spanning from Bakhmut through Avdiivka and on to Maryinka farther south in the Donetsk area. Military observers have said that if Bakhmut falls, Chasiv Yar would be the next target for Russians, despite the fact that it is on higher terrain and Ukrainian forces are thought to have built defensive fortifications nearby. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia-Ukraine war: Missile strike on Russian village near border kills two, says official

The war in Ukraine is intensifying, as Russia reports gain in the Donetsk region, Ukraine says the last 24 hours were the deadliest of the war so far for Russian troops.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine reports record Russian deaths

Ukraine needs new weapons and faster deliveries to confront a very tough situation of constant attacks by Russian forces in the eastern Donetsk region, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

President Zelensky says Ukraine needs new weapons amid very tough situation

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate with fighting raging in the Donetsk region. In the latest development, Ukraine claimed that it has repelled an attack in the area of Blahodatne in the eastern part of the Donetsk region while Russia's Wagner private military group said it took control of the village. In its daily morning report, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces mentioned Saturday's fighting, stating that its forces repelled Russian attacks in the areas of 13 other settlements in the Donetsk region. The official said that the "units of Ukraine's Defence Forces repelled the attacks of the occupiers in the areas of...Blahodatne...in the Donetsk region". ALSO READ | Donald Trump says Joe Biden 'brought us to the brink of World War III' WATCH | WION Fineprint: Germany rules out fighter jets demand of Ukraine × Posting the update on the Telegram messaging app, the Wagner Group on Saturday claimed that its units had taken control of Blahodatne. The group has been designated by the United States as a transnational criminal organisation. Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said as quoted by his press service: "Units of Wagner PMC have taken Blahodatne. Blahodatne is under our control." The situation has been escalating in the Donetsk region. The area around the town of Bakhmut has seen heavy fighting in the past few weeks. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukrainian forces ‘repel attacks’ near Blahodatne, Russia’s Wagner claims control

Russia has ended a self-declared ceasefire that it had announced on account of the Orthodox Christmas and vowed to push on with combat until it emerges victorious over Ukraine. Fresh shelling was reported from Ukrainian town of Bakhmut overnight and both the sides have accused each other of not observing the ceasefire.

War in Ukraine: Country reports fresh shelling in Donetsk, volunteers in Bakhmut help civilians

Russia’s defence ministry said 63 soldiers had died on New Year’s Eve in the fiery blast which destroyed a temporary barracks in a former vocational college in Makiivka, twin city of the Russian-occupied regional capital of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine.

Russia says 63 servicemen killed in Makiivka, Ukraine takes responsibility

Ukrainian forces shelled the Russian-controlled eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk overnight in some of the biggest attacks for years, Russian-installed officials said on Thursday.

Ukraine forces shelled Russia-controlled Donetsk, Russian officials

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the region of Donetsk on Tuesday in the aftermath of a fresh barrage of Russian missile strikes. Zelensky called the fighting in Donetsk as “difficult” as the Russian military continued to attack the nearby city of Bakhmut. Parts of Donetsk was regained by the Ukrainian forces after it was annexed by Russia following a number of referendums.

The Donbas region has been the focus of the conflict as the Ukrainian and Russian forces are currently fighting over the regions near Donetsk. Russia suffered a pushback in the Kherson region as the Kremlin asked the military to retreat from the region following Ukrainian resistance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-to-implement-emergency-power-shutdowns-after-latest-russian-missile-strikes-540542">Ukraine to implement emergency power shutdowns after Russian missile strikes</a>

According to the videos released by the Ukrainian government, Zelensky was seen standing next to a sign with the name of the city Sloviansk and even maintained a moment of silence.

"The east of Ukraine today is the most difficult front. And I am honoured to be here now with our defending troops in Donbas. I believe that next time we will meet in our Ukrainian Donetsk and Lugansk and in Crimea as well," Zelensky said according to Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/five-people-sentenced-to-death-in-iran-over-killing-of-basij-paramilitary-member-540589">Five people sentenced to death in Iran over killing of paramilitary member</a>

Donetsk and Luhansk are currently governed by Russia-backed administrators since 2014 when Crimea decided to join Russia through referendums. "From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you on this great holiday, the Day of the Armed Forces," Zelensky said during a ceremony.

Sloviansk is 45 kilometres away from Bakhmut and it was previously controlled by Russian forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the region of Donetsk on Tuesday in the aftermath of a fresh barrage of Russian missile strikes. Zelensky called the fighting in Donetsk as “difficult” as the Russian military continued to attack the nearby city of Bakhmut.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the region of Donetsk on Tuesday in the aftermath of a fresh barrage of Russian missile strikes. Zelensky called the fighting in Donetsk as “difficult” as the Russian military continued to attack the nearby city of Bakhmut. Parts of Donetsk was regained by the Ukrainian forces after it was annexed by Russia following a number of referendums. The Donbas region has been the focus of the conflict as the Ukrainian and Russian forces are currently fighting over the regions near Donetsk. Russia suffered a pushback in the Kherson region as the Kremlin asked the military to retreat from the region following Ukrainian resistance. Also read | Ukraine to implement emergency power shutdowns after Russian missile strikes According to the videos released by the Ukrainian government, Zelensky was seen standing next to a sign with the name of the city Sloviansk and even maintained a moment of silence. "The east of Ukraine today is the most difficult front. And I am honoured to be here now with our defending troops in Donbas. I believe that next time we will meet in our Ukrainian Donetsk and Lugansk and in Crimea as well," Zelensky said according to Reuters. Also read | Five people sentenced to death in Iran over killing of paramilitary member Donetsk and Luhansk are currently governed by Russia-backed administrators since 2014 when Crimea decided to join Russia through referendums. "From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you on this great holiday, the Day of the Armed Forces," Zelensky said during a ceremony. Sloviansk is 45 kilometres away from Bakhmut and it was previously controlled by Russian forces. (With inputs from agencies)

Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in Donetsk region’s city of Sloviansk amid ongoing conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia would surely launch new missile attacks on his country. He also warned defence forces and citizens to be ready to withstand another week of strain on the power grid.

Zelensky warns  Ukraine of more Russian strikes as fighting rages in Donetsk region

Weeks after annexing&nbsp;the Ukrainian territories, Russia on Tuesday said all&nbsp;four annexed&nbsp;regions are under the protection of its nuclear arsenal.&nbsp;

"All these territories are inalienable parts of the Russian Federation and they are all protected. Their security is provided for at the same level as [it is for] the rest of Russia's territory,"&nbsp;Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the reporters.

When pressed if Moscow was also planning to conduct nuclear drills, Peskov attempted to deflect the question.&nbsp;"There is an established system of notifications to inform about the conduct of exercises, and this is carried out through the channels of the Ministry of Defence," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/a-cornered-putin-is-more-dangerous-than-ever-518530">Read more:&nbsp;A cornered Putin is more dangerous than ever</a>

As reported by WION, Russia annexed Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, earlier this month after conducting a referendum.&nbsp;In his speech, Putin told the West that the annexation was irreversible and called on Ukraine's army to give up and negotiate a surrender.

"We call on the Kyiv regime to immediately stop fighting and stop all hostilities... and return to the negotiating table," the Russian leader said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's allies, especially the US rejected the referendum. President Joe Biden&nbsp;called Russia's annexation declaration "fraudulent" and said Moscow was contravening international law.

"The United States condemns&nbsp;Russia's&nbsp;fraudulent attempt today to annex sovereign Ukrainian territory. Russia is violating international law, trampling on the United Nations Charter, and showing its contempt for peaceful nations everywhere,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said in a statement.&nbsp;

Prior to the referendum, Putin had issued a veiled warning that Moscow will be willing to use any means (most certainly hinting at nuclear bombs) to defend the country.&nbsp;

“If the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will of course use all means at our disposal to defend Russia and our people,” said Putin.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Weeks after annexing the Ukrainian territories, Russia on Tuesday said all four annexed regions are under the protection of its nuclear arsenal. "All these territories are inalienable parts of the Russian Federation and they are all protected.

Weeks after annexing the Ukrainian territories, Russia on Tuesday said all four annexed regions are under the protection of its nuclear arsenal. "All these territories are inalienable parts of the Russian Federation and they are all protected. Their security is provided for at the same level as [it is for] the rest of Russia's territory," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the reporters. When pressed if Moscow was also planning to conduct nuclear drills, Peskov attempted to deflect the question. "There is an established system of notifications to inform about the conduct of exercises, and this is carried out through the channels of the Ministry of Defence," he said. Read more: A cornered Putin is more dangerous than ever As reported by WION, Russia annexed Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, earlier this month after conducting a referendum. In his speech, Putin told the West that the annexation was irreversible and called on Ukraine's army to give up and negotiate a surrender. "We call on the Kyiv regime to immediately stop fighting and stop all hostilities... and return to the negotiating table," the Russian leader said. Meanwhile, Ukraine's allies, especially the US rejected the referendum. President Joe Biden called Russia's annexation declaration "fraudulent" and said Moscow was contravening international law. "The United States condemns Russia's fraudulent attempt today to annex sovereign Ukrainian territory. Russia is violating international law, trampling on the United Nations Charter, and showing its contempt for peaceful nations everywhere," Biden said in a statement. Prior to the referendum, Putin had issued a veiled warning that Moscow will be willing to use any means (most certainly hinting at nuclear bombs) to defend the country. “If the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will of course use all means at our disposal to defend Russia and our people,” said Putin. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Annexed Ukrainian regions under nuclear protection as rest of Russia, says Kremlin

Now Ukrainian forces have attacked an administrative building in Donetsk. The building and the cars nearby have been severely damaged with no fatalities reported. "At around 7:40 PM projectiles landed near the administrative building on the territory of Donetsk," said a spokesperson of the Russian Investigative Committee.

Russia: Ukrainian shelling on building in Donetsk; no fatalities reported

Russia unfolds annexation plan for Ukraine

Four regions of Ukraine are holding referendums on Friday over&nbsp;joining Russia amid the ongoing crisis. The provinces — Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia — are currently under Russian control and in the past few months, Moscow has set up local governments to handle daily administration.

According to AFP, the four provinces together account for around 15 per cent of Ukraine’s territory and right now, it is almost a certainty that the results will favour annexation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/concerned-russians-trying-to-escape-putins-ukraine-war-call-up-to-avoid-conscription-518766" hreflang="en">Run to border, search self-harm: How Russians are trying to evade conscription</a>

"From the very start of the operation ... we said that the people&nbsp;of the respective territories should decide their fate, and the whole current situation confirms that they want to be masters of their fate," Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier this week when asked about the referendums.

A similar process was followed by Russia during its annexation of Crimea in 2014 when it claimed that the results were signs of “popular support” — a move that was not recognised by the international community.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-yair-lapid-supports-two-state-solution-in-unga-speech-518839">Israel PM Yair Lapid supports 'two-state solution' in UNGA speech</a>

The Ukrainian authorities have already made it clear that they will not accept or recognise the results of the referendums and this can lead to an escalation in the conflict. A majority of western countries have also condemned Russia for this move at the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

While the plan for the referendums was in place for quite some time, they were accelerated by Ukraine winning back several captured territories&nbsp;in the past few weeks. The Russian forces lost ground in a number of areas as the resistance forces went on to claim victory in both Kharkiv and Luhansk.&nbsp;

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Four regions of Ukraine are holding referendums on Friday over joining Russia amid the ongoing crisis. The provinces — Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia — are currently under Russian control and in the past few months, Moscow has set up local governments to handle daily administration.

Four regions of Ukraine are holding referendums on Friday over joining Russia amid the ongoing crisis. The provinces — Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia — are currently under Russian control and in the past few months, Moscow has set up local governments to handle daily administration. According to AFP, the four provinces together account for around 15 per cent of Ukraine’s territory and right now, it is almost a certainty that the results will favour annexation. Also read | Run to border, search self-harm: How Russians are trying to evade conscription "From the very start of the operation ... we said that the people of the respective territories should decide their fate, and the whole current situation confirms that they want to be masters of their fate," Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier this week when asked about the referendums. A similar process was followed by Russia during its annexation of Crimea in 2014 when it claimed that the results were signs of “popular support” — a move that was not recognised by the international community. Also read | Israel PM Yair Lapid supports 'two-state solution' in UNGA speech The Ukrainian authorities have already made it clear that they will not accept or recognise the results of the referendums and this can lead to an escalation in the conflict. A majority of western countries have also condemned Russia for this move at the United Nations General Assembly. While the plan for the referendums was in place for quite some time, they were accelerated by Ukraine winning back several captured territories in the past few weeks. The Russian forces lost ground in a number of areas as the resistance forces went on to claim victory in both Kharkiv and Luhansk.

Referendums on joining Russia begin in four captured Ukrainian provinces, Kyiv and West condemn move

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his government was ordering the mandatory evacuation of people in the eastern Donetsk region, scene of fierce fighting with Russia.

Ukrainian President Zelensky declares mandatory evacuation of East Donetsk

Ukrainian war continues to rage on for the fifth month. Fighting has been intensifying in the eastern Ukraine. Donetsk experienced the heaviest barrage that killed 6 people and wounded 21.

Ukraine War: Residents of Donetsk region flee due to continuous shelling

Russian troops launches a major offensive for Ukraine's Donetsk region, a day after Moscow declared victory in the neighbouring province of Luhansk. Governor of Donetsk urges citizens to evacuate the region to help Ukrainian forces better fight Russian forces.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Donetsk governor urges urgent evacuation

Russian forces have destroyed last bridge to the city of Severodonetsk which has seen a pitched battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian officials were quoted by Reuters to report the destruction of the bridge that could have possibly served as an evacuation route for civilians.&nbsp;

Regional governor Sergei Gaidai said that with the last bridge to the city destroyed, remaining civilians are trapped in the city and it has now become impossible to deliver humanitarian supplies.

Watch | 'We are dealing with absolute evils,' says Zelensky after Russia destroys bridges in Severodonetsk

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Gaidai said some 70 per cent of the city was under Russian control.

Ukraine has repeatedly given urgent calls for more Western heavy weapons to defend Severodonetsk. Moscow has criticised Western help to Ukraine.

The city is a key to control Donetsk region where&nbsp;Russia has&nbsp;concentrated its firepower on after getting repelled from Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. The war is in its fourth month.

Late on Monday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said the battle for the eastern Donbas would go down as one of the most brutal in European history. The region, comprising the provinces of Luhansk and Donetsk, is claimed by Russian separatists.

"For us, the price of this battle is very high. It is just scary," he said.

"We draw the attention of our partners daily to the fact that only a sufficient number of modern artillery for Ukraine will ensure our advantage."

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Pescov said on Monday that Russia's main goal was to protect Donetsk and Luhank. These regions are part of Donbas region. These regions have territory held by pro-Russian proxy forces.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-black-sea-blockade-ukraine-grain-supply-reaches-spain-via-baltic-sea-487889">Amid Black Sea blockade, Ukraine's grain supply reaches Spain via Baltic Sea</a>

Ukraine needs 1,000 howitzers, 500 tanks and 1,000 drones among other heavy weapons, Presidential Adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said on Monday.

Moscow issued the latest of several recent reports saying it had destroyed US and European arms and equipment.

Russia's defence ministry said high-precision air-based missiles had struck near the railway station in Udachne northwest of Donetsk, hitting equipment that had been delivered to Ukrainian forces.

Ukraine's interior ministry on Telegram said that Udachne had been hit by a Russian strike overnight Sunday into Monday, without mentioning whether weapons had been targeted.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian forces have destroyed last bridge to the city of Severodonetsk which has seen a pitched battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian officials were quoted by Reuters to report the destruction of the bridge that could have possibly served as an evacuation route for civilians.

Russian forces have destroyed last bridge to the city of Severodonetsk which has seen a pitched battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian officials were quoted by Reuters to report the destruction of the bridge that could have possibly served as an evacuation route for civilians. Regional governor Sergei Gaidai said that with the last bridge to the city destroyed, remaining civilians are trapped in the city and it has now become impossible to deliver humanitarian supplies. Watch | 'We are dealing with absolute evils,' says Zelensky after Russia destroys bridges in Severodonetsk × Gaidai said some 70 per cent of the city was under Russian control. Ukraine has repeatedly given urgent calls for more Western heavy weapons to defend Severodonetsk. Moscow has criticised Western help to Ukraine. The city is a key to control Donetsk region where Russia has concentrated its firepower on after getting repelled from Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. The war is in its fourth month. Late on Monday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said the battle for the eastern Donbas would go down as one of the most brutal in European history. The region, comprising the provinces of Luhansk and Donetsk, is claimed by Russian separatists. "For us, the price of this battle is very high. It is just scary," he said. "We draw the attention of our partners daily to the fact that only a sufficient number of modern artillery for Ukraine will ensure our advantage." Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Pescov said on Monday that Russia's main goal was to protect Donetsk and Luhank. These regions are part of Donbas region. These regions have territory held by pro-Russian proxy forces. Also Read | Amid Black Sea blockade, Ukraine's grain supply reaches Spain via Baltic Sea Ukraine needs 1,000 howitzers, 500 tanks and 1,000 drones among other heavy weapons, Presidential Adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said on Monday. Moscow issued the latest of several recent reports saying it had destroyed US and European arms and equipment. Russia's defence ministry said high-precision air-based missiles had struck near the railway station in Udachne northwest of Donetsk, hitting equipment that had been delivered to Ukrainian forces. Ukraine's interior ministry on Telegram said that Udachne had been hit by a Russian strike overnight Sunday into Monday, without mentioning whether weapons had been targeted. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia destroys last bridge out of key east Ukraine city

After failing to capture Ukraine's capital Kyiv, Moscow has shifted its two-month old invasion plan to Russian-speaking areas. The US ha now warned that Russia might be planning imminently to annexe swaths of Ukrainian territory.

US: Russia may annex Donetsk, Luhansk

A senior official of the United States has said that Russia is planning to annex the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine.

Earlier, Lunhansk's governor Serhiy Haidai had said that Russian forces were constantly shelling all the Ukrainian-controlled cities in the region.

The US ambassador to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Michael Carpenter said that "According to the most recent reports, we believe that Russia will try to annex the 'Donetsk People's Republic' and 'Lugansk People's Republic' to Russia."

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During a press conference in Washington, he told reporters, "The reports state that Russia plans to engineer referenda upon joining sometime in mid-May."

Kherson, where Moscow has recently solidified its control and imposed use of its ruble currency, is another region of great interest for Moscow is also on its hit list as per the US.

"We think the reports are highly credible. Unfortunately, we have been more right than wrong in exposing what we believe may be coming next, and so that is part of what we're trying to do here."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/donetsk-and-lugansk-ukraines-breakaway-republics-455307">Also see |&nbsp;Donetsk and Lugansk: Ukraine's breakaway republics</a>

The Crimea peninsula in Ukraine was annexed by Russia when Kyiv's Moscow-friendly president was driven from office by mass protests in February 2014.

Highlighting the need to act with a sense of urgency, Carpenter said "Such sham referenda, fabricated votes, will not be considered legitimate, nor will any attempts to annex additional Ukrainian territory."

Ukraine's deputy agriculture minister Taras Vysotsky said “Today, there are confirmed facts that several hundred thousand tons of grain in total were taken out of the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions.”&nbsp;

Tensions have heightened in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions after Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised the independence of Moscow-backed rebel regions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A senior official of the United States has said that Russia is planning to annex the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine. Earlier, Lunhansk's governor Serhiy Haidai had said that Russian forces were constantly shelling all the Ukrainian-controlled cities in the region.

A senior official of the United States has said that Russia is planning to annex the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine. Earlier, Lunhansk's governor Serhiy Haidai had said that Russian forces were constantly shelling all the Ukrainian-controlled cities in the region. The US ambassador to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Michael Carpenter said that "According to the most recent reports, we believe that Russia will try to annex the 'Donetsk People's Republic' and 'Lugansk People's Republic' to Russia." During a press conference in Washington, he told reporters, "The reports state that Russia plans to engineer referenda upon joining sometime in mid-May." Kherson, where Moscow has recently solidified its control and imposed use of its ruble currency, is another region of great interest for Moscow is also on its hit list as per the US. "We think the reports are highly credible. Unfortunately, we have been more right than wrong in exposing what we believe may be coming next, and so that is part of what we're trying to do here." Also see | Donetsk and Lugansk: Ukraine's breakaway republics The Crimea peninsula in Ukraine was annexed by Russia when Kyiv's Moscow-friendly president was driven from office by mass protests in February 2014. Highlighting the need to act with a sense of urgency, Carpenter said "Such sham referenda, fabricated votes, will not be considered legitimate, nor will any attempts to annex additional Ukrainian territory." Ukraine's deputy agriculture minister Taras Vysotsky said “Today, there are confirmed facts that several hundred thousand tons of grain in total were taken out of the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions.” Tensions have heightened in both Donetsk and Luhansk regions after Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised the independence of Moscow-backed rebel regions. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

'Sense of urgency': US says Russia is planning to annex Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk regions

According to the Donetsk Governor, 5 people were killed and 5 others were injured in Russian shelling after Russia announced that it will focus its special operations in Ukraine mainly in Eastern region to help liberate the rebel east

Russia focuses on Donbas 'liberation', troops move towards eastern region

As per the reports, Russian forces are not advancing, they are on the defense side. However, troops appear to be more focused on Donetsk and Luhansk.

Russia-Ukraine war update: Russian forces facing a setback?

At least 20 people have been killed and dozens were injured after a missile attack in the Donetsk.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Cluster charge explodes in the centre of Donetsk

Russia's recognition of Ukraine's rebel regions has drawn differing views within Ukraine. Kyiv residents have refused to accept it while Donetsk celebrated the move.

Kyiv residents express shock, Donetsk celebrates Putin's recognition of Ukraine's two regions

Russian president Vladimir Putin recognized Ukraine's breakaway regions of Donetsk and Lugansk as independent. He said that he was confident that Russian citizens would support the decision through this move.

Putin: Ukriane's two breakaway regions Donetsk and Lugansk are independent

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held an emergency meeting on Ukraine's situation as tensions between Moscow and Kyiv continue to mount. The session took place just after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered recognition of the independence of separatist regions Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine on Monday.

UNSC holds emergency meeting on Ukraine after Russia's latest action

As football fans prepare for the climax of the Euro 2016 tournament in France, battle-hardened Ukrainian troops are playing their own tournament against locals near the front in the war-scarred east. 
 
&quot;After completing your watch at the front with a machinegun in your hands, standing knee-deep in mud in the trenches, you think about only about getting some sleep, not training,&quot; shared 37-year-old Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Demchenko, as exploding shells reverberated around him. 
 
But in spite of their exhausting missions, many of the fighters arrive to play straight from the battlefield. 
 
Some still had mud on their boots as they prepared to take to the slippery pitch in the government-held town of Kurakhove, a community of 20,000 mostly blue-collar workers about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the front. 
 
The area around Kurakhove, just west of the pro-Russian rebels&#39; de facto capital Donetsk, has seen some of the conflict&#39;s bloodiest battles. 
 
The competition is intended to relieve tension and bring a sense of normality to the frontline of the 26-month war that has claimed nearly 9,500 lives. 
 
The teams facing the soldiers are made up of local athletes who support the pro-EU revolution that shattered Ukraine`s ties with Russia and set it on a collision course with its eastern neighbour in February 2014. 
 
&quot;Our tactical level of play is much poorer than that of the professional athletes. But our motivation is higher,&quot; Demchenko said with a smile.Members of Ukraine`s 10th assault brigade have had no access to television or radio since being dispatched to the area, a couldron of violence that several ceasefires have failed to quench. 
 
But despite their isolation, the soldiers are keenly aware of developments in France, and their own team&#39;s humiliation. 
 
&#39;And football distracts us from the war&#39; 
 
Ukraine had the dubious honour of being the first to be knocked out after losing all their matches without scoring a goal. 
 
Many of the forces have switched their allegiance to Iceland, the minnows that shocked the world by beating England and getting to the quarterfinals before being drubbed by the hosts Sunday. 
 
&quot;They are close to us in spirit,&quot; Demchenko said. &quot;You can see that the Icelandic footballers are real fighters.&quot;A number of players on one of the teams of local civilians admitted they are actually rooting for the soldiers in the tournament that has been timed to coincide with Euro 2016. 
 
Dressed in a green kit, Kurakhove team member Grygoriy, 27, said that winning is not important. 
 
&quot;Everyone feels the impact of this war, and with us being so close to the front, we feel it especially hard,&quot; Grygoriy said as a steady drizzle mixed with the sweat on his face. 
 
&quot;And football distracts us from the war.&quot; 
 
A soldier dressed in a traditional Ukrainian broidered shirt who identifies himself by the `nom de guerre` Uragan (Hurricane) agreed. 
 
&quot;Victory is not important here,&quot; he said. &quot;The locals just have to have a chance to get their minds off the war and the horrible conditions in which they live in.&quot; 
 
The contest of 17 teams ultimately ended with victory for one of the local sides, which received strong support from Lyubov, a pensioner who lives in an apartment block overlooking the school yard in which games are played. 
 
Standing on the balcony, Lyubov said: &quot;It is much better to kick around a ball than to fight.&quot; 
 
&quot;I wish there were more matches like this.&quot; 
 
Ukranian fighter Demchenko said he would even be prepared to play pro-Russian insurgents from nearby Donetsk, raising the prospect of an encounter reminiscent of when English troops downed their weapons to play football with German soldiers in the trenches during World War I. 
 
&quot;Why not? They are guys just like us,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;A match like that would be a much better way to resolve this conflict.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

The competition with locals is intended to bring a sense of normality to the frontline of the 26-month war that claimed nearly 9,500 lives

As football fans prepare for the climax of the Euro 2016 tournament in France, battle-hardened Ukrainian troops are playing their own tournament against locals near the front in the war-scarred east. "After completing your watch at the front with a machinegun in your hands, standing knee-deep in mud in the trenches, you think about only about getting some sleep, not training," shared 37-year-old Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Demchenko, as exploding shells reverberated around him. But in spite of their exhausting missions, many of the fighters arrive to play straight from the battlefield. Some still had mud on their boots as they prepared to take to the slippery pitch in the government-held town of Kurakhove, a community of 20,000 mostly blue-collar workers about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the front. The area around Kurakhove, just west of the pro-Russian rebels' de facto capital Donetsk, has seen some of the conflict's bloodiest battles. The competition is intended to relieve tension and bring a sense of normality to the frontline of the 26-month war that has claimed nearly 9,500 lives. The teams facing the soldiers are made up of local athletes who support the pro-EU revolution that shattered Ukraine`s ties with Russia and set it on a collision course with its eastern neighbour in February 2014. "Our tactical level of play is much poorer than that of the professional athletes. But our motivation is higher," Demchenko said with a smile.Members of Ukraine`s 10th assault brigade have had no access to television or radio since being dispatched to the area, a couldron of violence that several ceasefires have failed to quench. But despite their isolation, the soldiers are keenly aware of developments in France, and their own team's humiliation. 'And football distracts us from the war' Ukraine had the dubious honour of being the first to be knocked out after losing all their matches without scoring a goal. Many of the forces have switched their allegiance to Iceland, the minnows that shocked the world by beating England and getting to the quarterfinals before being drubbed by the hosts Sunday. "They are close to us in spirit," Demchenko said. "You can see that the Icelandic footballers are real fighters."A number of players on one of the teams of local civilians admitted they are actually rooting for the soldiers in the tournament that has been timed to coincide with Euro 2016. Dressed in a green kit, Kurakhove team member Grygoriy, 27, said that winning is not important. "Everyone feels the impact of this war, and with us being so close to the front, we feel it especially hard," Grygoriy said as a steady drizzle mixed with the sweat on his face. "And football distracts us from the war." A soldier dressed in a traditional Ukrainian broidered shirt who identifies himself by the `nom de guerre` Uragan (Hurricane) agreed. "Victory is not important here," he said. "The locals just have to have a chance to get their minds off the war and the horrible conditions in which they live in." The contest of 17 teams ultimately ended with victory for one of the local sides, which received strong support from Lyubov, a pensioner who lives in an apartment block overlooking the school yard in which games are played. Standing on the balcony, Lyubov said: "It is much better to kick around a ball than to fight." "I wish there were more matches like this." Ukranian fighter Demchenko said he would even be prepared to play pro-Russian insurgents from nearby Donetsk, raising the prospect of an encounter reminiscent of when English troops downed their weapons to play football with German soldiers in the trenches during World War I. "Why not? They are guys just like us," he said. "A match like that would be a much better way to resolve this conflict." (AFP)

Soaking in Euro fever, Ukraine soldiers stage own frontline tournament

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