Ukrainian government forces are preparing for the final stage of recapturing the city of Donetsk from pro-Russia separatist rebels after making significant gains that have divided rebel forces, a military spokesman said on Monday.
The spokesman, Andriy Lysenko, said Kiev’s forces had cut off Donetsk from the other main rebel-held city, Luhansk, on the border with Russia.
“The forces of the anti-terrorist operation are preparing for the final stage of liberating Donetsk. Our forces have completely cut Donetsk off from Luhansk. We are working for liberating both towns but it’s better to liberate Donetsk first – it is more important,” Lysenko said.