Russian-backed rebels from the breakaway Lugansk People's Republic in Ukraine's eastern Donbass region have taken control of government buildings in the town of Rubizhne.
Lugansk is one of two Russian-backed separatist regions, along with Donetsk. Both regions are divided between parts controlled by Ukraine and Russian separatists.
In a video posted Thursday on the official channel of the People's Militia of the Lugansk People's Republic (LPR), a uniformed soldier says: We are next to the administration of the city of Rubizhne. The flag of the (LPR) is flying here now This means for the locals that if the war is not over yet, then it is in its final stage."
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In another video, the soldier is seen standing in Mayor Rubizhne's office and later is seen placing an LPR flag on the roof of the government building. After an explosion is heard, he says: "This is bombing from the Ukrainian side."
Shelling continues in Rubizhne, Lugansk regional administrator Serhiy Haidai told local media in an interview.
People have been in basements for two weeks. Up to 1,200 people are in some shelters." Delivering aid is difficult with constant fire, he said, but added that with the help of Ukraine's presidential office, efforts will be made to set up an evacuation corridor later this week to deliver supplies to major cities.
Source: Proto Thema
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