Forces close to taking back Donetsk

Ukraine’s military forces announce that they are close to recapturing Donetsk and are preparing the “final stage” of the attack. A spokesman says Kiev’s troops have cut Donetsk off from the other main rebel-held city of Luhansk, 150 km (90 miles) away, on Russia’s border. He tells Reuter’s:

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 to liberate both towns but it’s better to liberate Donetsk first – it is more important.