Lavrov: Russia begins next phase of special operation in Ukraine

19 апреля 2022

Russia begins the next phase of the operation in Ukraine, the Foreign Minister has said. Sergey Lavrov noted that the operation is aimed at the complete liberation of the Donetsk and Lugansk republics, which was announced initially. Earlier, the Russian military reported airstrikes on 60 Ukrainian military facilities, including two Tochka-U missile depots. A facility with consignments of foreign weapons was destroyed near Lvov. In Mariupol, hundreds of Ukrainian fighters remain inside the Azovstal plant, they have been proposed to surrender and a special corridor has been opened. The evacuation from the city continues. One Mariupol resident recounted witnessing gunfire in the city last month, even before Russian troops entered the city.

Unanimous decision

A referendum on joining the DNR was held today in the Rozovsky District bordering Mariupol. The decision in favor was unanimous.