Ukraine says its forces are close to recapturing key eastern city of Kreminna

Strategically vital city in Luhansk could be springboard for Kyiv to launch offensives on Russian-held Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk

Ukrainian forces appeared to edge closer to recapturing the key-Russian controlled city of Kreminna in Luhansk province on Tuesday as heavy fighting continued in the east and south of the country.

The regional governor of Luhansk, Serhiy Haidai said that part of the Russian command control of the city was forced to retreat to Rubizhne, a town a few miles to the south-east, as a result of Ukrainian military pressure.