Ukrainian security forces advancing on Luhansk - "Luhansk People's Republic"
LUHANSK. May 22 (Interfax) - The leader of the so-called "Luhansk People's Republic", Valeriy Bolotov, claims that Ukrainian security forces are advancing on Luhansk from all over the region.
"Troops of the Ukrainian army are moving toward the center of Luhansk across the region," he told reporters.
"Pontoon bridges are being set up from the direction of Lysychansk. There were overnight armed clashes in the village Luhanska [located just outside of the city of Luhansk]," he said.
"In the village of Luhanska, some 150 armed people arrived in combat vehicles and tried to take over a roadblock. But the attack was repelled. Several people were injured," Bolotov said.
A recently announced mobilization campaign "applies to the entire male population aged 18 to 45 years old," he said, adding that "medical volunteer groups are being formed."
According to Bolotov, "more than 6,000 demoralized Ukrainian soldiers are requesting negotiations" in order to switch to the side of the "Luhansk People's Republic."
"The declaration of martial law will not disrupt life in the republic in any way. We will create all of the conditions needed to allow the city to live normally," he said.