Russian Defense Ministry: Russian army takes full control of Melitopol city

MOSCOW. Feb 26 (Interfax) - Russian troops have taken full control of the Ukrainian city of Melitopol, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"Units of the Russian Armed Forces have taken full control over the city of Melitopol," Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson Gen. Maj. Igor Konashenkov said on Saturday.

"Russian servicemen are taking all measures to ensure security of local residents and prevent provocations by Ukrainian special services and nationalists," he said.