Russian Defense Ministry says LPR, DPR forces penetrated Ukrainian defense considerably

MOSCOW. Feb 26 (Interfax) - Forces of the Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics (DPR, LPR) have advanced greatly into the territory of Ukraine with support from the Russian Armed Forces, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"LPR and DPR units with fire support from the Russian Armed Forces have extended the areas of penetration in the enemy's defense and are continuing to develop a successful offensive," Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov said on Saturday.

"A unit of the forces of the Luhansk People's Republic have advanced up to 30 kilometers and seized the settlements of Bakhmutivka and Hrechyshkyne," he said.

"Units of the Donetsk People's Republic advanced 6 kilometers further on an offensive towards Novomaiske," Konashenkov said.

"Retreating nationalist battalions are blowing up electric power plants and bridges behind them," he said.