Russian Defense Ministry reports further advancement of DPR, LPR forces

MOSCOW. March 2 (Interfax) - Forces of the Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics are continuing their successful offensive, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.

"Forces of the Luhansk People's Republic are continuing a successful offensive with the fire support of the Russian Armed Forces and have taken control of Starobelsk and Svatove. They have advanced by 75 kilometers since the beginning of the offensive operation," Konashenkov said at a press briefing on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, forces of the Donetsk People's Republic have broadened the front and taken over Kalynivka, Lybidinske, Pionerske, Karla Marksa, Mykolaivka and Osipenko, he said.

"They have advanced 58 kilometers since the beginning of the operation," Konashenkov said.

In turn, Russian forces have taken control of Tokmak and Vasylivka where Ukrainian troops surrendered and laid down arms, he said.

"Ukrainian servicemen will go home as soon as they make a written pledge not to take part in the hostilities," Konashenkov said.