- Marinka was once a town of 10,000 people. Now, Russia controls its ruins.
- On Monday, Russia said its army captured the town after Ukrainian forces retreated to the outskirts.
- Russian forces touted the victory amid the rubble and destruction left behind.
Russia said its forces now control the key Ukrainian town of Marinka earlier this week after months of fighting.
In a televised meeting on Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russian “assault units have today completely liberated the settlement of Marinka.”
Ukrainian officials initially denied that the Russian army completely captured the eastern Ukrainian city, saying its armed forces retreated to the outskirts of the town to set up positions.
“Our troops are in the administrative borders of Marinka, the battles for the city continue,” Oleksandr Shtupun, a spokesman for the Ukrainian military, said. “The city is completely destroyed, but it is incorrect to talk about the complete capture of Maryinka.”
