Donetsk governor: Russian troops aimed to capture Kramatorsk, Sloviansk by June

"In the last month, there have been changes in the Donetsk region in the direction of the city of Lyman. In that direction, the enemy has come closer to Sloviansk. However, there have been no serious changes in all the main positions," head of Donetsk Regional Military Administration Pavlo Kyrylenko told the Eastern European bureau of Report.

He noted that although the Russian armed forces launched attacks in the direction of the Donetsk region, they achieved almost no success: " Tactically, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have withdrawn from Lysychansk in neighboring Luhansk Oblast to avoid encirclement, maintain manpower and regroup to defend the Donetsk Oblast. We are currently in the city of Kramatorsk, the temporary center of the Donetsk region. However, the enemy's strategic goal was to capture Sloviansk and Kramatorsk by June. Therefore, the current situation indicates the discipline and professionalism of the Ukrainian Armed Forces."

Kyrylenko emphasized that the humanitarian situation is under control: "The main problem in the province is the complete lack of gas supply. This is because the gas line has been hit in the zone of active military operations. Repair work will be possible only after the front line has been withdrawn and the area through which the gas line passes is partially liberated. As for the transportation of food products and humanitarian goods, the situation is under control. Water is being transported by trucks for residents living in cities, villages and even the smallest settlements without water supply. Even with short-term interruptions, electricity is provided. The situation, in general, is under control. However, to keep the province under control and resist the enemy, the main assistance of the population would be to evacuate. This will first allow to minimize the number of casualties among civilians and focus on providing protection."