The cities of Shchastya and Stanytsia Luganskaya, which were under the control of Kiev, came under the control of the Lugansk People's Republic. This was stated by the adviser to the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic Vitaly Kiselev in his Telegram channel.

“Happiness and Stanitsa Luganskaya are under the control of the LPR,” RIA Novosti quoted Kiselyov as saying.

Earlier, the People's Militia of the LPR reported that it had begun artillery preparation and an operation to liberate its temporarily occupied territories.

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he had decided to conduct a military special operation to protect Donbass in response to a request for help from the heads of the LPR and DPR.

Ukraine has introduced martial law throughout the country.

Explosions are heard in Kiev, Kharkov, Odessa and other large cities of the country. According to preliminary data, they are heard from the military units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. is broadcasting online.

bbabo.Net