Russian Defense Ministry: on the evening of January 12, the liberation of Soledar was completed

It is noted that the city is essential for the continuation of successful offensive operations.

According to the ministry, the taking of the city under control was made possible thanks to the fire damage of the Ukrainian troops by aviation, rocket strikes and artillery. 

Earlier, RT reported that the losses of Ukrainian troops in the battles for Soledar could be 25 thousand people.

According to RT, on the morning of January 10, the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who retreated from Soledar, tried to break through the encirclement, but the operation failed - as a result, the Ukrainian troops lost about 200 people.