Russian Troops Withdraw From Key Ukraine Town, Deal Putin a Blow

Ukrainian forces crossed the Oskil River as part of a counter-offensive that saw Kyiv recapture large swaths of territory from September

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Russian troops have withdrawn from a key city in Ukraine, dealing a major blow to Vladimir Putin.

Russian officials say they have withdrawn their troops from the town of Lyman as the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the east gains ground.

The announcement was made by the Tass and RIA news agencies, citing the Russian Defense Ministry.

Lyman is 160 km southeast of Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces crossed the Oskil River as part of a counter-offensive that saw Kyiv recapture large swaths of territory from September.

Russian officials say they have withdrawn their troops from the town of Lyman (

Picture:

by Reuters)

Lyman, a transportation hub, was an important site on the Russian front line for ground communications and logistics.

With this barrier overcome, Ukraine can potentially push further into the occupied Luhansk region, which is one of four regions Russia annexed on Friday after an internationally criticized referendum vote at gunpoint .

Up to 5,000 Russian troops were deployed in Lyman.