Entire Kyiv region retaken from Russian forces, says Ukrainian official

Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel areas also taken back, says Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar

By Handan Kazanci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukraine has taken back the entire Kyiv region from Russian forces, Ukrainian media reported on Saturday, citing the country's Defense Ministry.

"Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel, and the entire Kyiv region have been liberated from the invaders (Russia)," wrote Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar on Facebook, according to state news agency Ukrinform.

The agency reported that Ukrainian troops had retaken more than 30 settlements from Russian forces over the last day.

Russia's war against Ukraine, which started on Feb. 24, has been met with international outrage, with the EU, US, and Britain, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.

At least 1,325 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and 2,017 injured, according to UN estimates, with the true figure feared to be far higher.

More than 4.1 million Ukrainians have also fled to other countries, with millions more internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.

Kaynak: