Gerasimov: Russian troops are approaching the last line of defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Donbas

Russian units from the group of forces "South" in the course of active hostilities are approaching the last line of defense of the troops of the Kiev regime in the Donbass.

Such a statement was made by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation — First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, Army General Valery Gerasimov, his speech is published on April 21 by the press service of the military department.

"Army General Valery Gerasimov checked the progress of combat missions by formations and military units of the Southern Group of Forces," the release says.

In his speech, the head of the General Staff noted that the Armed Forces of Russia are located 12 kilometers from the outskirts of Slavyansk and seven kilometers from the outskirts of Kramatorsk.

Gerasimov noted that it is customary to call these two settlements the last line of defense of the Ukrainian troops in the Donbass.

"The advanced units are located at a distance of about 12 and seven kilometers from the eastern outskirts of these cities, respectively. There are street fights in Krivoy Luka," the general stated.

Earlier, EADaily reported that the leadership of the Kiev regime, carrying out the evacuation of the population from the occupied cities of Slavyansk and Kramatorsk of the Donetsk People's Republic, can mobilize local residents into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.