Ukraine Defenses Collapsing In Northern Donbas. Ukrainian Forces In Full Retreat From Severdonetsk

Daily Mail: Ukrainian forces in retreat from Severdonetsk in face of brutal Russian offensive that has reduced city to rubble

* Ukraine will retreat from Severodonetsk in the face of brutal Russian offensive

* City has been 'reduced to rubble' and staying in position 'doesn't make sense'

* Capturing Severodonetsk and its twin Lysychansk gives Russia all of Luhansk

* US sending another $450 million in fresh arms, including Himars rocket systems

* EU grants Ukraine candidate status to join the bloc in a boost to the country

Ukrainian forces will retreat from Severodonetsk in the face of a brutal Russian offensive that is reducing the battleground eastern city to rubble, a senior Ukrainian official said Friday.

The news came shortly after the European Union made a strong show of support for Ukraine, granting the former Soviet republic candidate status, although there is still a long path ahead to membership.

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WNU Editor: I am seeing and reading widespread reports in both Ukraine and Russia that this withdrawal/retreat has become a disaster. One major column alone was spotted fleeing the region and destroyed by Russian artillery and helicopter gunships with reports that almost 800 soldiers were killed. Almost a dozen towns and villages have also fallen in the past 24 hours. In the meantime the Western media is giving a ridiculous narrative that this is an orderly retreat to better positions (see below).

Ukrainian Forces In Full Retreat From Severdonetsk

Ukraine retreats from pivotal eastern city Severodonetsk, a significant victory for Russia in its grinding advance -- Insider

Ukraine forces retreat from Severodonetsk after weeks of battle -- EFE

Ukrainian army leaving battered city for fortified positions -- AP

Last Ukrainian forces in Sievierodonetsk ordered to withdraw -- The Guardian

Ukrainian forces retreating from eastern city Sievierodonetsk to avoid being encircled by Russians -- FOX News

Ukraine withdraws troops from besieged Severodonetsk -- The Hill

Ukrainian forces ordered to retreat from Severodonetsk, governor says -- France 24

Ukrainian forces to retreat from Sievierodonetsk to avoid encirclement -- Euronews

Ukraine set to quit ruined Sievierodonetsk as Russians close in -- Reuters

Ukraine Forces Retreat From Encircled Severodonetsk As Russia Achieves Hold Over Luhansk Province -- Zero Hedge

Ukraine to withdraw from key city of Severodonetsk as Russia’s advance grinds on -- CNN