Ukraine`s forces say close to taking rebel-held Donetsk

Ukrainian government forces are preparing for the final stage of recapturing the city of Donetsk from pro-Russian separatist rebels after making significant gains that have divided rebel forces, a military spokesman said on Monday.

The spokesman, Andriy Lysenko, said Kiev`s forces had now cut Donetsk off from the other main rebel-held city of Luhansk on the border with Russia.

"The forces of the `anti-terrorist operation` are preparing for the final stage of liberating Donetsk. Our forces have completely cut Donetsk off from Luhansk.
We are working for liberating both towns but it`s better to liberate Donetsk first - it is more important," Lysenko told Reuters.