In Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, Russian forces are taking control one town at a time

Geoff Bennett:

And now to today's headlines, Russia's military continues its advanced in Eastern Ukraine this weekend in a move that may soon force Ukrainian troops to cede strategically important territory. Correspondent Ali Rogin has our report.

Ali Rogin:

In Ukraine's Eastern Donbass Region, Russian forces are taking control one town at a time. Ukrainian forces fight back at close range.

Ukrainian Soldier (through translator):

We can see the enemy from here.

Ali Rogin:

It's part of Russia's new campaign focusing on the two eastern most regions. On Saturday, they said they took the city of Lyman in Donetsk and fierce fighting continues in severed Donetsk, the last Ukrainian held city in Luhansk. In a nearby village Ukrainian soldiers urged elderly residents to leave before the Russians arrive.

Katarina, Luhansk Resident (through translator):

I don't want anyone to go through this. It's terrifying. Oh my God, it's just terrifying.

Ali Rogin:

But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said those cities will not remain in Russian hands.

Volodynyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President (through translator):

If the occupiers think that Lyman in several Donetsk will be theirs, they are wrong. The Donbass will be Ukrainian because it's us, it's our essence.

Ali Rogin:

Meanwhile, the ports in besieged Mariupol are reopening under the Russian naval flag. The Russian military said it de-mined the waters around the city. But as the Russians regroup in the East, families reunite in the northern city of Kharkiv recaptured by Ukraine.

No Name Given:

I'm happy. I'm happy.

Ali Rogin:

A precious moment of joy in a country that remains in so much pain. For "PBS News Weekend," I'm Ali Rogin.