Ukraine forces retreat from Donbas town after onslaught

The accomplishment takes the Russian forces a step closer to Bakhmut, but military analysts say capturing Soledar is more symbolic than strategic.

Russian army T-90M tanks roll into position at an undisclosed location in Ukraine (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service/AP)

Ukrainian forces have conducted an organised retreat from a town in the eastern region of the Donbas, an official said.

It marks a rare but modest battlefield triumph for the Kremlin after a series of setbacks in its invasion, which began almost 11 months ago.