LUGANSK, December 26. /TASS/. Russian troops have broken through Ukrainian defense lines in the Kharkov Region town of Staritsa, and continued to advance along the Seversky Donetsk river, military expert Andrey Marochko has told TASS.

"Our forces have managed to break through the enemy’s defense lines and enter the settlement of Staritsa. Although mopping-up operations are still under way in some areas, Russian troops continue their offensive along the Seversky Donetsk river," he said.

Marochko added that the operation allowed Russian troops to "expand their zone of control" in the area.