DONETSK, December 12. /TASS/. Russian forces have destroyed a number of key Ukrainian positions near Donetsk, Yan Gagin, an advisor to the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, told TASS.

"Several enemy strongholds have been destroyed in the past few days. Those were key fortified positions in various sectors of the frontline near Donetsk," he said.

According to Gagin, several dozen Ukrainian troops were killed and others had to retreat.