Ukrainian forces ‘retake control of Irpin’ after Russia said it would focus on Donbas

Ukrainian forces have fully retaken control of the town of Irpin from Russia’s invading troops, its mayor said on Monday.

“We have good news today - Irpin has been liberated,” Oleksandr Markushyn said in a video post on Telegram. “We understand that there will be more attacks on our town and we will defend it courageously.”

The information reported by Reuters could not immediately be verified by the Standard.

Irpin has been one of the main hotspots of fighting with Russian troops near the capital Kyiv.

The city lies 12 miles north-west of Kyiv and has found itself on the frontline as Russian troops attempted to advance on the capital.

Residential blocks have been shelled by Russian forces which has forced thousands to flee the city.

Earlier this month, large numbers of residents left the town amid sub-zero temperatures, while there were reports Russian troops had seized the main hospital and a nearby medical centre.

On Friday Moscow claimed it was scaling back its ambitions to focus on territory claimed by Russian-backed separatists in the east after attacks elsewhere stalled.

Western sources said such a shift in strategy could reflect an acknowledgement from President Vladimir Putin that his plan for a blitz in Ukraine has failed, forcing him to narrow his goals and change tactics.

Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky also claimed it is a matter of time before Russia’s invasion fails.

As the conflict reaches 33 days since Russian troops began the invasion of Ukraine, Mr Zekensky insisted his country is still prepared to fight on.

“It’s impossible to believe in anything else. We will definitely win because this is our home, on our land, our independence,” he said. “It’s just a question of time.”

The Ministry of Defence also echoed his claims that there has been little change in Russia’s advances in Ukraine, despite Russian troops claiming ground in the south.

Ahead of negotiations on Tuesday, Mr Zelensky did admit he was prepared to discuss Ukraine’s non-nuclear status and neutrality.

During his 90-minute video call, he said: “Security guarantees and neutrality, non-nuclear status of our state.

“We are ready to go for it. This is the most important point.”

While Mr Zelensky indicated a route to peace may be achievable, Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, warned Vladimir Putin will attempt to separate the country similar to the partition of Korea.