* Ukraine will retreat from Severodonetsk in the face of brutal Russian offensive
* City has been 'reduced to rubble' and staying in position 'doesn't make sense'
* Capturing Severodonetsk and its twin Lysychansk gives Russia all of Luhansk
* US sending another $450 million in fresh arms, including Himars rocket systems
* EU grants Ukraine candidate status to join the bloc in a boost to the country
Ukrainian forces will retreat from Severodonetsk in the face of a brutal Russian offensive that is reducing the battleground eastern city to rubble, a senior Ukrainian official said Friday.
The news came shortly after the European Union made a strong show of support for Ukraine, granting the former Soviet republic candidate status, although there is still a long path ahead to membership.
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WNU Editor: I am seeing and reading widespread reports in both Ukraine and Russia that this withdrawal/retreat has become a disaster. One major column alone was spotted fleeing the region and destroyed by Russian artillery and helicopter gunships with reports that almost 800 soldiers were killed. Almost a dozen towns and villages have also fallen in the past 24 hours. In the meantime the Western media is giving a ridiculous narrative that this is an orderly retreat to better positions (see below).
Ukrainian Forces In Full Retreat From Severdonetsk
Ukraine forces retreat from Severodonetsk after weeks of battle -- EFE
Ukrainian army leaving battered city for fortified positions -- AP
Last Ukrainian forces in Sievierodonetsk ordered to withdraw -- The Guardian
Ukrainian forces retreating from eastern city Sievierodonetsk to avoid being encircled by Russians -- FOX News
Ukraine withdraws troops from besieged Severodonetsk -- The Hill
Ukrainian forces ordered to retreat from Severodonetsk, governor says -- France 24
Ukrainian forces to retreat from Sievierodonetsk to avoid encirclement -- Euronews
Ukraine set to quit ruined Sievierodonetsk as Russians close in -- Reuters
Ukraine Forces Retreat From Encircled Severodonetsk As Russia Achieves Hold Over Luhansk Province -- Zero Hedge
Ukraine to withdraw from key city of Severodonetsk as Russia’s advance grinds on -- CNN
Huge number of Ukrainian troops encircled – Moscow -- RT
Russian army seals off 2,000 Ukrainian troops in Gorskoye-Zolotoye trap, top brass reports -- TASS