Russia’s defence ministry says 89 servicemen has been killed in the Ukrainian attack on Makiivka in the Moscow-controlled parts of the Donetsk region, explaining the main reason for the attack was unauthorised use of mobile phones by the troops.
The strike just after midnight on New Year’s Day on a school that was converted into military quarters in Makiivka has spurred anger among Russian nationalists and some lawmakers. It also questions the military strategy used there.
Russia previously said 63 Russian soldiers were killed.