KIEV: Russia's special military operation in Ukraine has entered its second phase, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

As per reports Lavrov stated that the operation in eastern Ukraine is intended at "fully liberating" the people of Donetsk and Lugansk. "This operation will continue, and the next phase has already begun. During this specific operation, there will be a pivotal moment "he said.

According to the Ukrinform news agency, up to 30% of Ukraine's infrastructure has been damaged as a result of the confrontation with Russia, which began on February 24.  Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov noted that the hostilities have destroyed or damaged 300 bridges and more than 8,000 kilometres of highways. The Ukrainian government estimates that the cost of direct damage to the country's infrastructure caused by the conflict could approach USD100 billion.

According to Russia Today, Russian forces offered militants and foreign mercenaries at the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol to "stop hostilities and lay down their arms" on Tuesday, according to Mikhail Mizintsev, the chief of the Russian National Defence Control Center.

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