"Ukrainian flag flies in..."/ Strong blow to Russia, President Zelensky confirms success

In his late-night speech on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the withdrawal of Russian forces from the strategic Donetsk city of Lyman.

"The Ukrainian flag is already in Lyman, Donetsk region. Fighting still continues there. But there is no trace of any 'pseudo-referendum' there," Zelensky said.

Zelensky also emphasized that even more voices in the world have joined in condemning the pseudo-referendums and Russia's attempt to annex the territory of Ukraine.

The president noted a statement by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, writes  CNN .

Zelensky said he unequivocally agreed with Guterres that Russia violates the goals and principles of the UN, the UN Charter, and that "pseudo-referendums" and attempted annexation will have no legal force.

"When such words are heard at the highest level in the UN, everyone in the world understands everything," Zelensky added. "And there is no such veto right in Russia that can stop or cancel this understanding of the world." 

"The world will not allow the times of colonial occupations, criminal annexations and total arbitrariness to return instead of international law," concluded Zelensky.