Ukraine has admitted its troops have withdrawn from the Donetsk town of Soledar.
Its army spokesman confirmed the retreat to AFP on Wednesday.
“After months of heavy fighting, including over the past weeks, the Armed Forces of Ukraine left Soledar and retreated along the outskirts to pre-prepared positions,” said Serhiy Cherevaty.
Earlier this month, Russian mercenaries claimed they had taken control of the town in the Bakhmut region.
The salt mining town had been at the forefront of fierce fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces, who want to use its extensive tunnel network to further penetrate into Ukrainian territory.
Control of Soledar also allows Russia to advance in Bakhmut, where Moscow has been fighting “house to house” for months.
Russia said its forces were advancing in the region on Wednesday, claiming fighting was taking place on the outskirts of the town and neighbourhoods recently controlled by Ukraine.
Kyiv initially denied Moscow's reports of victory in Soledar, saying the battle was continuing after Russia's Wagner Group claimed it had seized control on January 10.
“Soledar was, is and will be, Ukrainian,” its army said in response.
Germany is set to approve a long-awaited delivery of Leopard tanks to Ukraine on Wednesday.
The US is also set to send tanks, reversing its previous position.
The Kremlin has hit out at the proposal. It said US-supplied tanks will “burn just like all the others”.
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No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
