CRI听力:Ukrainian Gov't Forces Retake Long-contested Town in East

Ukrainian troops forced opposition insurgents out of a key stronghold in the country's embattled east on Saturday.

This suggests that the government may finally be making gains in a months-long battle against a spreading separatist insurgency.

After a night of fierce fighting that saw heavy artillery fire from Ukraine's troops, government soldiers have been in full control of rebel headquarters in Slovyansk.

Ukraine's newly appointed Minister of Defense, Valery Heletey, has visited troops in the city centre.

He says that three planes loaded with food and other supplies will soon arrive in Slovyansk.

"I reported to the President of Ukraine and he sent three planes with food that will soon be here in Slovyansk - drinking water, food and other necessities. We are cooperating with the emergencies ministry, which will now take care of the peaceful citizens of Slovyansk."

Soldiers have raised the Ukrainian flag over the city council building, while troops are carrying stockpiles of weapons out of the city's administrative and police buildings, which have been under rebel control since early April.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko hails the recapture of the city as "the start of a turning point" in a battle that has claimed more than 400 lives since April.