The United Nations says nearly 16,000 civilians have escaped from eastern Aleppo after government forces drove insurgents from 40 percent of the territory they had held.

Russia, which has backed the Syrian government, said the push in Aleppo had “radically changed” the situation on the ground and allowed humanitarian aid to reach more than 80,000 civilians. 

France criticized the offensive and called for an immediate Security Council meeting to discuss the situation in the city.