For several weeks, Russian troops have been trying to take control of the city of Sievierodonetsk in eastern Ukraine. On Saturday June 18, the Ukrainian authorities reported “fierce battles” in the surrounding villages. “Now the fiercest battles are taking place near Sievierodonetsk. [Les Russes] do not fully control the city”said on Telegram the governor of the eastern region of Luhansk, Sergiï Gaïdaï. “In the neighboring villages, the fighting is very difficult – in Toshkivska, Zolote. They try to break through but fail”did he declare.
“Our defenders are fighting the Russians in all directions. Recently they shot down a plane and took prisoners”he added.
Lyssytchank “heavily bombarded”
Sergey Gaidai also said that Lyssychansk, a Ukrainian-controlled city separated from Sievierodonetsk by a river, is “heavily bombed”. “They can’t get near it and that’s why they just shoot the city with airstrikes”he continued, adding that the situation is “very dangerous in the city”.
Serguiï Gaïdaï also mentioned “more destruction” at the Azot chemical plant in Severodonetsk, where hundreds of civilians have taken refuge. On Friday, he said that 568 people, including 38 children, were hiding in the factory and that only one “complete ceasefire” would evacuate them.
The UN said on Friday that access to clean water, food, sanitation and electricity was declining in Sievierodonetsk, calling it a“extremely alarming” the humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine.
