Ukraine says Severodonetsk not isolated after bridge demolition

Russian troops destroyed a third bridge connecting Severodonetsk to neighboring Lysychansk, but this strategic eastern Ukrainian city was “not isolated” and the city’s mayor said today that Kyiv forces were unhindered.

“Large bombing destroyed a third bridge, but the city is not isolated. There are communication channels, but they are complex,” Severodonetsk Mayor Oleksandre Striuk told a local channel.

“Russian troops are not giving up their attempt to control the city, but the army is resisting,” he said.

However, Striuk stressed “street fights” and said the situation changes every hour.

Severodonetsk is separated from neighboring Lysychansk by the Donets Rivers.

The mayor also reported that “540 to 560 people” took refuge in the underground tunnels of the bombed Nitrogen chemical factory.

The supplies are “difficult” to deliver, but the factory has “some reserves,” he said. “The enemy is destroying our largest company,” he added.

“The Russians are trying to encircle the Ukrainians in Severodonetsk, Lysychansk and some nearby towns such as Pryvillia and Borivske,” said regional governor Sergei Gaiday. According to him, Moscow forces received reinforcements from “two groups of tactical battalions.”

“The situation is very serious,” said the governor, announcing the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Severodonetsk center on Monday.

For Russia, taking control of Severodonetsk, which is home to 100,000 people, would pave the way for a move towards Kramatorsk, another major city in the Donbass. since 2014.