Kyiv, Ukraine, June 22, 2022 (AFP) – Ukraine said on Wednesday that the eastern city of Severodonetsk is experiencing “hell” under siege by Russian troops trying to control this part of Donbass.
“For four months, all our positions have been under fire from all the weapons that the Russian army has, and I want to emphasize this,” said Sergue Gaiday, governor of the Lugansk region.
“This is hell,” he added, referring to the siege of Severodonetsk, which faced weeks of intense bombing as the Russians tried to take control of the city.
The governor stated that the Ukrainian army is holding its positions and will “hold out as long as necessary”.
In the last days, Russian troops advanced south of Severodonetsk and approached the city of Lysychansk across the Donets River.
Gaiday said Moscow forces tried to “encircle” Lysychansk, but the city was still under Kiev’s control.
“Lysychansk is being heavily bombarded with large-caliber guns,” he added, insisting that the city had been “devastated colossal”.
The governor said residents are still being evacuated from Lysychansk, but hundreds of civilians who took shelter at the Azot chemical plant in Severodonetsk could not leave because of the fighting.
“A withdrawal operation is possible if there is a high-level agreement, if there is a ceasefire and we have a clearly defined course,” Gaiday said. Said.
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source: Noticias
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