- wording
- BBC News World
4 hours
image source, AFP via Getty Images
Severodonetsk, the country’s easternmost city, remains under Ukrainian control but has endured sustained Russian bombardment for weeks.
Russia’s bombardment has caused a massive fire at a chemical plant in the eastern city of Severodonetsk, where relentless fighting continues, according to a regional leader.
Serhiy Haidai told Ukrainian TV that Saturday’s fire started following tens of tons of oil spilled from damaged radiators at the Azot plant.
Hundreds of civilians are reported to be sheltering at the plant.
Severodonetsk has become the main target of the Russian advance in eastern Ukraine.
The fighting has lasted more than three months. Russia’s initial attempt to capture major cities, including the capital kyiv, failed and it now seeks to seize the Luhansk and Donetsk regions – a vast, mainly industrial area known collectively as the Donbas.
If Russia seizes Severodonetsk and the twin city of Lysychansk, that might bring it closer to its goal, as would take control of Luhansk.
In his statement, Haidai acknowledged that most of Severodonetsk is now in Russian hands. The Russian military claims that all residential areas in Severodonetsk are already under its control.
“The Azot chemical plant has been under heavy shelling for hours,” Haidai said on Saturday.
It did not specify whether casualties had been suffered or if the fire had been put out.
Ukrainian officials estimate that up to 800 civilians are hiding in underground bomb shelters at the Azot plant.
Describing the current situation in Severodonetsk, Haidai said it was “difficult, but under control.”
“Our soldiers are winning in street fighting but, unfortunately, the enemy artillery is simply dismantling – floor by floor – the houses where our troops are barricaded.
“So when we drive the enemy out of a street, they start using their tanks and artillery to destroy the area house by house,” the Luhansk regional leader said.
Haidai added that he hopes the Russian forces will make every effort to capture the city today or tomorrow.
image source, Getty Images
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, his troops have retaken several villages in the southeastern regions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russian troops have suffered “very significant” casualties in Donbas.
He added that Ukrainian forces had retaken towns and villages in the southeastern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
Ukraine has been asking its allies to send it more weapons, warning that Russia has at least 10 times more artillery than they do.
Now you can receive notifications from BBC World. Download the new version of our app and activate it so you don’t miss out on our best content.
