‘Fierce Battle’ outside Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk

Moscow’s soldiers have been attempting to capture control of the city of Severodonetsk for weeks. On Saturday, Ukrainian authorities reported “fierce battles” with Russia in towns surrounding the city.

“Now the most fierce battles are near Severodonetsk. They (Russia) do not control the city entirely,” Sergiy Gaiday, the governor of the eastern Lugansk area, stated via Telegram.

Read more: Ukraine says Severodonetsk is not cut off, Despite Russian attacks

“Our defenders are fighting Russians in all directions.” “Recently, they shot down a plane and took captives,” he stated.

Additionally, he stated that Lysychansk, a Ukrainian-controlled city located across a river from Donetsk, is being “heavily shelled.”

“They cannot approach it and that’s why they are simply shooting at the city with air strikes,” he explained. The city is a really hazardous place.

At the Azot chemical plant in Donetsk, where “more destruction” was reported by Gaiday, hundreds of people are taking refuge.

Read more: ‘Surrender or perish,’ says rebel commander in Severodonetsk

On Friday, the United Nations reported that in Severodonetsk, access to clean water, food, sanitation, and electricity is decreasing.