Heavy Casualties in Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Ukraine Claims to Have Recaptured a Chunk of Severodonetsk
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in heavy casualties for both sides. Ukraine claims to have recaptured a chunk of Severodonetsk, a city that has been a focus of Russian offensive in the Donbas for the past couple of days. In this article, we will discuss the details of the conflict and the claims made by both Ukraine and Russia.
Ukraine Claims to Have Recaptured a Chunk of Severodonetsk
The Ukrainian forces have reportedly reversed a Russian advance in Severodonetsk and recaptured about 20 percent of the strategic eastern city over the past couple of days. Governor Serhiy Haidai says Russian forces suffered severe defeats and were blowing up bridges across the Siverskyi Donets River to prevent Ukraine bringing in military reinforcements and delivering aid to civilians in Severodonetsk. He stated that right now, Ukrainian soldiers have pushed them back and that the Russians are suffering huge casualties. Ukraine’s military also claims that Russian artillery was used to conduct “assault operations” in Severodonetsk, but Russian forces retreated after failed attempts to advance in the nearby town of Bakhmut and cut off access to Severodonetsk.
Fierce Fighting Rages on in Severodonetsk and Lysychansk
Fierce fighting raged on Saturday in Severodonetsk and Lysychansk. Severodonetsk and Lysychansk are the last two cities still not in full Russian control over 100 days after Moscow invaded its western neighbor. Both sides have suffered punishing losses in street-by-street battles for the Soviet-era factory city. If Severodonetsk falls, neighboring Lysychansk would be the last city that Russia needs to capture to have full control of Luhansk province, which, along with Donetsk province, makes up the Donbas.
Russia Claims Ukraine Forces Are Retreating from the City After Suffering Heavy Casualties
Russia’s army claims that Ukrainian soldiers are withdrawing from the city of Severodonetsk. According to a statement by the defence ministry, some units of the Ukrainian army – having suffered critical losses during the fighting for Severodonetsk – are pulling out towards Lysychansk. It added, however, that some Ukrainian fighters were still in the city, and the Ukrainian army sought to contaminate the area to “delay” the Russian military operation. The Ukrainian authorities ordered a mixed tactical unit to mine the tanks containing nitrate and nitric acid in the Azot factory after they realized that it was impossible to resist further and hold on to the industrial zone of Severodonetsk.
The Area Has Become the Focus of Russia’s Invasion
The area has become the focus of Russia’s invasion, as President Vladimir Putin seeks to rebuild momentum after a failed attempt to take the capital Kyiv. According to the Luhansk governor, Russian forces are throwing all their efforts and reserves in regaining control of the area. However, Ukraine is fighting back and has reportedly pushed back Russian forces in Severodonetsk. Both sides are suffering critical losses, and the future of the region is uncertain.
Russia Reinforces Its Troops
Ukraine’s military says Russia reinforced its troops and used artillery to conduct “assault operations” in Severodonetsk. Ukraine’s military also accused Russian forces of using heavy artillery in attacks on the town of Bakhmut and nearby villages. It said Russian forces retreated after failed attempts to advance in the area.
“The Situation Is Getting Worse”
In the city of Sloviansk, which is 80 km (50 miles) from Severodonetsk, the mayor urged residents to evacuate in the face of intense Russian bombardment, with water and electricity cut off. Student Gulnara Evgaripova told AFP news agency as she boarded a minibus to leave the city that “the situation is getting worse.” Ekaterina Perednenko, a paramedic, said, “I am scared that there will be nothing to come back to.”
Britain’s Defence Ministry Says Russia Controls Over 90% of Luhansk
The British defence ministry said that Russia now controls more than 90 percent of Luhansk and is likely to take it. However, the situation is still uncertain as fighting continues in Severodonetsk and Lysychansk, and Ukraine is fighting back, as confirmed by Governor Serhiy Haidai.
Conclusion
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia in the Donbas region has resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with Ukraine claiming to have recaptured a chunk of Severodonetsk. Russia claims Ukraine forces are retreating from the city after suffering heavy casualties. Fierce fighting rages on in Severodonetsk and Lysychansk, the last two cities still not in full Russian control more than 100 days after Moscow invaded its western neighbor. The situation is getting worse for the civilians as they are forced to evacuate.
FAQs
1. What caused the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in the Donbas region?
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia in the Donbas region started when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. The conflict then escalated as pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine took control of several cities.
2. What is the Donbas region?
The Donbas region is a heavily industrialized area in eastern Ukraine, which includes the provinces of Luhansk and Donetsk.
3. Why is the conflict in the Donbas region important?
The conflict in the Donbas region is important because it has serious implications for the stability of the region and beyond. It has the potential to destabilize Ukraine and the wider region.
4. What is the current situation in the Donbas region?
The situation in the Donbas region is tense, with fighting still ongoing between Ukrainian and Russian forces in several cities, including Severodonetsk and Lysychansk. The future of the region is uncertain.
5. What is the international community doing about the conflict in the Donbas region?
The international community has condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine and has imposed economic sanctions on Russia. The United Nations has also been involved in mediation efforts.