Ukraine's key city is under Russian control, and escape routes have been blocked

Ukrainian troops are still attempting to evacuate the wounded from Siegirodontsk, a regional official said Tuesday. Russian troops control about 80% of the fiercely contested eastern city.

As a result of the relentless shelling and fighting, Serhiy Haidai, governor of eastern Luhansk region, acknowledged that evacuations of civilians from Sievierodonetsk may not be possible. Because of the Russians' "cracked earth method and heavy artillery," he said, Ukrainian forces have been pushed to the city's industrial fringes.

Currently, Sievierodonetsk has a population of 12,000 people, compared to a prewar population of 100,000 people. The Russians have relentlessly pounded the Azot chemical plant, sheltering more than 500 civilians, Haidai says.

“There is still an opportunity for the evacuation of the wounded, communication with the Ukrainian military and local residents,” he told The Associated Press by telephone, adding that Russian soldiers have not yet completely blocked off the strategic city.

14 June 2022