Situation in Luhansk Oblast grows tenser, Ukrainian forces surrounded on three sides – Luhansk Military Administration

OLENA ROSHCHINA – WEDNESDAY, 15 JUNE 2022, 08:11

In Luhansk Oblast, fighting for the cities that have not yet been captured by the Russian army continues. According to Serhii Haidai, Head of the Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Ukrainian troops to continue holding the defence.

Source: Serhii Haidai on Telegram

Quote: "Fighting is continuing in Sievierodonetsk, Toshkivka, and in the area around Vrubivka; there are many casualties in Lysychansk. In the last two days, six residents of Lysychansk and two residents of Zolote have been taken to hospital in other parts of the country.

The situation is growing more tense, but our troops are holding the enemy back on three fronts. They are defending Sievierodonetsk and preventing the enemy from advancing on Lysychansk.

Nevertheless, local people are suffering from the proximity of Russian troops, who continue to destroy their houses and other buildings. For example, the occupiers have shelled the buildings adjacent to the former Donsoda plant and several residential houses nearby. The situation is similar in the vicinity of the Sklozavod [glassmaking] factory."

Details: At least eight houses were damaged in Lysyhansk on 14 June, and 14 in Hirske.

In Sievierodonetsk, Russian forces have once again targeted the Azot chemical plant, in particular, damaging the entry checkpoint. Multi-storey apartment buildings located near to the chemical plant have also been damaged.

"The enemy’s weakness is street fighting, so instead they open fire with artillery, destroying our homes," Haidai explained.

The head of the Luhansk Oblast Military Administration added that there has been severe damage to the surrounding villages. Over the course of the past 24 hours, the following has been reported: six houses destroyed in Nyrkove, four in Mykolaivka, and three in Viktorivka.

Russian aircraft conducted airstrikes on Bila Hora, Ustynivka, and Metiolkine.

Russian forces opened fire with mortars, artillery, and multiple launch rocket systems on Sievierodonetsk, Lysychansk, Toshkivka, Ustynivka, Borivske, Metiolkine, Bila Hora, Mykolaivka, and Vrubivka.

According to Haidai, "the Russian army made a failed attempt to advance on Mykolaivka and Zolote-3."

Another 52 residents of Lysychansk and Pryvillia have been evacuated.