The Ukrainian forces have been blocked in Severodonetsk , the scene of the battle in the east for days, and "those Ukrainian military units that are there have two options: follow the example of their colleagues and surrender, or die. They have no other option".
This was stated in a press meeting, as reported by Ria Novosti, the deputy head of the People's Militia Department of the self-styled Donetsk People's Republic Eduard Basurin. The Russian forces would have destroyed a bridge connecting the city of Severodonetsk to the neighboring and twin city of Lysychansk, thus effectively preventing the possible evacuation of many civilians along that trajectory.
The Russians, says the Ukrainian staff, are concentrating their efforts "to conduct an offensive and surround our troops in the districts of Severodonetsk and Lysychansk and to block the logistical routes from Bakhmut".
About 500 civilians still remain inside the Azot chemical plant in Severodonetsk , according to local authorities cited by the Kiev Independent. The governor of the far eastern Ukrainian oblast of Lugansk, Serhiy Haidai, explains that among these people there are about 40 children .
Two days ago, Russian bombing of the factory caused the loss of tons of oil and the outbreak of a violent fire . Civilians subsequently began to leave the plant, where about 800 people including soldiers took refuge.
Meanwhile, as stated by the director of the First European Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Alexey Paramonov, Russia welcomes the mediation efforts of the Holy See in the conflict in Ukraine . "The Vatican leadership has repeatedly declared its readiness to provide any possible assistance to achieve peace and end hostilities in Ukraine. These statements are confirmed in practice. We maintain an open and confidential dialogue on a number of issues, mainly related to the situation. aid in Ukraine, "Paramonov told Ria Novosti.
( HERE all the news about the war)
