He described conditions there as "indescribably difficult" in
what marks a notably pessimistic shift and negative tone for the
Ukrainian leader, strongly suggesting the fall of Donbas - or at least
whole regions such as Luhansk - could be imminent. He identified several
intense ongoing battles in places with a large Russian force presence,
including Severodonetsk, Lysychansk, Bakhmut and Popasna. Sievierodonets
in particular is scene of fierce up-close street battles.
Ukrainian regional officials reported that Russian forces were "storming" Sievierodonetsk after trying unsuccessfully to encircle the city.
The fighting knocked out power and cellphone service, and a
humanitarian relief center could not operate because of the danger, the
mayor said." ZH
