Satellite images reveal widespread destruction in Ukrainian industrial city of Sievierodonetsk
Severodonetsk, an industrial hub
Satellite image shows destroyed buildings in Rubizhne, Ukraine, near Sievierodonetsk.
Severodonetsk, an industrial hub, is key to Russia's plan as its fall would open up the route to Kramatorsk, the main city of Donetsk.
At least 70 per cent of Severodonetsk is reported to be under Russian control, though the Ukrainian forces are fighting back.
Ukraine repelling Russian attacks
The regional governor, Serhiy Haidai said tough street battles were continuing with varying degrees of success. “The situation constantly changes, but the Ukrainians are repelling attacks,” he said. (In photo) A 40-meter crater can be seen next to destroyed buildings.
Sievierodonetsk important for Putin
Russia seeks victory in Sievierodonetsk, which would give it full control of Luhansk province. When Vladimir Putin began his invasion on 24 February, he pledged to “liberate” the parts of Donetsk and Luhansk where were in separatist hands.
(In photo) This image shows a field peppered with craters caused by artillery, northwest of Slovyansk
'Would not surrender the city'
Russian forces have been focused for weeks on seizing Sievierodonetsk, which was home to some 106,000 people before Moscow invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, but the Luhansk region's governor said Ukrainian forces would not surrender the city.
(In photo) This image shows active artillery shelling in the town of Bogorodichne, Ukraine, northwest of Slovyansk
Widespread destruction
With neither side prevailing on the battlefield, there seems little prospect of negotiations. Most observers in Kyiv now expect the war to continue through the summer until at least the end of the year. (In photo) This satellite image shows damaged buildings around a hospital in Sievierodonetsk, Ukraine.
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