After weeks of fighting over the key eastern city, Ukraine's Severodonetsk is now "fully occupied" by the Russian army said Oleksandr Striuk, the city's mayor on Saturday (June 25). This is the biggest setback borne by Ukraine in the past&nbsp;month. In order to better defend the neighbouring city of Lysychansk, the Ukrainian army announced on Friday that it would withdraw its troops from the city, which has some 100,000 residents.&nbsp;"The city has been fully occupied by the Russians." Struik said that the several people hiding from Russian shelling in the Azot chemical plant have now begun to evacuate the site.&nbsp;As per him, these people will need medical and psychological support.&nbsp;

"These people have spent almost three months of their lives in basements, shelters. That's tough emotionally and physically."

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russia aims to capture Severodonetsk &amp; Lysychansk

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Separatists who supported Moscow claimed that Russian and pro-Russian soldiers had seized the Azot plant and "evacuated" more than 800 civilians who were taking refuge there.

In a Telegram message, separatist official Andrei Marochko announced that the forces had "taken full control of the Azot plant Industrial Zone."

Around 800 civilians who had sought safety in the facility amid weeks of conflict, according to Ivan Filiponenko, another separatist official, had been "evacuated."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-months-into-the-russian-aggression-ukraine-retreats-from-key-embattled-city-of-sievierodonetsk-491358">Four months into the Russian aggression, Ukraine retreats from key embattled city of Sievierodonetsk</a>

By seizing Lysychansk as well, the Russians would effectively gain control of the larger Lugansk region and be able to advance deeper into the larger Donbas.

Street-by-street combat had been going on in Sievierodonetsk for a month, with Russia steadily capturing more territory. Some of the most intense battles of the war have taken place in the city.&nbsp;Since conquering the port of Mariupol last month, Russia's biggest win has been the fall of Sievierodonetsk, a city that was once home to more than 100,000 people but is now a wasteland.

As Sievierodonetsk falls, only Lysychansk, its sister city on the western bank of the Siverskyi Donets River, would remain in Ukrainian hands.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After weeks of fighting over the key eastern city, Ukraine's Severodonetsk is now "fully occupied" by the Russian army said Oleksandr Striuk, the city's mayor on Saturday (June 25).

After weeks of fighting over the key eastern city, Ukraine's Severodonetsk is now "fully occupied" by the Russian army said Oleksandr Striuk, the city's mayor on Saturday (June 25). This is the biggest setback borne by Ukraine in the past month. In order to better defend the neighbouring city of Lysychansk, the Ukrainian army announced on Friday that it would withdraw its troops from the city, which has some 100,000 residents. "The city has been fully occupied by the Russians." Struik said that the several people hiding from Russian shelling in the Azot chemical plant have now begun to evacuate the site. As per him, these people will need medical and psychological support. "These people have spent almost three months of their lives in basements, shelters. That's tough emotionally and physically." Watch | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russia aims to capture Severodonetsk & Lysychansk Separatists who supported Moscow claimed that Russian and pro-Russian soldiers had seized the Azot plant and "evacuated" more than 800 civilians who were taking refuge there. In a Telegram message, separatist official Andrei Marochko announced that the forces had "taken full control of the Azot plant Industrial Zone." Around 800 civilians who had sought safety in the facility amid weeks of conflict, according to Ivan Filiponenko, another separatist official, had been "evacuated." Also read | Four months into the Russian aggression, Ukraine retreats from key embattled city of Sievierodonetsk By seizing Lysychansk as well, the Russians would effectively gain control of the larger Lugansk region and be able to advance deeper into the larger Donbas. Street-by-street combat had been going on in Sievierodonetsk for a month, with Russia steadily capturing more territory. Some of the most intense battles of the war have taken place in the city. Since conquering the port of Mariupol last month, Russia's biggest win has been the fall of Sievierodonetsk, a city that was once home to more than 100,000 people but is now a wasteland. As Sievierodonetsk falls, only Lysychansk, its sister city on the western bank of the Siverskyi Donets River, would remain in Ukrainian hands. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sievierodonetsk falls to Russia after one of Ukraine war's bloodiest fights

In a significant setback to Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion, Kyiv on Friday (June 24th) signalled that its troops will begin withdrawing from the city of Sievierodonetsk. Reuters reports that for weeks, the city has been the scene of heavy fighting. As per provincial governor Serhiy Gaidai, the troops have already received orders to move to new positions. However, he made no mention of their new position or if they had begun moving.&nbsp;He said that the troops "have to be withdrawn" adding that "remaining in positions smashed to pieces over many months just for the sake of staying there does not make sense."

In Sievierodonetsk, street-by-street fighting has raged for a month with Russia methodically gaining more land. The city has witnessed some of the fiercest fightings of the war.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine gets EU candidate status but getting a membership is a long process

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With Donetsk and Luhansk forming the Donbas region, the industrial hub of Ukraine, the struggle is crucial for Russia to seize control of the final Ukrainian-held patch of the province.

Only Lysychansk, Sievierodonetsk's sister city on the western bank of the Siverskyi Donets River, would stay in Ukrainian hands when Sievierodonetsk falls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/historic-moment-eu-agrees-to-grant-candidate-status-to-ukraine-moldova-491142">'Historic moment': EU agrees to grant candidate status to Ukraine, Moldova</a>

Since Russian forces were unable to take the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in the early phases of the war, Russia has adopted a strategy that involves fierce aerial bombardments of cities and towns followed by ground assaults.

According to analysts, the Russian soldiers are suffering significant losses and are having issues with morale, leadership, and supply. Despite this, they are weakening the Ukrainian opposition and advancing gradually in the east and south.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-a-tough-bite-to-chew-and-so-would-be-finland-says-armed-forces-chief-on-russian-invasion-490781">Ukraine a tough bite to chew and so would be Finland, says armed forces chief&nbsp;</a>

Today marks four months since the start of Vladimir Putin ordered Moscow's aggression against Ukraine. The battle has now claimed thousands of lives—both combatants and civilians—uprooted millions of people, and witnessed Russian artillery and airstrikes obliterate entire Ukrainian cities.

A global energy and food crisis has also been exacerbated by the war.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a significant setback to Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion, Kyiv on Friday (June 24th) signalled that its troops will begin withdrawing from the city of Sievierodonetsk.

In a significant setback to Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion, Kyiv on Friday (June 24th) signalled that its troops will begin withdrawing from the city of Sievierodonetsk. Reuters reports that for weeks, the city has been the scene of heavy fighting. As per provincial governor Serhiy Gaidai, the troops have already received orders to move to new positions. However, he made no mention of their new position or if they had begun moving. He said that the troops "have to be withdrawn" adding that "remaining in positions smashed to pieces over many months just for the sake of staying there does not make sense." In Sievierodonetsk, street-by-street fighting has raged for a month with Russia methodically gaining more land. The city has witnessed some of the fiercest fightings of the war. Watch | Ukraine gets EU candidate status but getting a membership is a long process With Donetsk and Luhansk forming the Donbas region, the industrial hub of Ukraine, the struggle is crucial for Russia to seize control of the final Ukrainian-held patch of the province. Only Lysychansk, Sievierodonetsk's sister city on the western bank of the Siverskyi Donets River, would stay in Ukrainian hands when Sievierodonetsk falls. Also read | 'Historic moment': EU agrees to grant candidate status to Ukraine, Moldova Since Russian forces were unable to take the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in the early phases of the war, Russia has adopted a strategy that involves fierce aerial bombardments of cities and towns followed by ground assaults. According to analysts, the Russian soldiers are suffering significant losses and are having issues with morale, leadership, and supply. Despite this, they are weakening the Ukrainian opposition and advancing gradually in the east and south. Also Read | Ukraine a tough bite to chew and so would be Finland, says armed forces chief Today marks four months since the start of Vladimir Putin ordered Moscow's aggression against Ukraine. The battle has now claimed thousands of lives—both combatants and civilians—uprooted millions of people, and witnessed Russian artillery and airstrikes obliterate entire Ukrainian cities. A global energy and food crisis has also been exacerbated by the war. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Four months into the Russian aggression, Ukraine retreats from key embattled city of Sievierodonetsk

Satellite images reveal widespread destruction in Ukrainian industrial city of Sievierodonetsk

Amid intense fighting between his country's troops and Russian forces, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Lysychansk and Soledar.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion on February 24, this was possibly Zelensky's closest visit to the frontline yet.

In his video address, Zelensky said "I went with the head of (my) office to the east. We were in Lysychansk and Soledar."

"What you all deserve is victory - that is the most important thing. But not at any cost," he added.

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Lysychansk is just a few kilometres south from Sievierodonetsk, the largest in the Lugansk region not under Russian control.

"The Armed Forces have cleared half of Severodonetsk and are moving forward," said regional governor Sergiy Gaiday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-state-media-reporter-says-russian-general-killed-in-eastern-ukraine-485389" hreflang="en">Russian state media reporter says Russian general killed in eastern Ukraine</a>

Supporting his country's "true heroes", Zelensky said, "I want to thank you for your great work, for your service, for protecting all of us, our state."

Defying warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin against supplying Kyiv with advanced weapons, the United Kingdom said it would follow the United States and send long-range missile systems to Ukraine.

UK's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the M270 launchers it will provide Kyiv will "offer a significant boost in capability for the Ukrainian forces."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amid intense fighting between his country's troops and Russian forces, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Lysychansk and Soledar. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion on February 24, this was possibly Zelensky's closest visit to the frontline yet.

Amid intense fighting between his country's troops and Russian forces, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Lysychansk and Soledar. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion on February 24, this was possibly Zelensky's closest visit to the frontline yet. In his video address, Zelensky said "I went with the head of (my) office to the east. We were in Lysychansk and Soledar." "What you all deserve is victory - that is the most important thing. But not at any cost," he added. Lysychansk is just a few kilometres south from Sievierodonetsk, the largest in the Lugansk region not under Russian control. "The Armed Forces have cleared half of Severodonetsk and are moving forward," said regional governor Sergiy Gaiday. Also read | Russian state media reporter says Russian general killed in eastern Ukraine Supporting his country's "true heroes", Zelensky said, "I want to thank you for your great work, for your service, for protecting all of us, our state." Defying warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin against supplying Kyiv with advanced weapons, the United Kingdom said it would follow the United States and send long-range missile systems to Ukraine. UK's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the M270 launchers it will provide Kyiv will "offer a significant boost in capability for the Ukrainian forces." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits beleaguered city of Lysychansk as fighting rages

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