Ukraine conflict enters 100th day, battle rages in Severodonetsk

SeverodonetskEdited By: Manas JoshiUpdated: Jun 03, 2022, 06:06 AM IST

Smoke rises in the city of Severodonetsk during heavy fightings between Ukrainian and Russian troops at eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas on May 30, 2022, on the 96th day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. EU leaders will try to overcome Hungary's rejection of a Russian oil embargo on May 30, 2022 as part of a further tightening of sanctions against Moscow, whose forces are advancing in eastern Ukraine, with fighting in the heart of the key city of Severodonetsk. Photograph:(AFP)

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Thousands of people have been killed and millions have been forced to flee since start of the invasion on February 24

The conflict in Ukraine entered 100th day on Friday (June 3) with Russian forces continuing to push for control of Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. Less than 24 hours ago, Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia now controlled 20 per cent of Ukraine.

After invading Ukraine on February 24, Russian forces rushed in the direction of Kyiv. However, their plans to capture the Ukrainian capital did not come to fruition. After being repelled from Ukraine and the surrounding region, Russia concentrated its firepower at Donbas region. Separatist elements in the region have long enjoyed support from Russia.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) chief Jens Stoltenberg met US President Joe Biden on Thursday. Following the talks, Stoltenberg said that Ukraine's allies needed to brace for a "war of attrition".

"Today, about 20 percent of our territory is under the control of the occupiers," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an address to Luxembourg lawmakers.

Thousands of people have been killed and millions have been forced to flee since February 24.

Also Read | Russia controls 'about 20 per cent' of Ukraine, says president Volodymyr Zelensky

Zelensky has said that up to 100 Ukrainian soldiers were getting killed in eastern part of the country which is under Russian attack.

On the ground, street battles were raging in the industrial hub of Severodonetsk in Lugansk, part of the Donbas.

The strategic city is a key target for Moscow, which already controls 80 percent of the area, but Lugansk regional governor Sergiy Gaiday vowed Ukrainian forces would fight "until the end".

Severodonetsk's Azot factory, one of Europe's biggest chemical plants, was targeted by Russian soldiers who fired on one of its administrative buildings and a warehouse where methanol was stored.

(With inputs from agencies)

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