loading…
President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of trying to destroy the Donbas region. Photo/Illustration/Sindonews
“There was a massive air and artillery attack on the Donbas. The goal of the invaders here has not changed, they want to destroy the whole of Donbas step by step,” Zelensky said as quoted by Reuters. BBCThursday (23/6/2022).
He also reiterated his call to Western leaders to expedite the delivery of heavy artillery to his troops.
“We have repeatedly stressed the acceleration of arms deliveries to Ukraine. What is urgently needed is a balance on the battlefield to stop this rogue fleet and push it beyond Ukraine’s borders,” he said.
Russia has directed much of its attention to Severodonetsk and Lysychansk, which were Ukraine’s last outposts in the Luhansk region. In recent days Moscow forces appear to be making some progress in their efforts to encircle Ukrainian forces there.
The governor of the area, Serhiy Haidai, said that the two main settlements south of the city had been captured and suggested that troops in the city of Zolote, which have been at the forefront of fighting since 2014, might be forced to withdraw.
On Wednesday, Haidai said the Russian offensive had significantly destroyed infrastructure and housing in Lysychansk.
He added that Severodonetsk was also shelled “daily”, although Moscow forces had captured most of the city. Hundreds of civilians remain trapped there, with many seeking refuge in the sprawling Azot chemical plant.
Also read: Ukraine Calls the Battle of Severodonetsk Hell
