Russian forces advance in key eastern Ukraine city

Kyiv, May 30 (EFE).- The Russian army on Monday was advancing toward the middle of the major city of Sievierodonetsk in Luhansk, closing in on seizing the entire eastern Ukrainian region.

Fighting has been intensifying in Sievierodonetsk and in nearby Lysychansk, Serhiy Haidai, head of the Luhansk military administration, wrote on Telegram after Russian forces entered the outskirts of Sievierodonetsk.

“The enemy has used all possible weapons, they also use airplanes,” Haidai said.

“However, our armed forces defend themselves firmly to prevent the enemy from advancing,” he added.

Two Sievierodonetsk residents were killed and five others were injured amid the Russian bombing, according to Haidai.

The entire infrastructure of the industrial city was destroyed and some 60% of the houses there were damaged, the Ukrainian official said.

Haidai added that the Russians were transporting a large amount of ammunition and military equipment to Sievierodonetsk.

However, the Ukrainian army has repelled 14 Russian attacks in the past 24 hours and destroyed two artillery systems, 11 armored fighting vehicles and 10 motor vehicles.

Ukrainian air forces also shot down two cruise missiles and three drones. EFE

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