Russia focused on capturing Severodonetsk in Luhansk Oblast

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“Russians are persistent in their attempts to break through our lines and reach the borders of Luhansk oblast,” said Hayday.

“The orcs (sic) are throwing everything they have at Severodonetsk.”

Read also: Russians shell residential areas in Severodonetsk overnight

Russian attempts to approach the city through Pudrivka and Oleksandrivka were unsuccessful. An assault at Toshkivka is ongoing.

In the last 24 hours, Russian attacks have destroyed around 70 buildings across Lysychansk, Severodonetsk, Zolote, Hirske, and Popasna, the official said.

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A woman in Lysychansk was killed when an artillery shell struck her house.

Severodonetsk remains under relentless enemy artillery fire.

While the Russian offensive in the region is sputtering, the share of Luhansk Oblast under Ukraine’s control has shrunk from 30% to 10%, in two months.