Ukrainian forces battling for the important city of Severodonetsk in eastern Ukraine "will have to withdraw," said Luhansk regional governor Serhiy Haidai on Ukrainian television.
“Remaining in positions smashed to pieces over many months just for the sake of staying there does not make sense,” Serhiy Haidai said in a telegram post.
"All critical infrastructure has been destroyed. Ninety percent of the city is damaged, 80 percent (of) houses will have to be demolished," he said.
However, he did not specify whether troops would be withdrawn immediately or not.
Meanwhile, the UK defense ministry said some Ukrainian forces withdrew from Lysychansk on Thursday to avoid being besieged.
Capturing Severodonetsk and its twin city, Lysychansk, would give Russia control of Luhansk and allow them to expand farther into the Donbas, AFP stated.
Picture Credits: Getty Images
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