Enemy forces reportedly eviscerated essential infrastructure in a central Donbas locale, according to President Zelensky.
As of July 2022, the city of Sievierodonetsk, once the largest under Ukrainian control in the Luhansk Oblast, has fallen to Russian forces after a prolonged siege. The city's strategic importance and the overwhelming Russian military presence forced the Ukrainian forces to evacuate [1][2].
Casualties and Destruction
The Ukrainian defenders in Sievierodonetsk have inflicted "fearful casualties" on Russian forces, according to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War in Washington. However, Russian forces have concentrated huge firepower on a small area in the Donbas, resulting in more than two-thirds of Sievierodonetsk's housing stock being destroyed by Russian strikes [1][2].
Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement
The capture of Sievierodonetsk has led to further displacement of civilians and military personnel, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Bakhmut, a nearby town, was relatively empty with some residents walking with pets and children, suggesting a mass exodus from the area [1].
Military Implications
For Ukraine:
The loss of Sievierodonetsk represents a significant territorial setback for Ukraine, as it was a key city in the Luhansk region. The fall of Sievierodonetsk increased pressure on neighboring cities like Lysychansk, which also fell under Russian control later on [1][2].
For Russia:
The capture of Sievierodonetsk provided Russia with a strategic foothold in the Donbas region, advancing their goal of controlling the area. However, Russia faces increasing international pressure and condemnation over the humanitarian crisis and destruction caused by the conflict.
Calls for Additional Military Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described the taking of Sievierodonetsk as Russia's "principal aim" right now. In response, he has called for more longer-range weapons from the West to turn the tide in the war [3]. Ukraine has already received Harpoon anti-ship missiles from Denmark and US self-propelled howitzers [4].
Ongoing Battles
Ukraine's military command reported counter-attacking in the southern Kherson region and pushing back Russian troops [6]. Meanwhile, Russian shelling has destroyed all critical infrastructure in Sievierodonetsk, and several explosions were heard in Kharkiv city hours after President Zelensky's visit [5].
The battle for Sievierodonetsk is in the spotlight as Russia ekes out slow but solid gains in the Donbas, comprising of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. The situation in Sievierodonetsk has extremely escalated, according to Luhansk governor Serhiy Gaidai [5].
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61710861 [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russia-captures-key-city-sevierodonetsk-2022-07-02/ [3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61721217 [4] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/02/world/europe/ukraine-russia-bakhmut.html [5] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-situation-in-sevierodonetsk-extremely-escalated-2022-07-02/ [6] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-pushes-back-russian-troops-southern-kherson-region-2022-07-02/
- The fall of Sievierodonetsk raises concerns about the future of general news regarding war-and-conflicts, as this city's capture may lead to further political instability in the region.
- The ongoing battles in Ukraine, such as the siege of Sievierodonetsk, are indicative of a wider conflict that also involves politics and the international community, due to the humanitarian crisis and escalating tension in the Donbas region.
