With Moscow forces approaching the capture of Severodonetsk, Ukraine’s last city in the Luhansk region of the Donbas, they must cross the Siverskyi Donets River to continue their offensive.
The Ministry of Defense, in its morning update, says: “Crossing the Siverskyy Donets River, which is a natural barrier to its axes of advance, is vital for Russian forces, as they secure the Luhansk Oblast and are preparing to shift the focus to Donetsk Oblast. “
He added: “Potential crossing points include between Sieverodonetsk and the neighboring town of Lysychansk; and near recently captured Lyman. In both locations, the river line is likely to remain under the control of Ukrainian forces, which have destroyed existing bridges.”
In today’s newspaper, Telegraph’s senior foreign correspondent Roland Oliphant writes from the riverbank what life on the waterway is like, which has become so vital to Ukraine’s defense.
“The day The Telegraph visited Mayaki, the bombing on the other side of the river was relentless, heavy and terribly close,” he writes.
“However, many people, including children, spent their days without paying much attention.”
Read the full piece here.