Ukraine Withdraws from Severodonetsk Battleground... Russia Effectively Occupies Luhansk

On the 19th (local time), Toshkivka in Luhansk Oblast, eastern Ukraine, is seen under shelling. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] The Ukrainian military has reportedly decided to withdraw from Severodonetsk, a strategic stronghold in the eastern Luhansk region where they had engaged in a fierce battle with Russian forces.

On the 24th (local time), according to foreign media including The Guardian, Serhiy Haidai, governor of Luhansk Province, said in an interview with Ukrainian TV, "We have been ordered to withdraw troops from Severodonetsk," adding, "There is no point in holding out just to remain in shattered positions."

If Ukrainian forces withdraw from Severodonetsk, Russia will effectively occupy Luhansk Province. Before the war, pro-Russian rebel forces controlled about half of Luhansk Province.

Governor Haidai explained, "All infrastructure in the city has been completely destroyed," adding, "Over 90% of the housing has been shelled, and about 80% have suffered such severe collapse that restoration is impossible."