After Russia’s non-stop bombardment of Lysychansk, the Ukrainian army was forced to retreat in order to save the lives of its soldiers. Russia now has control over the region of Donbas.
A representative of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry stated on Sunday that Russia had not taken “full control” of Lysychansk. Later in the day, however, a message on Facebook read “The continuation of the defense of the city would lead to fatal consequences, in order to preserve the lives of Ukrainian defenders, a decision was made to withdraw.”
“People must be saved above all else,” said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the withdrawal.
Ordinary residents who lived in Lysychansk had to accept the change in power. Some, who wanted to resist, left Lysychansk. Russians have put up Russian flags in the city, and tanks and troops occupy the streets.
Ivan Shybkov, a former resident of Lynsyschansk who fled to western Ukraine, says it hurt him to look at photos of civilians, who had lacked food, water, and other necessities, meeting Russians troops “with smiles on their faces.”
Russian troops used the same strategy of constant bombardments and advancing troops and tanks to take over the neighboring city of Sievierodonetsk last month.
Having overtaken Sievierodeonetsk and Lysychansk, Russia now controls 80 to 90 percent of the Donbas region, according to Ukrainian officials. This will allow Russian troops to regroup in Donbas before setting out to attack other cities, such as Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, and Bakhmut.
Although Donbas only accounts for 9% of Ukraine’s land, it is an important industrial city. It was home to about 6.2 million people before the invasion, and contains over 200 coal mines.
If Russia manages to take down the city of Kramatorsk, they will have control over almost the entirety of Donbas. Russia could use such control as leverage in treaty negotiations with Ukraine. Donbas also helps connect the main body Russia to Crimea, a Russian territory.
Foreign support continues to pour into Ukraine as the invasion continues. Anthony Albanese, the prime minister of Australia, plans to send Ukraine supplies and armored vehicles.
“Australia is ready to continue providing support to the Ukrainian state and its people, for as long as it takes for Ukraine to gain an advantage and protect the law and order in which we all exist,” says Mr. Albanese.
Sources:
Ukrainian Withdrawal From Key City Allows Russia to Refocus – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
A representative of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry stated on Sunday that Russia had not taken “full control” of Lysychansk. Later in the day, however, a message on Facebook read “The continuation of the defense of the city would lead to fatal consequences, in order to preserve the lives of Ukrainian defenders, a decision was made to withdraw.”
“People must be saved above all else,” said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the withdrawal.
Ordinary residents who lived in Lysychansk had to accept the change in power. Some, who wanted to resist, left Lysychansk. Russians have put up Russian flags in the city, and tanks and troops occupy the streets.
Ivan Shybkov, a former resident of Lynsyschansk who fled to western Ukraine, says it hurt him to look at photos of civilians, who had lacked food, water, and other necessities, meeting Russians troops “with smiles on their faces.”
Russian troops used the same strategy of constant bombardments and advancing troops and tanks to take over the neighboring city of Sievierodonetsk last month.
Having overtaken Sievierodeonetsk and Lysychansk, Russia now controls 80 to 90 percent of the Donbas region, according to Ukrainian officials. This will allow Russian troops to regroup in Donbas before setting out to attack other cities, such as Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, and Bakhmut.
Although Donbas only accounts for 9% of Ukraine’s land, it is an important industrial city. It was home to about 6.2 million people before the invasion, and contains over 200 coal mines.
If Russia manages to take down the city of Kramatorsk, they will have control over almost the entirety of Donbas. Russia could use such control as leverage in treaty negotiations with Ukraine. Donbas also helps connect the main body Russia to Crimea, a Russian territory.
Foreign support continues to pour into Ukraine as the invasion continues. Anthony Albanese, the prime minister of Australia, plans to send Ukraine supplies and armored vehicles.
“Australia is ready to continue providing support to the Ukrainian state and its people, for as long as it takes for Ukraine to gain an advantage and protect the law and order in which we all exist,” says Mr. Albanese.
Sources:
Ukrainian Withdrawal From Key City Allows Russia to Refocus – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
