This video, released by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, shows the devastating impact of Russian TOS-1A shells hitting Ukrainian positions near Novomikhaylovka in the Donetsk region on May 26. (Armed Forces of Ukraine / Cover images / Reuters)
Russian forces are deploying a wide range of weapons on several fronts in eastern Ukraine as they try to destroy Ukraine’s stubborn defense, which is superior in numbers and weapons, according to Ukrainian officials.
Several of these officials described the situation as “very difficult” and acknowledged that Ukrainian forces may need to retreat in some places.
In recent days, Ukrainian authorities say the Russians have combined short-range ballistic missiles, multiple rocket launchers, heavy artillery and tanks in relentless bombings of cities in Luhansk and Donetsk regions still under Ukrainian control.
Ukraine’s National Police say civilians have been killed in attacks on 13 settlements in Donetsk, and several previously untargeted cities have been damaged. Russian forces appear to be expanding the number of cities they are shelling as they try to destroy Ukraine’s defenses and supply lines.
Their main goal seems to be to capture Slavyansk, where shelling has intensified in recent days. Mayor Vadim Liah said half the city was without water and there would be no “gas until the start of the heating season”.
An increasing number of Ukrainian officials are describing the military situation in terrible words, although Russia’s progress on the ground has been modest.
Fedir Venislavsky, a member of the Ukrainian parliament who is on the National Security Committee, described the situation as “difficult”.
He told Ukrainian television that “the hottest spots are Severodonetsk and Lisichansk. The enemy is trying to surround our troops.”
The Luhansk brothers are almost completely destroyed, but Ukrainian troops are still present. It is estimated that nearly 15,000 civilians are still in Severodonetsk.
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