Ukrainian forces ask to leave Severodonetsk

Ukrainian forces in Severodonetsk have been told to withdraw.

The city is the focus of Russia’s invasion as Moscow tries to take control of large parts of east Ukraine.

Luhansk regional governor, Serhiy Haidai said remaining in positions that have been relentlessly shelled for months just doesn’t make sense.

Haidai explained that they have received orders to retreat to new positions and from there continue their operations.

He said the city’s entire infrastructure has been completely destroyed with over 90% of houses shelled and 80% of them critically damaged.

Russian forces have made advances in recent days and have nearly encircled the city, and its twin city Lysychansk.