"City Is Being Simply Wiped Off": Arestovych Described Situation in Sievierodonetsk

The Russians reinforced their group alignment near Sievierodonetsk and deployed multiple artillery units, as Oleksii Arestovych, the Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, explained on Monday, June 6th, during his livestream with Mark Feigin, the Russian human rights advocate.

According to him, the city is being “simply wiped off” by the invasion forces.

“Therefore, we cannot capitalize on our core advantage in short-range infantry combat and are forced to maneuver under the enemy artillery fire. In the modern war, the situation on the battlefield tends to change in a swift and unpredictable manner. Yesterday they were retreating from the city with significant losses, while today they are barraging us, while we are mostly hiding. Although, there are still some street fight engagements”, the Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine said.

Arestovych also added the Russians redeployed in Sievierodonetsk their troops previously stationed in Bakhmut area. Therefore, the current activities along the Bakhmut axis are limited to the demonstrational moves, air raids and exchange of artillery fire, while the main Russian military force is used to attack and cut off the Bakhmut – Lysychansk highway.

"They are advancing in that direction. By now, we haven’t yet stopped this advance. They are moving slow, but still moving. There is a good chance that they will cut off the highway. Moreover, they are trying to cut through our positions near Lysychansk and batter down our line of defense. If they break through that point, then the situation for our troops will become pretty challenging. I mean, if they manage to close this “cauldron”, we will witness the repetition of Debaltsevo operation and we will essentially have the second Mariupol. Now they are pressing on three axes. Around a half of all Russian forces deployed in Ukraine is now concentrated at the frontline section between Izium and Popasna”, Arestovych explained.

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