Russian troops were able to enter Severodonetsk in the Luhansk region and control a strip of about one hundred meters, but could not advance further.
This was stated by Roman Vlasenko, head of the Severodonetsk district administration, on the air of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
"Battles are taking place in the outskirts of Severodonetsk. The enemy was able to enter Severodonetsk from two directions - Novoaidar and Starobilsk and now controls about a hundred meters strip of land. Could not move significantly more, our guys continue to defend," said Vlasenko.
According to him, in the Lysychansk community are also assault attacks, but they still take place in the countryside, the occupants have not reached Lysychansk.
"Aircraft and artillery are being used, but the guys are holding their ground," Vlasenko added.
He also reported that in the Bakhmut direction from Popasna the russian offensive ended in defeat.
"Our guys slightly repulsed the invaders. We are not yet surrounded, but the situation in Lysychansk and Severodonetsk remains difficult," added the head of the district administration.
The Lysychansk-Bakhmut highway is under the control of the Ukrainian military, but it is constantly shelled by russian troops, so it is dangerous to travel across it.
Vlasenko stressed that now the situation is "at its peak," and the russian army "threw all the forces they had to surround Severodonetsk and Lysychansk.
"Today is the third or fourth day when the city is under fire 24/7, the logistics are very difficult, we cannot normally bring humanitarian aid or provide evacuation. There are sporadic cases, but systematically there is no possibility to work on humanitarian aid and evacuation," he said.
Earlier, the head of the Luhansk RMA said that russian troops entered the outskirts of Severodonetsk - the northeastern and southeastern parts of the city. Heavy fighting is going on for Severodonetsk and Lysychansk. The enemy deployed all possible weapons and aviation.