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Russian troops probably retain control of most of Severodonetsk - ISW

The exact situation in the city remains unclear.

Russian troops are likely to retain control of most of Severodonetsk, reported by the American Institute for the Study of the War [ISW].

Analysts added that the exact situation in the city remains unclear. Territory control is likely to change frequently.

The nature of urban combat in Severodonetsk is likely obfuscating reports of control of terrain within the city, though кussian forces likely retain control over much of the city. Head of the Luhansk Regional State Administration Serhiy Haidai claimed on June 5 that Ukrainian forces managed to retake large parts of Severodonetsk and push russian forces to the outskirts of the city during successful urban counterattacks,” - the statement reads.

Ukrainian journalist Yuri Butusov, however, denied Haidai’s claims on June 5 and claimed that Ukrainian forces only control the Azot industrial sector of Severodonetsk. Haidai amended his claims on June 6 and reported that the situation in Severodonetsk has deteriorated significantly, adding that Ukrainian forces were indeed fighting within the Azot industrial site on June 6.

The reason for Haidai and Butusov’s conflicting reports is unclear, and heavy urban fighting is ongoing in the city, the report says.

Russian forces in the Izyum area did not make any confirmed advances, while forces advancing west from Lyman secured minor gains.

Russian forces continued unsuccessful attempts to sever Ukrainian lines of communication northeast of Bakhmut.

Limited and localized Ukrainian counterattacks on June 5 forced russian troops to focus on holding defensive lines north of Kharkiv City on June 6, the reports reads.

ISW adds that the russian occupation authorities are stepping up efforts to issue russian passports to Ukrainian citizens and tighten control over the occupied territories.

Haidai declared that the intercepted conversations of the russian occupiers testify that the commander of the army of the russian federation received two tasks - to capture Severodonetsk and the Lisichansk-Bakhmut route by June 10.

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