The center of the east is fierce fighting in Ukraine's Sievierodonetsk. Oleksandr Stryuk, the mayor, says that it is holding on despite a Russian reconnaissance and sabotage team entering a city hotel.

Stryuk stated that at least 1,500 people were killed in Sievierodonetsk, and approximately 12,000 to 13,000 residents remain in the city. He also said that 60% of residential buildings in the area have been destroyed.

Sievierodonetsk, the Donbas' only region of Luhansk under Ukrainian government control is being attacked by Russian forces.

Stryuk stated that the main road connecting Lysychansk to Bakhmut in the southwest is still open. However, travel can be dangerous.

He stated that only 12 people could be evacuated on Thursday.

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