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Ukraine said today that its forces were still holding positions in Severodonetsk and trying to evacuate civilians after Russia destroyed the last bridge to the city, which could be a turning point in one of the bloodiest battles in the war, Reuters reported.

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"The situation is very difficult, but there is communication with the city, despite the destruction of the last bridge over the Seversky Donets River," Severodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said.

"Russian troops are trying to storm the city, but the army is resisting," he said.

According to Ukraine, more than 500 civilians are stranded in a chemical plant in the city's industrial zone, where Ukrainian forces are still holding positions after weeks of Russian bombing and offensive.

Struck said evacuations continue to be carried out "every minute when there is a lull and the possibility of transportation".

All bridges to Severodonetsk were destroyed

However, in his words, "these are discrete evacuations, carried out one by one, using every opportunity."

Luhansk Oblast Governor Sergiy Gaidai said the Russians controlled about 80 per cent of Severodonetsk, but the city is still not blocked despite the demolition of its three bridges.

"There is still the possibility of evacuating the wounded, communicating with the Ukrainian army and locals," he was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine