Ukrainian troops, civilians trapped at Azot chemical plant in Severodonetsk, claims LPR

Amid fierce warfare in Ukraine, a representative of Moscow-backed self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) claimed some 300-400 Ukrainian troops are blocked on territory of Severodonetsk Azot Association chemical plant. Rodion Miroshnik, an envoy for Russian-backed separatists, took to Telegram on Saturday and informed nearly 500 civilians, who have taken shelter due to Russian shelling, are also trapped in chemical plant. He claimed that Putin's forces were now tightening grips on Ukrainian troops and ded that Russian forces "are preparing transportation for evacuation of civilians trapped re".

According to Miroshnik, Ukrainian troops demanded a safe passage to city of Lysychansk be provided along with hostages. However, he clarified y will not be allowed to leave plant "unless and until y surrender with ir arms in front of Russian forces". "About 300-400 Ukrainian soldiers are now blocked at Azot. y are positioned near first gatehouse of chemical plant. Up to 500 civilians who were hiding from shelling in plant's bomb shelter may also remain re." Miroshnik said on Telegram.

Luhansk governor claims Ukrainians still hold control of Azot chemical plant

Meanwhile, governor of Luhansk region, Serhii Haidai, claimed Azot chemical plant in Severodonetsk is still under control of Ukraine. He refuted claims of Russian-backed separatists and accused Miroshnik of lying. " information about blocke of Azot plant is a lie. Our forces are holding an industrial zone of Severodonetsk and are destroying Russian army in town," he wrote on Telegram messaging app. However, he acknowledged that Russians shelled plant “for hours” and a big fire broke out. According to multiple local media reports, more than 200 staff of plant and nearly 700-800 civilians are believed to be sheltering in underground bomb shelters at plant.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelesnkyy also mentioned situation in Severodonetsk during his nightly video dress on Saturday. President said that fierce street battles were continuing in Severodonetsk and ded he was proud of Ukrainian defenders who have held back Russian vance for more than two weeks. “Remember how in Russia, at beginning of May, y hoped to seize all of Donbas?” President said. “It’s alrey 108th day of war, alrey June. Donbas is holding," he ded.

Image: AP