EDITOR’S PICK
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Russian shelling has caused a huge fire at a chemical plant in Ukraine’s Severodonetsk city where “non-stop” fighting rages.
Serhiy Haidai told Ukrainian TV that Saturday’s blaze started after a leak of tens of tonnes of oil from damaged radiators at the Azot plant.
Hundreds of civilians are reportedly sheltering at the plant.
Severodonetsk has become the focal point of Russia’s efforts to advance in eastern Ukraine.
Fighting has lasted more than three months. Russia’s early attempt to capture major cities including Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv faltered and is now instead trying to capture the Luhansk and the Donetsk regions – a vast mostly industrial area collectively known as Donbas.
Seizing Severodonetsk and its twin city of Lysychansk would move Russia closer to its goal as it would give them control over Luhansk.
In his statement, Haidai admitted most of Severodonetsk was now in Russian hands. The Russian military says that all of Severodonetsk’s residential areas are now under its control.
“The Azot chemical plant has been under heavy shelling for hours,” Mr Haidai said on Saturday.
FURTHER READING
He did not say whether there were any casualties and whether the blaze was later extinguished.
Ukraine officials estimate that as many as 800 civilians are hiding in underground bomb shelters at the Azot plant.
Click to watch our video of the week
NATO Issues Strong Warning to Russia – Secretary-General Mark Rutte vows a "devastating" response to…
'Sanction Boko Haram, ISWAP Over Attacks' - US Agency Tells Nigeria. Report accuses Nigerian government…
Team Effort Matters: Captain William Troost-Ekong dismissed claims that the Super Eagles rely too much…
