Constant, intense fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces has been happening for weeks in both cities. Ukrainian forces in the cities have held on, despite intense bombardments by Russian artillery.
Read here We have already lost too many people to simply cede our territory, – Zelenskyy
Russian forces continue to try to advance into – and past – the two key cities in Ukraine's Donbas region.
Just outside of the city, satellite images show a Russian multiple rocket launch systems pointed toward the city. Scorch marks around one of the systems is a telltale sign that its rockets have targeted Severodonetsk. Towed artillery nearby are also pointed toward the city.
Situation in villages
- Explosions in the village of Bohorodychne can be seen near a blown bridge.
- In the village of Dolyna, smoke is rising from an incoming artillery salvo. In the images, craters from past explosions can also be viewed in a nearby field.
- A field full of craters outside of the village of Dovhenke shows just how many artillery strikes have fallen in the area, as it is completely covered.