Russia is under severe attack
In the current context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian forces have been ordered to withdraw from the main eastern city as Russia continues to carry out heavy attacks.
The withdrawal has sparked speculation that Western nations may be providing Ukraine with the kind of arms aid it needs to confront Russia.
Top Ukrainian officials say Ukrainian forces have been ordered to withdraw from the main eastern part of Sevorodonetsk.
Severdonetsk has been facing heavy attacks and bombings for weeks as Russian forces try to take full control of the region.
Retreat observation
It should be noted, however, that these retreats left Russian control of the whole of Luhansk except the city of Lysychansk.
Luhansk, a predominantly Russian-speaking part of eastern Ukraine, is considered a top priority by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Along with the Donetsk region, this region is called Donbass. It is seen as a massive, industrial area and has been at the center of the pro-Russian separatist movement since 2014.
