Luhansk regional governor Serhiy Gaidai speaks in a video message, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Ukraine, May 8, 2022 in this screengrab taken from a handout video obtained by Reuters on May 8, 2022. Luhansk Regional Military-Civil Administration/Handout via REUTERS
All bridges to Ukraine's embattled eastern frontline city of Sievierodonetsk have been destroyed, rendering impossible the evacuation of civilians remaining there, the local governor said on Monday, adding that some "access" to the city remained.
Governor Serhiy Gaidai wrote on the Telegram app that Russia had not taken full control of the city, and that "a part" of it remained under Ukrainian control, but that it was no longer possible to transport humanitarian cargoes there.
Gaidai also told RFE/RL's Ukrainian service that although 70% of the city was now controlled by Russia, the situation for Ukrainian troops there was "difficult but under control."
"They have the ability to send the wounded to hospitals, so there is still access,” he said.
"It’s hard to deliver weapons or reserves. Difficult, but not impossible,” he added.
