Ukrainian forces in “tough defensive position” in Severodonetsk - local official

CNN reports

Stryuk said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Severodonetsk currently see continuous fighting on the city outskirts, and the most intense ones are taking place in the Myr hotel and the bus station areas.

"A real battle can be heard in the main bus station area. Our military is in a tough defensive position. The city is being constantly shelled. The humanitarian headquarters that is located in the city was practically immobilized today, because it is not safe to move around the city, and the work of the headquarters was suspended” CNN cited him as saying.

CNN quoted Stryuk as describing the dire humanitarian situation in the city - deprived of cell phone reception and electricity supply, with supplies into the city possible but very difficult, and attempts to evacuate civilians are fraught with danger.