Russian Forces Push Into Pivotal City in Eastern Ukraine – WSJ

KYIV, Ukraine Russian forces advanced Monday into the center of Severodonetsk, one of the last Ukrainian strongholds in the eastern Donbas region, where Moscow is now concentrating its offensive.

The battle for Severodonetsk has in many ways resembled the fight for Mariupol, where Russian-backed forces worked to encircle the city while constant shelling reduced most buildings to rubble.

The fight underscores the central role of artillery in the east of Ukraine as Russia tries to avoid losing more manpower in urban fighting. The city s fall would likely free up Russian soldiers for their next assault on the Ukrainian cities of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, which would be the last redoubts of Ukrainian forces in the east.

via www.wsj.com