The main bridges connecting the contested town of Sieverodonetsk and Ukrainian-held territory in the disputed Donbas region have likely been destroyed, which means Russian troops may be required to attempt a risky river-crossing operation to continue their operations, British military officials said Thursday.
“Ukraine has probably managed to withdraw a large portion of its combat troops who were originally holding the town,” the British Ministry of Defense said Thursday in a Twitter message. “The situation continues to be extremely difficult for the Ukrainian forces and civilians remaining east of the river.”
Hundreds of Russian soldiers were killed or wounded during an attempt last month to cross the Donets River at Bilohorivka, in an attempt to encircle Ukrainian forces.