Russian forces have been targeting the capture of Shevyerodonetsk, the strategically important city, for some time now. Gaidai admitted earlier today that Ukrainian forces had lost control of Metyolkine, a village adjacent to Shevyerodonetsk. According to the governor, most of Shevyerodonetsk is now in the hands of the Russians.
Ukraine only controls the Azot factory, which is said to be home to about 300 civilians. The situation is constantly changing, according to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Irina Vereshchuk. If the civilians entrenched there want to be evacuated, a humanitarian corridor will be set up, according to Vereshchuk. Gaidai said on Saturday that the citizens do not want to leave.