President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in televised comments that holding Severodonetsk was essential because retaking it later would cost five times as many casualties.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in televised comments that holding Severodonetsk was essential because retaking it later would cost five times as many casualties.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that withdrawing from Sievierodonetsk would be extremely costly to retake later, requiring significantly more personnel and equipment.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that if the Russian military fully captured the city, Ukraine would need five times more equipment and people for a counter-offensive.

"If we decide to attack later, we will lose much more," he said.

Ukrainian military forces are holding their positions in the Severodonetsk direction.

President Zelenskyy visited forward positions in Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk oblasts prior to making these statements.

Volodymyr Parasyuk spoke about battles with Russian occupiers near Stoyanka in an interview.