Fierce fighting continues on the streets of Sevierodonetsk and the constant Russian artillery shelling has led to the Ukrainian forces being pushed back in the western parts of the city towards the river Donets.
On the other side of the river is the twin city of Lysychansk, which is also under heavy fire.
- It is possible that the Ukrainian forces will have to regroup there.
But so far, Sievjerodonetsk is being maintained, says Joakim Paasikivi.
Together, the cities are the last obstacles for Russia to control the entire Luhansk region.
What speaks for Ukraine and what speaks for Russia in the battles over Luhansk? Hear Joakim Paasikivi explain what the balance of power looks like in the clip above.