By Conor Humphries

KYIV, Reuters – Russia is trying to regain momentum from a failed invasion of Kyiv’s capital.

Russia will be able to capture Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk (on the west bank of Siverskyi Donets), which is the smaller of its twins, and it will also hold Luhansk. This province was the first in the Donbas that Putin placed at the core of his campaign.

Experts say that the destruction of much of the city and subsequent bombardment over two weeks has left it with little strategic value beyond its road and rail connections.

However, it is symbolic because it serves as an administrative centre for the Luhansk region that was still under Ukrainian control after the 2014 Russian-backed separatists seize the rest.

Kostyantyn Mashovets, Ukrainian military analyst said that the Russian leadership would consider the capture of Sievierodonetsk as an important victory for their political and military goals.

In military terms it will be a problem, but not crucial.”

Sievierodonetsk began as a suburb in Lysychansk during Josef Stalin’s Second Soviet Five Year Plan. The purpose was to provide housing for workers of a chemical-fertiliser factory.

The town has always been typical Soviet-provincial. It was lined with identical, high-rise apartments, and residents enjoyed picnicking in the nearby parks.

After separatists took around one third of Luhansk’s province and the capital, Sievierodonetsk was made the administrative center of Ukraine-controlled parts of the region.

The city became an important hub for the Ukrainian military as well as aid organizations operating in the region. Before the invasion, many soldiers spent time here before being rotated to the front.

Regional governor Serhiy Guaidai stated last week that the population has dropped to 15,000 from a peak around 11,000.

The shelling in recent weeks had destroyed 90% of Sievierodonetsk’s buildings, as well as all its infrastructure. He stated that 60% of their housing will need to be rebuilt.

The last access route to the evacuation and relief, which leads southwest toward Bakhmut is still open and under Ukrainian control. However, it has been ravaged by shell-craters following several Russian attempts at seizing the area and cutting off its twin towns.

It’s my hometown, my city. Tetiana, a self-proclaimed head of the bomb shelter told Ukrayinska Pravda that she was not moving.

She said, “There are still walls inside my apartment.” “I will have nothing – but it is my survival.”