KYIV (Reuters – Ukraine still controls the Azot chemical facility in Sievierodonetsk, where hundreds of civilians shelter, according to the governor of the region. This was after a Russian-backed separatist said that 300-400 Ukrainian fighters had been trapped in the Azot plant.

Serhiy Gaidai (guvernor of Luhansk, which is partially under control by pro-Russian separatists), stated that the Azot Plant blockade information was a liar on Telegram.

“Our forces hold an industrial zone in Sievierodonetsk, and are destroying Russian troops,” he wrote.

The focus of Russia’s offensive in eastern Ukraine has now been established in Sievierodonetsk. This small, rural city is one of the bloodiest in the war, which has entered its fourth month.

According to Ukraine, 800 persons were living in bomb shelters under the Azot plant. This includes 200 workers and 600 Sievierodonetsk residents.

Rodion Miroshnik was a Russian-backed representative for the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic. He stated on Saturday that the plant’s grounds were blocked by 300-400 Ukrainian fighters. The civilians tried to get to Lysychansk.

Miroshnik declared that “such demands are unacceptable” and said they would not be discussed. She also stated that talks were ongoing with fighters regarding civilians in the plant.