MOSCOW, June 7. /TASS/. Donbass forces supported by Russian troops have almost completely mopped up Severodonetsk, fighting is going on in the suburbs of Lisichansk, the Lugansk People’s Republic’s (LPR) ambassador said on Tuesday.

"Severodonetsk and its residential areas have been freed and mopped up by the allied forces," Rodion Miroshnik said in a Telegram post. "Ukrainian forces have also been almost completely driven out of the city’s industrial zone and forced into Azot" chemical plant.

The village of Sirotino on the outskirts of Severodonetsk is a "grey zone", according to Miroshnik. The village of Metelkino is almost completely controlled by Donbass and Russian troops. Ukrainians have dug in at the airport in the southeast of the Severdonetsk. "They have occupied a number of buildings and are firing artillery shells to the east. The allied forces are reciprocating from positions near Borovsky," the diplomat said.

Heavy shelling is heard near Lisichansk. The outskirts and the center of the city are engulfed by fires, he said. Ukraine has sent criminals and deserters released from jail to defend the city, according to Miroshnik.

Serious fighting has begun in Privolye, a city in the northwest of Severdonetsk and Lisichansk, the diplomat said.