"The shelling is getting stronger every day,” Zaika said. “The invaders are constantly shelling the town."
"In Lysychansk, 60% of all infrastructure and housing have been destroyed. The town has no electricity, gas, phone or Internet connection. People learn about the situation in Ukraine from police officers and volunteers."
Zaika said that the Bakhmut-Lysychansk highway, or the "route of life," is still under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but is constantly under fire.
At the same time, humanitarian aid is still being delivered to the town, he said.
"They're shelling without a break there, it's very difficult to drive, but there are alternative roads that can be used to drive more or less safely. We have everything set up in this direction. But, after heavy shelling, military equipment fails, debris and mines are scattered everywhere," the official said.
"Despite this, we deliver humanitarian aid every day. About 20,000 civilians remain in the town, we had about 97,000 people before. Currently, the evacuation from the town has been suspended."
Zaika said the locals have faith in the Ukrainian military and are waiting for a counterattack.
On June 1, Ukraine's Defense Ministry reported that Russian troops were trying to reach the administrative borders of Luhansk Oblast, storming the town of Severodonetsk and trying to encircle Lysychansk.
The invaders are firing along the entire front line, using mortars, artillery and multiple rocket launcher systems.