Smoke billows from Severodonetsk in Luhansk region, Ukraine, on Thursday. Russia will permit the evacuation of civilians from the Azot chemical plant in Severodonetsk Wednesday. Photo: VCG

Servicemen of Luhansk fire a D-20 152 milimeter howitzer in the direction of the town of Popasna, in Donetsk, Ukraine, on June 6. Photo: VCG

A destroyed residential building in the town of Popasna, a town in Severodonetsk Raion, Luhansk, Ukraine, on Monday. Russia has given Ukrainian forces holed up in Severodonetsk’s Azot chemical plant until early Wednesday to lay down their arms. Photo: VCG

Servicemen from Luhansk attack the retreating Ukrainian army in the village of Toshkovka in Luhansk region, Ukraine, on Sunday. Photo: IC Photo

A serviceman from Luhansk is seen in the village of Toshkovka in Luhansk region, Ukraine, on Sunday. Photo: IC Photo

Civilians are evacuated from the village of Toshkovka in Luhansk, Ukraine, on Sunday. Photo: IC Photo

Firefighters extinguish a fire following recent shelling in the Kiyevsky district of Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Monday. Fierce fighting continues in eastern Ukraine. Photo: VCG

A Ukrainian tanker fires at frontline positions near the city of Soledar, Donetsk, Ukraine, on Thursday. Photo: VCG

Shellfire damage at the Chaikino electrical substation in the city of Makiivka, Donetsk, Ukraine, on Friday. Photo: VCG

A badly damaged residential building in Kalininsky district of Donetsk, Ukraine, after a shelling attack by Ukrainian forces on June 9. Photo: VCG

Ukrainian servicemen ride a BMP-1 armored infantry vehicle in Donetsk, Ukraine, on Monday. Photo: IC Photo

Ukrainian service members fire a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launch system near the town of Bakhmut, Donetsk, Ukraine, on Saturday. Photo: IC Photo