In Lysychansk, the Deputy Mayor, Andriy Skoryy, highlighted a severe problem with food supply as retreating Ukrainian forces destroyed critical access routes. He noted that several overpasses and bridges across major routes were destroyed during the withdrawal, isolating the city from surrounding regions and complicating relief efforts. The conflicts left the city cut off from essential food deliveries and basic goods, creating a humanitarian strain for residents who rely on regular supply chains.
Skoryy described the extent of the damage along the Seversky Donets basin. Four bridges were demolished along the river, and one bridge within the city was destroyed. Another key crossing to the refinery area was blown up, and an access route to the town of Gorskoye faced similar sabotage. The transport arteries toward Lugansk and Zolote were also affected, with multiple bridges undermined on the way to Luhansk. This fragmentation of infrastructure has hindered large-scale food imports and distribution from nearby regions.
As a partial measure, there is an attempt to restore the bridge over the Belenkaya River by converting it into a pontoon crossing. Yet local officials acknowledge that this fix is insufficient for sustaining a steady food supply. The absence of reliable road connections means trucks cannot reach the city at scale. Orchestration of relief now hinges on two parallel pathways: use of military vehicles for high-priority deliveries and the selective use of small civilian vehicles that can navigate the limited routes. Private entrepreneurs and small shops are stepping in to bridge gaps where possible, but their efforts cannot replace a complete transport corridor.
The Deputy Mayor stressed that the immediate priority is to stabilize food prices while relief flows are organized. Calibrating prices can help households manage scarce resources and preserve essential access to staple foods during a period of disrupted distribution. Local administrators are coordinating with regional partners to assess inventory levels, identify bottlenecks, and prioritize products that households depend on most. The aim is to ensure affordability while food becomes available again through whatever routes can be secured in the near term.
Skoryy also outlined a broader relief framework under which the city would align with regional and national support to address the ongoing humanitarian needs. He signaled that discussions have been held with regional authorities about accelerating aid and coordinating delivery schedules. The focus is on safeguarding civilian welfare while the security situation evolves and enabling life-support operations to reach the most affected neighborhoods. A persistent emphasis will be placed on maintaining supply lines for essential goods and minimizing disruption to residents who have already endured significant adversity.
In related remarks, the administration underscored the importance of transparency and clear communication with residents. Daily briefings are intended to keep the public informed about supply developments, price trends, and available assistance programs. The city is seeking to balance urgency with careful planning to avoid further volatility in the market and to prevent panic among shoppers. Community leaders are calling for patience as authorities work to restore reliable access routes and to rebuild confidence in the resilience of local supply networks.
Looking ahead, officials anticipate a phased restoration of transportation arteries as stabilization advances. The priority is to reestablish reliable ferries, temporary bridges, and other temporary solutions that can move food and medical supplies into the city while longer-term restoration projects proceed. There is a recognition that the road back to full normalcy will be gradual, requiring sustained cooperation among military, civil authorities, and civilian enterprises. The overarching goal remains simple and urgent: to ensure that Lysychansk residents have steady access to food and essential goods at reasonable prices while recovery efforts continue on multiple fronts.