Russian forces had encircled Hirske and Zolote in their drive north to Lysychansk by the 24 June.[108] Russian sources claimed that Ukrainian forces had suffered over 1,000 casualties, including 800 prisoners, in Hirske, Zolote and near Lysychansk over the previous two days.[109] Ukrainian officials announced that Ukrainian troops had left Sievierodonetsk in order to avoid being surrounded by Russian troops.[110][111][112].