There has been fierce combat reported outside the Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk.

Russia intensifies its attempt to conquer the entire eastern region of Luhansk.

Serhiy Haidai, the local governor, said the Russians were “destroying” the city as they steadily encircled it.

He wrote that his troops had resisted 11 frontline strikes, with eight tanks among the Russian vehicles destroyed.

The claims were not independently verified.

Russia has upped its artillery, air raids, and missile attacks in Luhansk, gaining land mile by mile while the Ukrainians are forced to flee.

Soldiers are redeployed following the successful siege of Mariupol.

He claims the Russians are “enjoying much more freedom of movement.”