A Russian bombardment set a central market on the Ukrainian eastern city of Slovyansk ablaze, killing two and injuring seven. This was according to a top official.
“I appeal to everyone to evacuate!” Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko tweeted.
Mayor Vadym Liakh stated that Slovyansk was being struck by Russian artillery from closer positions as it became a frontline town.
He shared photos from the fire on Facebook and described massive shelling. He also urged people to seek shelters.
Russia seeks to take control of all the eastern Donbas industrial areas.
It includes the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and President Vladimir Putin claims that it is part of Russia.
According to Ukraine’s military, Lysychansk was its last stronghold in Luhansk and it was forced to withdraw from the area Monday under intense Russian fire.
According to the army, its troops are strengthening fortifications in Donetsk to protect areas such as Slovyansk.
The BBC was not able to confirm details of the most recent attacks.
Other developments
