Ukraine has ignored a Russian ultimatum to surrender the eastern city of Sievierodonetsk, as the United States announces its largest weapons and aid packages for Ukraine.
Ukraine says more than 500 civilians, including 40 children, remain alongside soldiers inside the Azot chemical plant
The White House has announced a new weapons and humanitarian assistance package for Ukraine worth more than $1 billionRussia had told Ukrainian forces holed up in a chemical plant there to stop "senseless resistance and lay down arms" from Wednesday morning, pressing its advantage in the battle for control of eastern Ukraine.
The mayor of Sievierodonetsk, Oleksandr Stryuk, said Russian forces were trying to storm the city from several directions but the Ukrainians continued to defend it and were not totally cut off,"The situation is difficult but stable," Mr Stryuk told Ukrainian television. "The escape routes are dangerous, but there are some.
"Nevertheless, the Russians are close and the population is suffering and homes are being destroyed," he posted online just before Russia's 8am Moscow time deadline.Luhansk is one of two eastern provinces that Moscow claims on behalf of separatist proxies.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia-Ukraine war: Donbas battles ‘most brutal’ Europe has seen, Zelenskiy says; civilians trapped in Sievierodonetsk – liveUkraine president says intense battles in eastern Ukraine are taking a ‘terrifying’ toll; Russian forces cut off last routes out of Sievierodonetsk
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine war: Donbas battles ‘most brutal’ Europe has seen, Zelenskiy says; civilians trapped in Sievierodonetsk – liveUkraine president says intense battles in eastern Ukraine are taking a ‘terrifying’ toll; Russian forces cut off last routes out of Sievierodonetsk
Read more »
Zelenskiy says the battle for Sievierodonetsk is taking a ‘terrifying’ toll on Ukraine – as it happenedThis live blog is now closed, you can find our latest coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war here
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine ‘still holds’ Sievierodonetsk’s industrial area, mayor says, as UN warns thousands are trapped – liveOleksandr Stryuk says Ukraine controls key city’s perimeter, making connection with neighbouring city possible; UN warns of urgent situation
Read more »
Russia using 'scorched earth method' to push Ukrainian forces to edge of SievierodonetskA mass evacuation of civilians from the fiercely contested eastern Ukrainian city of Sievierodonetsk is now 'simply not possible' due to relentless shelling and fighting, a regional official says.
Read more »
Sievierodonetsk evacuation continues despite loss of main bridgesRemoval of civilians perseveres in ‘quiet’ moments as Russia shifts bulk of military efforts to capturing city
Read more »