Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from the embattled eastern town of Siversk, as Russia continues its steady though slow advance.
The Ukrainian military said on Tuesday it acted to preserve the lives of soldiers and the combat capability of units, adding that Russian forces had a significant advantage in manpower.
It added that Russian troops were continuing active offensive actions in the Siversk area despite significant losses.
Earlier in the day, officials said three people, including a young child, were killed in massive overnight Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine.
The capture of Siversk brings Russia closer to the last remaining fortress belt cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk still in Ukrainian hands in the industrial Donetsk region.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
Edited by Favour Owonibi.