KYIV: On the seventh day of fighting in Ukraine Wednesday, Russia claims control of the southern port city of Kherson, street battles rage in Ukraine s second-biggest city Kharkiv, and Kyiv braces for a feared Russian assault.
Here is a summary of the situation on the ground, based on statements from the sides, Western defence and intelligence sources and international organisations.
The military situation:
- Russia says it has taken “full control” of Kherson, a port city on the Black Sea.
- Kherson s mayor says “We are still Ukraine. Still firm”.
- Ukraine says Russian paratroopers also landed in Kharkiv, Ukraine s second city.
- There is fighting in the streets of Kharkiv, Ukraine s army says.
- Emergency services report four dead, nine wounded in Kharkiv shelling.
- AFP witnesses see rocket damage to security, police and university buildings in Kharkiv.
- Russia steps up bombing of Ukraine s cities, including west and south of Kyiv.
- With Western observers noticing a Russian military column outside Kyiv, the capital remains braced for a possible assault.
- Spain is the latest country to announce supply of “military hardware” to Ukraine.
