A Russian battalion suffered significant losses during a failed river crossing at the Siversky Donets, marking the third such attempt in three days, according to Serhiy Hayday, head of the Luhansk Regional Military Administration. The Ukrainian forces destroyed Russian speed boats, helicopters, and pontoon bridges, with images showing numerous burnt-out armoured vehicles. The UK ministry of defence commented on the risky nature of the crossing, while Moscow has not provided any statements. Despite setbacks, Russian troops have captured the town of Rubizhne and are continuing their offensive.

After two months in a basement in Russian-occupied Izyum, Ukraine, Elena and her daughter escaped through a volunteer-organized route, enduring Russian checkpoints and shelling. Izyum, a strategic city in the Donbas region, has been heavily bombarded and occupied by Russia since April 1, with an estimated 80% destruction and 10,000-15,000 civilians remaining. The city lacks basic services, and the dead are buried in parks and near houses. Katerina, another escapee, left her mother behind and described the city as a once cozy place now destroyed. Communication with those inside is nearly impossible, but volunteers like a man also named Volodymyr Zelensky have helped evacuate about 200 people.

Survivors from Mariupol, Oleksandr and Olena, describe harrowing conditions in Russian 'filtration camps' where civilians are detained before evacuation. They recount intense interrogations, poor living conditions, and fears of being falsely accused and sent to Donetsk for further investigation or execution. Mariupol's mayor, Vadym Boychenko, accuses Russian forces of preventing civilian evacuation and ordering violence against them. Valentyna and her husband Evgeniy also escaped Mariupol, detailing a dire survival situation and the 'ghetto-like' nature of the camps. The article highlights the plight of the displaced Ukrainians amidst the ongoing conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his forces to encircle Ukrainian defenders in Mariupol's Azovstal steel works, opting to blockade rather than storm the facility. Despite heavy bombardment and demands for surrender, Ukrainian resistance persists. The Azovstal plant, a key strategic point for a land bridge to Crimea, is defended by about 1,000 Ukrainian troops and shelters over 2,000 civilians. The change in Russian tactics may be influenced by the desire to conserve resources for the broader Donbas offensive, maintain diplomatic options, and potentially salvage the steel works. Allegations of the use of banned weapons by Russian forces have been made, but not independently verified. Evacuation efforts for civilians are ongoing but face challenges.