Day 104 of the Invasion of Ukraine: Kyiv is Losing Territory, Battle for Sievierodonetsk Continues

Ukraine is losing territory, new attacks on Kyiv, Italy summoned the Russian ambassador. Here are the highlights of events related to the war in Ukraine over the past 24 hours:

Ukraine is losing territory

Ukrainian troops are losing territory after parts of the eastern city of Sievierodonetsk were captured by Russian forces, local authorities say. "The fighting is very fierce in Sievierodonetsk," regional governor Sergei Gaidai told Ukrainian television 1 + 1. "Our defenders managed to counterattack and liberate half the city, but the situation for us has worsened."

Earlier, Gaidai said Ukrainian troops had succeeded in clearing half the city.

The battle for Sievierodonetsk continues

The Ukrainian president said the situation could become very difficult for Ukraine if Russian forces break through the front lines in Donbas, the eastern region of Sievierodonetsk. Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had more troops in the city, but that Ukrainian forces were not surrendering their positions in Sievierodonetsk.

In his traditional video address tonight, he said:

"The Russian army is trying to mobilize additional forces in Donbas, but the city is standing firm. We are doing everything for the defense of Zaporizhzhia region, as well as Nikolaev. I am grateful to everyone who withstands strong pressure and defends our country."

Ukraine's Defense Ministry has accused Russia of shelling civilian infrastructure around Sievierodonetsk, as well as in the north in the Kharkiv region and in the west around Sloviansk, where Russia reportedly continues its offensive. Moscow denies allegations that it is targeting civilians.

Earlier, in a meeting with the media,...