Russian forces are trying to bypass the city from the north and south, but so far without success, a military spokesperson said.

Russia has claimed that its soldiers have entered the strategically important eastern Ukrainian town of Velyka Novosilka - and raised its flag there. Russia's Defense Ministry made the claim on Friday,

Russia’s Defense Ministry claims that Russian troops have fought their way into the center of a strategically important eastern Ukraine town and raised the Russian flag there after a monthslong battle

Russia says it shot down more than 120 drones overnight, in what would be one of the largest attacks of the war.

Ukraine said on Friday it had struck a Russian oil refinery and a microchip factory in a huge drone attack that caused fires at the refinery's production facilities and an oil pumping station. Russia said hours earlier that its forces had repelled an overnight drone attack,

Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov said North Korea has already provided Russia with 120 self-propelled artillery guns and 120 multiple-launch rocket systems, with more to come.

Britain's defense ministry said about 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed and around 3,000 more wounded fighting against Ukraine.

The South Korean military reports on North Korea's plans to send additional troops to Russia, attributing this decision to numerous casualties. North Korea is preparing to reinforce its military presence in Russia.