Ukraine’s military said in a Facebook post that Russian offensives continued around Bakhmut and surrounding towns “despite significant losses”. It added that its forces had repelled more than 100 attacks in the Donetsk region but noted that Russian forces were relentless in their pursuit to capture Bakhmut.

A missile strike on Kramatorsk, a city near Bakhmut in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, has damaged six apartment blocks and killed a civilian, Ukrainian officials said.

Ukrainian President said in a Telegram post that a Russian missile had hit the city center.

“Kramatorsk. A Russian missile hit the city center. Six high-rise buildings were damaged. At least three people were injured. One person died. My condolences to the family! Rescue operations are still ongoing.

Every strike that takes an innocent life must result in a lawful and just sentence that punishes murder. It will definitely be that way”, - Volodymyr Zelensky said.