Ukraine war live: Zelenskyy promises ‘heroic defence’ of Sievierodonetsk

Intense fighting to control Sievierodonetsk continued Wednesday, with both Russia and Ukraine making a series of claims and counter-claims about the situation on the ground. Moscow said it had “liberated” the eastern city, which is key to controlling Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, although this was soon rebuked by Kyiv who maintained they were still in control. 

Meanwhile, Ukraine appealed for more heavy weapons to counter Russia’s military offensive in the east. Allies of the country are moving to provide these sought-after arms, amid a broader international effort to get more grain out of Ukraine, yet it is taking time. 

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