Ukrainian separatists take control over Nikolayevka

Ukrainian separatists took control over the town of Nikolayevka in the Donetsk region on Sunday. The Russian military announced earlier that the troops of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic advanced another six kilometers .

Meanwhile Russian troops drew closer to Kyiv, a city of almost 3 million, street fighting broke out in Ukraine's second-largest city, and strategic ports in the country's south came under pressure from attackers. Ukrainian defenders put up stiff resistance that appeared to slow the invasion.

Putin sent troops into Ukraine after building up a force of almost 200,000 troops along the country's borders. Russia claims its assault on Ukraine is aimed only at military targets, but bridges, schools and residential neighbourhoods have been hit.