Latest news about Russia and the war in Ukraine

Luhansk RMA chief Serhii Haidai said the eastern city of Severodonetsk is now divided between Russian and Ukrainian control, according to an NBC News translation.

This indicates gains for Ukrainian forces, the official said, as the Russians took control of the city by about 70% two days ago. Hayday also said that the Russian occupiers lost a large number of people and captured eight Russians.

CNBC was unable to immediately confirm the report. The situation on the ground in Ukraine is rapidly changing.

In his evening speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said: “The situation in Severodonetsk, where street fighting continues, remains very difficult.”

– Kristen Wang

The mayor of the city said that several explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, after missile strikes on infrastructure.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said one person has been sent to hospital and that services are already operating at the affected sites.

The mayor of another city in the area, Brovary, also urged residents to remain calm and in safe places after reports of hostile fire in the area.

CNBC was unable to confirm the report. It is still difficult to confirm military developments on the ground given the rapidly changing situation.

– Kristen Wang

The British Ministry of Defense said that Ukrainian forces in the disputed eastern city of Severodonetsk were facing a confrontation with separatist forces led by Russia from Luhansk.

The ministry said these forces are poorly equipped and trained and lack heavy equipment compared to regular Russian units. She said that the use of proxy forces is a Russian tactic that has been seen before in Syria and suggests a desire to limit losses among Russian forces.

CNBC was not able to immediately confirm troop movements. It may be difficult or impossible to confirm military developments given the volatile situation on the ground.

– Kristen Wang