Ukraine battles to push back Russian advance in northern Donetsk

A woman walks past the market after shelling, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Sloviansk, Donetsk region, Ukraine, July 5, 2022. REUTERS/Marko Djurica

KYIV/KRAMATORSK, Ukraine (Reuters) - Ukraine has so far staved off any major Russian advance into the north of its Donetsk region, but pressure is intensifying with heavy shelling on the city of Sloviansk and nearby populated areas, the Ukrainian military said on Wednesday.

Russia and separatist proxies were already in control of the southern part of Donetsk province when they effectively completed the seizure of the neighbouring Luhansk region on Sunday with the capture of the city of Lysychansk, much of which now lies in ruins.