Izyum, south-east of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, has become a focus for the Russian military as it retreats from territory around Kyiv in northern Ukraine. The city once of 40,000 people is a gateway to the Donbas region. It has been a battleground since the start of the war, and although on Friday it fell to Russian forces, residents and military officials say intense fighting continues close to the city.
“For three weeks there has been no civilisation. The city has been brought to ruins and intentionally so,” said Volodymyr Matsokin, the deputy mayor of Izyum, who has left the city but is working nearby and speaks to residents regularly.
