Russia has made a big move on one of Ukraine's bigger cities, Kherson, with the mayor denying forces have captured it.
Day seven of Russia's invasion of Ukraine saw an intensified attack on key cities in the country, including Kherson and Kharkiv.
Closer to home in Liverpool, hundreds of people are donating clothes, food and essentials to be delivered to refugees from Ukraine
READ MORE: Police probe link between shooting of man and schoolgirl, 15
Here's everything we know from day seven of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Russia intensifies its attacks on key Ukrainian cities
Russia says it has taken control of the port of Kherson, although its mayor says Ukrainian forces are still holding on.
There are also fears of mass casualties in Mariupol, with the deputy mayor saying one district has been "nearly totally destroyed".
There are reports of a rocket attack in Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv, on the regional police department and part of a university
Earlier, Russian paratroopers landed in the city and began fighting for control, Ukraine's military said.
Liverpool ready to welcome Ukrainian refugees
At tonight's full city council meeting, the leaders of the city's Labour, Lib Dem, Green and Liberal groups will unite to show support for the Ukrainian people - and condemn Russia's 'illegal and unprovoked' invasion.
The council motion will also call on the UK government to do more and offer sanctuary to Ukrainians in their hour of need.
The government has been criticised for its policy, which means only Ukrainians with relatives in the UK are permitted to come here.
Tonight's cross-party motion states: "This council condemns the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, an illegal act of international aggression which again sees the spectre of war cast a shadow over Europe and across all the peaceful, democratic and free nations of the world.
"Council notes that Liverpool has an active Ukrainian community who face a reality that their family and friends in Ukraine are in the midst of conflict.
"Liverpool has a proud history of providing sanctuary and welcome to people from the Ukraine since the beginning of the last century, which has allowed generations of families to live in peace and enjoy the security and the opportunity that Liverpool and the UK offers. Liverpool again stands ready to offer its support and sanctuary."
Ukrainian negotiators depart for Belarus, Russia claims
Russian officials say they expect Ukrainian negotiators to arrive on the Polish-Belarusian border for the next round of peace talks on Thursday morning, where a ceasefire is set to be discussed.
Moscow's chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, told Russian media the Ukrainian delegation has left the capital city of Kyiv and that Russian troops are providing a security corridor for the delegates.
Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier on Wednesday that Moscow remains committed to the "demilitarisation" of Ukraine and added there should be a list of specified weapons that can never be deployed on Ukrainian territory.
But he said that Vladimir Putin's regime recognised the Ukrainian people's right to chose their own leader and that Russia accepts Volodymyr Zelensky as the legitimate president.
Girl, 5, with 'big heart' to donate toys to children in Ukraine
A five-year-old girl in Merseyside has said she will donate her toys to children in Ukraine.
Julia Czakon, along with her mum, is asking for donations to support people in Ukraine who are being affected by the devastating crisis following Russia's invasion.
The schoolgirl, based in Southport and born in Cornwall, has expressed care and compassion for those affected, drawing a heart with the Polish and Ukrainian colours in.
Julia’s mother, Agata Czakon said: “On Thursday there will be a collection to help Ukrainian people, anyone who can help, then please contact me or drop off the items at the Lidl car park in Southport at 6.30pm.
“We need First Aid kits, blankets, bedding, clothes, clothes and other items for babies and children, shoes, utility items, toys, etc. Thank you. The main founder of the collection is the Polonia in Merseyside.
“I decided to organise a collection in the Southport area. We cannot pass by indifferently to the situation as it is happening in Ukraine.
Nearly 900,000 people have fled Ukraine - UN
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) says 874,026 people have left Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion last Thursday.
Poland has received more than half that total.
The UNHCR has appealed for nearly $2bn (£1.5bn) for its relief operation – but says its original prediction that up to four million Ukrainians could end up fleeing the country might be an underestimate.
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