Evening summary
We’re wrapping the blog up for tonight, but you can join us again from tomorrow morning. Here are the key events from the 199th day of the invasion.
Residents in Russian-controlled parts of the Kharkiv region have been advised to evacuate to Russia, according to the state-run news agency Tass.
Ukraine appears to have regained control of the two key cities of Kupiansk and Izium after a major counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region in recent days.
Photos published by the Ukrainian security forces showed troops in Kupiansk, an important logistical hub for Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.
The Russian ministry of defence confirmed the withdrawal of its troops from Izium, claiming they were being “regrouped” so that efforts could be stepped up in Donetsk.
The Ukrainian flag has also been raised in the city of Balakliya, according to the Kharkiv regional governor.
The UK ministry of defence said Russian forces were “likely taken by surprise” by the counteroffensive.
A woman has been killed and at least 20 civilians injured in Russian shelling in the Kharkiv district, according to the regional governor.
The UN said it has documented “torture and ill-treatment” of prisoners of war held by Russian forces in Ukraine. It also said it had corroborated at least 5,767 civilian deaths, though added that the actual numbers are “likely considerably higher”.
The Ukrainian military said a further 350 Russian soldiers have been killed, bringing the total number since the start of the invasion to 52,250.
Ukraine’s deputy defence minister Hanna Malyar has said its forces finally established full control over the city of Balakliya on Saturday.
Malyar’s online statement comes hours after the Russian defence ministry said it was pulling its troops from the area.
Earlier today, Kharkiv’s regional governor said the Ukrainian flag had been raised in the city.
