Russia Ukraine war updates

#Russian troops advancing in Luhansk as eastern Ukraine under fire.

#The Ukrainian army says that the Russian army is progressing in the areas of Lysychansk and Severodonetsk, in the eastern region of Luhansk.

#It claims that Russia has stepped up its bombing of the entire Donbass region, using heavy firepower to damage the defenses around the city of Donetsk.

#Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that Russian forces have “completely destroyed” Donbass, saying: “It’s hell over there”.

#Thirteen civilians have died in the Russian bombings in the Luhansk area in the past few days, says the governor.

#Meanwhile, US senators have approved almost $40 billion (£32 billion) in aid for Ukraine – the largest support since Russia’s invasion.

#President Biden says Finland and Sweden have his “full support” in their bid to join NATO.

#British PM Boris Johnson accused Russia of a “craven” blockage of Ukrainian cereal exports.