Bodies of 44 civilians have been discovered in the rubble of a collapsed building in Izyum, Ukraine, amid ongoing battles for control of the area. The building collapsed in March due to Russian shelling, but rescuers have only now been able to reach it. The death toll may rise as another building on the same street was also targeted. Izyum mayor Valeriy Marchenko and Kharkiv regional governor Oleh Synyehubov provided updates on the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by rescuers working without special equipment and under intermittent shelling.

Oleksandr and Olena, among others, recount harrowing experiences in Russian filtration camps near Mariupol, describing conditions akin to concentration camps with brutal interrogations and poor living conditions. Many civilians, including the elderly and disabled, face dire circumstances, with some being forcibly deported to Russia. Escape is perilous, often relying on risky private drivers. The article highlights the severe humanitarian crisis and the ongoing suffering of Ukrainians amid the Russian invasion.

A Russian battalion suffered significant losses during a failed river crossing at the Siversky Donets, marking the third such attempt in three days, according to Serhiy Hayday, head of the Luhansk Regional Military Administration. The Ukrainian forces destroyed Russian speed boats, helicopters, and pontoon bridges, with images showing numerous burnt-out armoured vehicles. The UK ministry of defence commented on the risky nature of the crossing, while Moscow has not provided any statements. Despite setbacks, Russian troops have captured the town of Rubizhne and are continuing their offensive.

A failed river crossing by a Russian battalion, resulting in the loss of nearly all its armored vehicles, marked the third such attempt in three days, according to Serhiy Hayday, head of the Luhansk Regional Military Administration. The crossing of the Siversky Donets River is crucial for Russia to encircle strategic eastern Ukrainian cities like Severodonetsk. Despite intense battles and significant losses, Russian forces continue their offensive, capturing the town of Rubizhne. Ukrainian forces have successfully destroyed Russian equipment and disrupted their advances, although the overall offensive pace remains high.

After two months in a basement in Russian-occupied Izyum, Ukraine, Elena and her daughter escaped through a volunteer-organized route, enduring Russian checkpoints and shelling. Izyum, a strategic city in the Donbas region, has been heavily bombarded and occupied by Russia since April 1, with an estimated 80% destruction and 10,000-15,000 civilians remaining. The city lacks basic services, and the dead are buried in parks and near houses. Katerina, another escapee, left her mother behind and described the city as a once cozy place now destroyed. Communication with those inside is nearly impossible, but volunteers like a man also named Volodymyr Zelensky have helped evacuate about 200 people.

Elena and Katerina recount their harrowing escapes from the Russian-occupied town of Izyum in Ukraine. They describe the terror of living under constant shelling, the challenges of passing through Russian checkpoints, and the dire conditions in the city. Maxym Strelnik from the Izyum City Council highlights the extensive destruction and lack of basic services in Izyum. Volodymyr Zelensky, a volunteer, details the dangerous efforts to evacuate civilians. The article underscores the severe humanitarian impact of the conflict and the resilience of those affected.

Ukrainian band Antytila has collaborated with Ed Sheeran on a new song, with proceeds aiding Ukraine. The song, partly created and filmed on the front lines, highlights the band's transition from musicians to soldiers amid the war with Russia. Despite initial rejection from a concert due to their military ties, Sheeran's team proposed the collaboration, which has garnered significant attention and support. Lead singer Taras Topolya expressed gratitude for the international support and emphasized the need for continued aid and discussions on the war's origins.

Survivors from Mariupol, Oleksandr and Olena, describe harrowing conditions in Russian 'filtration camps' where civilians are detained before evacuation. They recount intense interrogations, poor living conditions, and fears of being falsely accused and sent to Donetsk for further investigation or execution. Mariupol's mayor, Vadym Boychenko, accuses Russian forces of preventing civilian evacuation and ordering violence against them. Valentyna and her husband Evgeniy also escaped Mariupol, detailing a dire survival situation and the 'ghetto-like' nature of the camps. The article highlights the plight of the displaced Ukrainians amidst the ongoing conflict.

Oleksandr and Olena, among others, recount harrowing experiences in Russian filtration camps set up outside Mariupol. These camps, likened to concentration camps, involve severe interrogation and poor living conditions. Civilians are often forcibly deported to Russia, with some managing to escape through risky means. The article highlights the dire situation in Mariupol and the brutal tactics employed by Russian forces, including torture and forced deportation, under the guise of clearing Ukraine of Nazis.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his forces to encircle Ukrainian defenders in Mariupol's Azovstal steel works, opting to blockade rather than storm the facility. Despite heavy bombardment and demands for surrender, Ukrainian resistance persists. The Azovstal plant, a key strategic point for a land bridge to Crimea, is defended by about 1,000 Ukrainian troops and shelters over 2,000 civilians. The change in Russian tactics may be influenced by the desire to conserve resources for the broader Donbas offensive, maintain diplomatic options, and potentially salvage the steel works. Allegations of the use of banned weapons by Russian forces have been made, but not independently verified. Evacuation efforts for civilians are ongoing but face challenges.