Ukrainian forces are continuing to hold their ground in the southeast port city of Mariupol. Now, they say the Russians are trying to bomb the city into surrender.

Defense Ministry spokesperson Oleksandr Motuzyanyk said the Russian occupiers continue to carry out airstrikes, and land forces are trying to capture the port. He said the Russians have deployed additional troop divisions but still have not been able to take control of the city.

Ukrainian fighters are making their stand inside a large steel-making compound. Motuzyanyk denied claims that Russian troops have taken over the area.

Russian forces have also been stepping up attacks on the capital, Kyiv. Officials in Moscow say a missile strike took out a facility for making anti-aircraft systems. They say the strikes are a response to attacks on Russian territory.

Russian Defence Ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov said air defense systems near Chernihiv shot down a Ukrainian helicopter which attacked residents of the peaceful village of Klimovo in the Bryansk region. He said seven people were injured in the attack.

However, Ukrainian officials deny the accusation.