Russian forces are closing in on Ukraine's eastern strongholds, continuing an unrelenting assault.

Russia claims to have seized roughly 95 percent of the Luhansk region. The primary target there is Severodonetsk, the final major city under Ukrainian control.

Luhansk Governor Serhiy Haidai said on Thursday, "The road is under shelling. Severodonetsk is under fire all the time. It's still possible to get to the city, but it's a challenge to drive between the strikes."

Russia seems to be readying for a drawn-out fight.
The Russian parliament has moved to scrap the upper age limit for army recruits, as more and more troops die on the frontlines.

There are also moves to further Russian influence within newly controlled areas of Southern Ukraine. Pro-Russian leaders say the ruble has been made an official currency.
And President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree making it easier for people there to become Russian citizens.