RFE/RL's Ukraine Live Briefing gives you the latest on Russia's invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians, and Western reaction. The Live Briefing presents the latest developments and analysis, updated throughout the day. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Here Are The Latest Developments Analysts told RFE/RL that Russia's capture of Mariupol after Ukrainian soldiers defending the Azovstal steel plant ended their fight is more of a symbolic victory than a military breakthrough. Finland and Sweden have handed in their official applications for membership in NATO, ending their longtime neutrality status amid growing concerns over Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. Russia's campaign in Ukraine appears to be faltering, Western military officials say, with its forces having lost up to one-third of their combat strength since invading Ukraine on February 24. The G7 has called on China to support Ukrainian sovereignty and not help Russia, warning that Moscow's unprovoked war against Ukraine has threatened the globe by generating a severe food and energy crisis. The first trial of a Russian soldier accused of war crimes for killing a Ukrainian civilian has opened in Kyiv. The UN refugee agency says that more than 6 million refugees have now fled Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24. Can Ukrainian Forces Successfully Counterattack In The Donbas?

George Barros, an analyst at the Institute for the Study of War, explains Kyiv's fighting strategy in eastern Ukraine and why conscription won't solve Russia's manpower problems. Read the interview by Reid Standish here.

Why Is Russia Losing So Much Military Equipment In Ukraine?

Russia has reportedly lost more than 650 tanks and about 3,000 other armored vehicles and heavy equipment so far in its invasion of Ukraine. Experts put the losses down to the advanced anti-tank weapons given to Ukraine by Western countries, poor strategy, low morale, and important design flaws. Read the report by Carlos Coelho here.

Eighteen-Year-Old Ukrainian To Raise Siblings After His Mother Was Killed In Shelling

Vyacheslav Yalov's mother, Maryna, 37, was killed in the Donbas by Russian shelling as they walked home together. He has now been evacuated to western Ukraine with his two younger brothers and two younger sisters, whom he plans to bring up alone. Report by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Halyna Tereshchuk, and Current Time

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