Ukrainians flee shelling of Kupiansk as Russian forces try to slow advances

Day and night bombardment of town and villages in north-eastern frontline region is effort to stop more territorial gains by Ukraine

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Ukrainian civilians were fleeing heavy fighting on Sunday, as Russia's armed forces tried to hold off a further dramatic advance by Ukrainian troops in the north-east of the country.

Cars packed with families streamed out of the city of Kupiansk, which Ukraine recaptured just over a week ago as part of a stunning counter-offensive. Residents said they had been forced to leave because of heavy day and night shelling. The Russians were bombarding the town and surrounding villages, they said.