Ukraine remains in control of Azot chemical plant in Severodonetsk, where hundreds of civilians are sheltering. In his nightly address Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said that “while fierce street fights continue in Severodonetsk, Ukrainian military is gradually liberating the territory of Kherson Region and has some success in Zaporizhia too”.

The Governor of Luhansk region Serhiy Haidai said Russian shelling of the plant had ignited a big fire after an oil break. In his words, fighting continues and Russian forces control most of the city. Rodion Miroshnik, a Russian-backed representative of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic, said that some civilians had started to leave. In his words, 300 to 400 Ukrainian fighters were blockaded on the grounds of the plant together with civilians.

According to data of the United Nations, nearly 5 million Ukrainian refugees went to EU countries and more than 3 million have received temporary protection status. Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany have received the most refugees.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says member states face a "historic decision" at a June 23-24 summit on whether to grant Ukraine membership status. Ursula Von der Leyen is paying a visit to Ukraine to discuss with President Volodymyr Zelensky Ukraine’s candidacy for EU membership, BTA reports. Ukraine has achieved a lot in strengthening the rule of law, but there is still a need for reforms to be implemented, Ursula Von der Leyen said. Ukraine applied for EU membership shortly after the Russian invasion on 28 February, 2022.