Ukraine is set to become an official candidate for European Union (EU) membership, the first step on the long road to joining the 27-country bloc, despite Russia's strict opposition to the move.

Ukraine has admitted to losing control of a village adjacent to the key industrial city of Severodonetsk, which has been the flashpoint of fierce battles with Russian forces in recent weeks.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson have warned that the war in Ukraine could last years.

A Ukrainian governor says Russia is sending large number of reserve troops to flashpoint city of Severodonetsk.

Here are Press TV's latest top stories at 0100 GMT, June 16 2022.

Russia has urged the Ukrainian forces holed up in a chemical plant in the strategic city of Severodonetsk in the Donbass to lay down their arms by early Wednesday, as it pushes ahead to completely bring the eastern region under its control.

Russia has taken control of around 80 percent of the eastern city of Severodonetsk.