Soldiers and analysts suggest defending city has become more of a political than practical issue, as Russian push continues

• Russia-Ukraine war: latest updates

Ukrainian soldiers are being pummelled on three sides by Russian forces who are trying to capture Bakhmut, a city in the eastern Donetsk region that has become the focus of the longest and one of the bloodiest battles since the war began.

Ukraine’s authorities insist they will continue to try to hold the city despite them suffering an estimated 100-200 casualties a day – with some saying the reason is more political and symbolic than practical. Retreating from the city now, after so many soldiers died fighting to keep it, would be a hard reality to face.

Latest barrage reported to include use of hypersonic missiles, of which Moscow is believed to have only a few dozen

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Russia has unleashed a missile barrage targeting energy infrastructure across Ukraine, including the use of hypersonic missiles, in the largest such attack in three weeks.

Critical infrastructure and residential buildings in 10 regions had been hit, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said. “The occupiers can only terrorise civilians. That’s all they can do. But it won’t help them. They won’t avoid responsibility for everything they have done.”

This live blog has now closed, you can read more of our coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war here

That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today. My colleagues in London will be taking you through the rest of the day’s news.

Last night Kharkiv’s street lights were switched on for the first time since the start of the war, the city’s Mayor said.

Ukraine deputy PM says around 38 children remain in besieged city as western officials estimate Russia has sustained heavy losses there

Suspilne, Ukraine’s state broadcaster, reports on its Telegram channel for Sumy that Bilopillia, a city in the north-east of Ukraine, close to the border with Russia, has been hit by mortar fire this morning. No damage or casualties were reported. The claim has not been independently verified.

Russian forces carried out 50 airstrikes and five missile strikes overnight and Ukrainian forces repelled 37 attacks in the area around Bakhmut, according to the latest update by the General staff of the armed forces of Ukraine.

This is Martin Belam taking over the live blog in London. You can contact me at martin.belam@theguardian.com