Russia steps up campaign to seize key Ukraine city as war nears six-month mark

Russian forces stepped up their battle to seize one of the dwindling number of cities in embattled eastern Ukraine not already under their control while continuing to fire on towns and villages in the country's north and south, Ukrainian officials said Saturday. Russian shelling collapsed balconies and blew out windows in the southern region of Mykolayiv, injuring at least nine civilians, authorities said.

A five-story apartment building and private homes in the town of Voznesensk were badly damaged, the Black Sea region's governor said.

"As of 13.30 p.m. (local time) - nine wounded, including four children. All children in a serious condition. Ages range from 3 to 17 years," Gov. Vitaliy Kim wrote in a Telegram post. He added that a young girl lost an eye as a result of Saturday's attack.