First, links to reports from the Associated Press, National Public Radio and Reuters; others are accessible by clicking on their names below. — MCM

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Russians advance on war’s front line in eastern Ukraine, by John Leicester and David Keyton | The Associated Press KYIV — The Russian military extended its grip on territory in eastern Ukraine as it seeks to cut supply lines and encircle frontline Ukrainian forces, while the Ukrainian military announced Thursday the arrival of powerful U.S. multiple-launch rocket systems it hopes will offer a battlefield advantage. Ukrainian forces withdrew from some areas near the city of Lysychansk to avoid being surrounded as Russians sent in reinforcements and concentrated their firepower in the area, Britain’s Defense Ministry said. The city is . . . READ MORE . . .

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Four months since Russia invaded, Ukraine faces a stark contrast. Reported by Steve Inskeep and Greg Myre | National Public Radio European leaders officially made Ukraine a candidate to join the EU. Yet, Ukraine is desperately trying to hold two cities under Russian assault.  Click HERE to listen and, tomorrow, read.

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Ukrainians withdrawing from embattled Sievierodonetsk, by Max Hunder | Reuters * Ukraine EU candidacy will strengthen Europe-Zelenskiy * Ukraine forces take up new positions in Sievierodonetsk * Russia shells targets across the Donbas * War marks four months since invasion | KYIV — Ukraine signalled toiday its troops were withdrawing from the city of Sievierodonetsk, the scene of weeks of intense bombardments and street fighting, in a move that would be a significant setback in its struggle to defeat Russian forces. Provincial governor Serhiy Gaidai said troops in the city had already received the order to move to new positions, but . . . READ MORE . . .

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Microsoft: Russian cyber spying targets 42 Ukraine allies, by Frank Bajak | AP CLEVELAND — Coinciding with unrelenting cyberattacks against Ukraine, state-backed Russian hackers have engaged in “strategic espionage” against governments, think tanks, businesses and aid groups in 42 countries supporting Kyiv, Microsoft said in a report Wednesday. “Since the start of the war, the Russian targeting (of Ukraine’s allies) has been successful 29 percent of the time,” Microsoft President Brad Smith wrote, with data stolen in at least one-quarter of . . . READ MORE . . .

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TO BE CONTINUED