Volodymyr Zelensky calls not to lay down arms and defend Kiev

5:30 am: Situation update with breaks today in Ukraine

It’s 6:30 a.m. in Ukraine, and Russian forces made no significant progress overnight:

Today dawned on Ukraine that is still standing. There was intermittent fighting in Kiev until night. Ukrainian forces claimed to have shot down two transport planes (unverified information). Kherson (South) suffered but was held.https://t.co/lABMtIpUwv pic.twitter.com/KYHzESQwYN

– Philip Berry (@ptiberry) February 26, 2022

– In Kiev, Ukrainian forces claimed that they repelled a Russian “attack” on Victory Street. Fierce battles were heard throughout the night, but they remained relatively isolated.

Ukrainian forces claimed to have shot down two IL-76 military transport aircraft. The information has not been independently confirmed. If so, it would be a major victory for Ukraine’s anti-aircraft defense, which is seen as a major weakness. These aircraft can carry up to 150 paratroopers and light armor.

– In the south, the city of Kherson was severely damaged but the former spokesman for Zelensky confirmed at 6 am (local time) that the city was still under Ukrainian control.