Russian forces pound Izyum, use civilian population as human shield against Ukrainian forces – city official 

He shared details from the scene on air on Espreso.TV.

"There are constant explosions in Izyum. There has never been a day when the city is quiet. Occupying forces continue to bomb the city and fight the Ukrainian Territorial Defense and Armed Forces. I think Russian occupiers are holding civilians in Izyum hostage and using them as human shields against the Ukrainian Armed Forces," Strelnyk said.

He added that the humanitarian situation in the city is catastrophic, Russian occupying forces have destroyed all the hospitals. Locals are looking forward to the city being re-taken from the Russian occupation forces, and are refusing to cooperate with the occupation forces.

"According to our information, there are about 10,000-15,000 locals left in Izyum. Despite calls from the Ukrainian Government, Kharkiv regional military administration, city authorities and even volunteers, the occupiers are refusing to create any humanitarian corridors to deliver most basic needs: food, water, medicine. The occupation forces also don’t allow the evacuation of children, women, and seniors," Strelnyk added.