Ukraine has pledged to do “everything” to defend Donbas, where an intensifying Russian offensive is prompting Kyiv’s forces to consider a strategic retreat from some key areas to avoid being surrounded. This comes as Pro-Russian separatists said Friday they had captured the town of Lyman between Severodonetsk and Kramatorsk. Meanwhile, in a historic move the Ukrainian orthodox church has declared independence from its Russian counterpart, listing the invasion as the main reason. Follow FRANCE 24’s live blog for all the latest developments. All times are Paris time (GMT+2).