'On The Line Of Fire': Ukrainian Coastal Town Of Berdyansk Falls To Russia, Two Ships Seized

While Ukraine's capital Kyiv and its second-largest city, Kharkiv, put up resistance to the Russian force, the coastal town of Berdyansk fell to Russian forces.

The acting Mayor of Berdyansk confirmed the takeover of Ukraine's southern coast Berdyansk through a Facebook post Sunday, reported CNN. Berdyansk has a small naval base and a population of about 100,000.

"A few hours ago, you and I witnessed how heavy military equipment and armed soldiers entered the city and began advancing throughout our hometown. As soon as I learned about that, I tried to inform all the residents of the city so that you have the opportunity to hide in shelters."

He added that armed soldiers entered the executive committee building some time ago and introduced themselves as soldiers of the Russian army. "They informed us that all administrative buildings were under their control and that they were taking control of the executive committee building," the post read.

Svidlo said officials were asked to continue working, "but under the control of armed men. I consider this proposal unacceptable, so we, as all members of the operational headquarters, left the building of the executive committee."

"Today Berdyansk was on the line of fire. I don't know what tomorrow will be like, but I think tonight will be very, very hard," he added.

Believed to be a part of the Russian bid to cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea, Russia had also launched an amphibious assault on Ukraine's Sea of Azov coastline. According to Pentagon officials, the attack saw delivering "thousands" of naval infantry delivered ashore.

As for Berdyansk, the small port city is a hub for exports of coal, grain, sunflower-seed oil, iron, and other commodities. The blockage of both the port cities has in effect created a Russian-controlled land bridge from Crimea to areas of eastern Ukraine held by Russian-backed separatists, said reports.

The Ukrainian State Border Guard Service also announced that two of the country's merchant ships appear to have been seized by Russian forces over the weekend. According to the AIS data, bulkers Princess Nicole and Afina - both Ukrainian-flagged - have diverted to the Russian-controlled port of Sebastopol.

Reports added that the AIS of the ships became erratic and the transmission ceased Saturday. When transmissions resumed Sunday, they were stationary in Russian-controlled waters off the coast of Sebastopol. As of Sunday evening, Princess Nicole was broadcasting "not under command."

Meanwhile, Ukraine has claimed that its military retook full control of Kharkiv by fighting back Russian forces. "Control over Kharkiv is completely ours!” regional Gov. Oleh Synyehubov crowed in a triumphant Facebook post.

Reports said Synyehubov claimed that "the city is being completely cleansed of the enemy" while posting pictures of six handcuffed men, who he said were Russian soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces.

Synyehubov also shared photos of six handcuffed men, claiming they were soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces. "The Russian soldiers, who were taken captive, talk about total extortion and demoralization," he said.

He said the Russian fighters were trying to hide among civilians, asking people for clothes and food, and warned residents of the Kharkiv region to be careful and not open the door to strangers or help Russian aggressors.