In the evening of 7 March, Russian online outlets reported that Izium had been taken by Russian forces, a claim that was not officially confirmed.[3] The next day, fighting erupted between Russian and Ukrainian forces for control of the town,[8] with Russian troops ultimately being repelled.[9] Between 9 and 10 March, 2,250 civilians were evacuated from Izium,[4] while Russian forces continued to slowly advance towards the town.[10]