The Ukrainian military has rejected reports of a Russian front-line breakthrough near the eastern cities of Pokrovsk and Dobropillia, where Kyiv’s forces are battling to prevent encirclement.

“An infiltration by (Russian) groups does not yet mean ‘taking control of territory, the ground forces group Dnipro, which is responsible for the sector,” said on Telegram late Monday. “Of course, the situation is and remains difficult, and the fighting in this region is the most intense compared to other sections of the front line.”

Earlier, Ukrainian military observers had reported a Russian advance of more than 10 kilometres north-east of the city of Pokrovsk, in the Donetsk region.

Several official military reports have also mentioned small groups of Russian soldiers advancing into Pokrovsk itself.

The urban agglomeration of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad is surrounded by Russian troops on three sides.

Due to a shortage of soldiers caused by recruitment problems and desertion, Ukrainian analysts are increasingly speculating about a collapse of the front in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian invasion for more than three years.

(dpa/NAN)