Small groups of Russian troops have pierced parts of Ukraine’s defenses in its eastern Donetsk region, according to local officials and monitoring groups, adding to Kyiv’s complications as Russia attempts to encircle the key strategic city of Pokrovsk.

Moscow's forces are making gains near Pokrovsk in Ukraine's Donetsk region, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

The threats, pressure and ultimatums have come and gone, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained Moscow’s uncompromising demands in Ukraine, raising fears he could use a planned summit with U.