Russian forces are trying to bypass the city from the north and south, but so far without success, a military spokesperson said.

Russia has claimed that its soldiers have entered the strategically important eastern Ukrainian town of Velyka Novosilka - and raised its flag there. Russia's Defense Ministry made the claim on Friday,

The unmanned aircraft carrying explosive warheads are part of a Ukrainian campaign of long-range drone attacks that aim to inflict blows on Russia far behind the front line as Moscow's troops advance in the east.