Russia pounds eastern Ukraine as West promises Kyiv new arms

People watch as a residential building burns following a Russian bombardment in Kharkiv, Ukraine (Felipe Dana/AP)

Russia has pounded eastern Ukraine as the US defence secretary promised to “keep moving heaven and earth” to get Kyiv the weapons it needs to repel the new offensive even as Moscow warned such support risked widening the war.

Two months into the devastating conflict, western arms have already helped Ukraine stall Russia’s invasion – but its leaders have said they need more support fast.