Russia intensifies attempts to encircle Ukrainian troops in the east

Ukrainian servicemen install a machine gun on the tank during the repair works after fighting against Russian forces in Donetsk region (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Ukraine said that Russia’s offensive in the east picked up momentum, with several towns coming under intense attack as Moscow’s forces attempt to surround Ukrainian troops.

In a reminder of the horrific toll the war has taken since it began February 24, United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres visited towns outside the capital of Kyiv where evidence of mass killings of civilians was found after Russia’s retreat from the area.