Russia makes more gains around Avdiivka as Ukraine awaits US aid

Ukrainian officials say situation very difficult' but not catastrophic' amid loss of two villages and fighting in Ocheretyne

Russia has consolidated recent battlefield gains in the east of Ukraine, and is attempting to break through Ukrainian defensive lines before a long-awaited package of US military assistance arrives at the frontline.

On Sunday Russian troops advanced near the city of Avdiivka. They seized two villages and expanded a narrow corridor around the rural settlement of Ocheretyne, which the Russians entered a week ago. Ukrainian security officials described the situation in the Donbas region where Russia is attacking on multiple fronts as very difficult". It was not critical or catastrophic", they added.