Russian forces appear to tighten grip on strategic city of Pokrovsk

Ukraine's general staff denies claims its troops have been encircled but military analysts say situation has deteriorated sharply in recent days

Moscow's forces appear to be tightening their grip on Pokrovsk, as street fighting continues in the strategic eastern Ukrainian city, much of which now lies in ruins.

Ukraine's general staff on Wednesday denied Russian claims that its troops had been encircled, saying efforts were under way to reinforce the flanks around Pokrovsk and the nearby town of Myrnohrad.