Russian forces were attempting to encircle Kiev on Thursday amid fierce fighting taking place within 20-40 kilometres of the Ukrainian capital, a non-profit body of expert said.
The Kiev-based Centre for Defence Strategies said in a statement to the local Ukrainska Pravda newspaper: "With a significant force assembling, the adversary is attempting to encircle the capital (close to 30 tactical battalions). The main threat comes from Ivankiv, Vorzel, Bucha, and Irpin Hostomil, which are located to the north and North West of Kiev." Intense fighting continues within 20-40 kilometres of Kiev, according to the statement, "where the enemy is losing equipment and soldiers."
According to the reports, Russian forces will seek to reach Kiev with the help of the air force and missile attacks in the near future.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Armed Forces have liberated Makariv and built defensive positions west of Kiev, according to Ukrainska Pravda. Along with Kiev, the Russians have set their sights on significant cities in Ukraine's south, as well as Kharkiv.
Earlier in the day, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said on Thursday that Russian ships and rocket boats were nearing Odessa, Ukraine's third largest city on the Black Sea's northwestern shore.
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