Syrsky wrote on Facebook after visiting troops defending the battered town that "measures were taken to significantly strengthen the brigades with ammunition, drones, and electronic warfare equipment".

Russia is "concentrating its efforts to break through our defences west of Bakhmut," Syrsky said, referring to the destroyed town in the Donetsk region captured by Russia last May.

He said Russia aims to "seize the town of Chasiv Yar", which lies 20 kilometres (12 miles) west of Bakhmut.

Chasiv Yar has been heavily destroyed by shelling and Ukraine has said it is now under "constant fire".

Syrksky said Russia's military leadership has set a deadline to capture Chasiv Yar by May 9, when Russia marks Soviet victory in World War II.

Russia then wants to "create conditions for further advancement" to the large city of Kramatorsk and the surrounding area, Syrsky warned.

Overnight, Russia shelled the eastern Kharkiv region, killing two people in a village near the border.

The energy ministry said Russia shelled energy infrastructure in the Kharkiv region, causing power outages and problems with gas supply.

vl-am/ach

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