Ukrainian subdecents are advancing”

“Ukrainians are gradually gaining ground and this proves the importance of our support, but also of our ability and will to continue supporting”, Stoltenberg said before the European Union lawmakers.

“These are fierce, difficult fighting, but they have been able to break the Russian forces' defence line and are moving ahead of”.

In recent days, Ukraine has claimed to have broken Russia's defence lines during counteroffensives in the southern state.

Ukraine has accepted shipments of Western weapons from NATO states, including combat tanks and armoured vehicles to help it fight.

But, Kiev has acknowledged that the counteroffensiva launched three months ago has been slower than it originally said.

Ukrainian troops have reportedly intensified attacks on a smaller scale, as large - scale attacks have run into difficulties because of land mines imposed by the Russians.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has revived NATO's military alliance, which has increased its number of forces on the east wing. / REL/