Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he visited the "intense" eastern frontline town of Pokrovsk on Monday, where Russia has directed an unrelenting infantry assault for months to close in on the strategically placed road and rail hub.

Axar.az reports that Zelensky handed out military awards as he met sergeants from several units battling to defend Pokrovsk, site of a major coal mine, that Russian forces have been trying to capture, advancing within some 8 km (5 miles) from the city's outskirts.

"I know that only thanks to your strength the East has not been completely occupied by the Russian Federation," Zelensky said in the video.