Russia has been trying to take the region for months
Operations are underway to defend the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky says the embattled eastern city will be backed by senior generals.
It comes as Russian forces close in on the city.
Moscow has been trying to take Bakhmut for months, as both sides suffer heavy losses in the war.
Russia is trying to surround Bakhmut to secure what would be its first major gain in more than half a year, at the culmination of a winter offensive that has brought the bloodiest fighting of the war.
A local official says there has been street fighting in recent days.
Analysts say Bakhmut has little value but has become a focal point for Russian commanders who have struggled to deliver any positive news to the Kremlin.
