Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia's strategic defeat is "already obvious," accusing the Kremlin's forces of trying to hide the truth with missile, air and artillery strikes.
His comments come as Russia is seen investing "significant effort" around the cities of Izium and Severodonetsk in a bid to achieve a breakthrough in eastern Ukraine, according to U.K. military intelligence.
A Russian soldier is due to stand trial on Friday for killing an unarmed Ukrainian citizen. It marks the first alleged war crime since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began on Feb. 24.
Meanwhile, top diplomats from the Group of Seven (G-7) wealthy nations gathered in northern Germany on Thursday for a three-day meeting centered on Russia's invasion.