As Russia ramps up its attacks in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian troops on the frontline in the Donbas region say they are ready to counter an imminent full-scale Russian offensive. CGTN's Li Jianhua reports from Donetsk. 

LI JIANHUA Donetsk "Ukrainian president Zelenskyy said Russia's large-scale offensive in the Donbas Region had begun. Yesterday he said I'm quoting 'we can confirm that Russian Troops have begun the battle for the Donbas, which they have been preparing for a long time. A large part of the Russian army is now dedicated to this offensive'. Zelenskyy said. 'No matter how many Russian soldiers are brought here, we will fight. We will defend ourselves.' I'm in Donetsk right now. My location is about fifteen kilometers away from the frontline. We have been hearing more bomb blasts over the past few days, especially since last night. We know the two sides have been attacking each other. There were reports on Monday that Russian forces carried out missile attacks in parts of southern and western Ukraine, including in the city of Lviv where authorities said at least seven were killed. 

And today, local time, a village in Russia's Belgorod was bombarded by Ukrainian forces. No casualties have been reported yet. We know this is not the first time that Russia's Belgorod was attacked by Ukrainian forces. Now Mariupol, about three hours' drive from my location, again attracts much attention. 

The spokesman of the Donetsk Armed Forces said they have started to attack Azovstal - the last pocket that Ukrainian forces have been holding. Russia's defence ministry about two days ago gave the Ukrainian forces, hiding in Azovstal, an ultimatum to surrender. Zelenskyy went on record as saying 'if Russia annihilates Ukrainian army defending Mariupol, it would be impossible to continue peace talks.' Now peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have deadlocked. LJH, CGTN, Donetsk."