Ukraine announced on Tuesday that Russian forces have captured the frontline village of Toshkivka near the twin cities of Severodonetsk and Lysychansk.

"As of today, according to our information, Toshkivka is controlled entirely by the Russians," Roman Vlasenko, the head of the Severodonetsk district, told Ukrainian television, adding that the battle for Donbas is "now in full swing."

(With input from AFP)