The embattled eastern city of Avdiivka is at risk of falling into Russian hands because Ukraine lacks the shells needed to defend it, Washington has warned.

“Avdiivka is at risk of falling into Russian control. In very large part, this is happening because Ukrainian forces on the ground are running out of artillery ammunition,” said John Kirby, a US National Security Council spokesperson.

”Fierce battles” are raging in the city as Russia steps up its attacks and Ukraine prepares new positions around the industrial hub, the Ukrainian military said.

”Our troops are using all available forces and means to restrain the enemy,” said Oleksandr Tarnavskiy, a Ukrainian general in the east.

Volodymyr Zelensky has said Kyiv will do “everything” to save lives in the symbolic city, which is now surrounded on three sides by Russian forces.

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