POKROVSK REGION, Ukraine (AP) — A dire shortage of infantry troops and supply routes coming under Russian drone attacks are conspiring against Ukrainian forces in Pokrovsk, where decisive battles in the nearly three-year war are playing out — and time is running short.

Donald Trump says he wants "equalisation" from Ukraine for "close to $US300 billion" in military aid, as outnumbered Ukrainian troops lose ground to Russia.

Trump did not say who from his administration has been in contact with the Russians but insisted the two sides were “already talking.”