Luhansk’s governor accused Russian forces of deliberately targeting Lysychansk’s hospitals and humanitarian aid distribution centers.

The Russian army was still seeking to establish control over Severodonetsk’s industrial zone.

Putin's comments came after the United States last week said it would supply Ukraine with advanced missile systems.

The battle for Ukraine's eastern city of Severodonetsk was being waged street by street.

Lugansk regional governor Sergiy Gaiday said Ukrainian forces "will fight for Severodonetsk until the end."