Moscow’s forces are three miles from Dnipropetrovsk, a province they have never invaded. If they cross in, the advance would be a morale blow to Ukraine and complicate any territorial negotiations.

Russia and the United States have had their first meeting since the start of the Ukraine war, aimed at restoring relations and preparing the ground for ending the conflict.

Ukrainian officials were not present at the talks in Riyadh, Kyiv said, and European allies remain frozen out of the discussions for now.