Russian leaders 'concerned' as leading Ukrainian units approach annexed Luhansk

Russian leaders will "highly likely be concerned" that leading Ukrainian units are approaching the borders of formally annexed regions, according to the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

In an update on Twitter, the MOD said Ukrainian troops were approaching the borders of Luhansk, which Russia claimed to have annexed last week.

Ukraine also continues to make progress in operations along the north-eastern and southern fronts.

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"In the north-east, in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine has now consolidated a substantial area of territory east of the Oskil River," the MOD said.

"Ukrainian formations have advanced up to 20 km beyond the river into Russia’s defensive zone towards the supply node of the town of Svatove.

Watch: Ukraine will have to take the fight to the Russians if they are to win, urban warfare expert says.

"It is highly likely that Ukraine can now strike the key Svatove-Kremina road with most of its artillery systems, further straining Russia’s ability to resupply its units in the east."

It comes after John Spencer, an urban warfare expert, told Forces News Ukraine needed to take the fight to the Russians if they are to win the war.

Earlier this week, the Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said, during the Conservative Party Conference, said the UK would continue to support Ukraine until the last Russian tank has been dragged out by the last Ukrainian tractor.