Russia pushes Ukrainian forces to outskirts of key eastern city

A police expert works near an apartment building destroyed in a military strike, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kurakhove, Ukraine June 7, 2022. REUTERS/Anna Kudriavtseva

KYIV/SLOVIANSK, Ukraine (Reuters) - Ukrainian forces pulled back to the outskirts of the eastern city of Sievierodonetsk on Wednesday in the face of a fierce Russian assault, the regional governor said, another big swing in momentum in one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

Russia has concentrated its troops and firepower on the small industrial city in recent weeks to secure the surrounding province on behalf of separatist proxies. Ukraine has vowed to fight there for as long as possible, saying the battle could help shape the war's course.