Ukraine's president said the situation in Donbas is "very difficult" as Russia increases firepower and troops, but vowed the region would become "Ukrainian" again.
Ukrainian authorities denied claims that Severodonetsk, in besieged Luhansk, is surrounded by Russian forces, but acknowledged that Russia controls a part of the city.
The US Department of Defense said it is "aware and aware" of Ukraine's request for multiple launch rocket systems, but "no decisions have yet been made."
CNN reported Thursday that the United States was preparing to send the weapons as part of a broader aid package.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart "to discuss continued US security assistance to Ukraine" and global food security.
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