The Ukrainian government says it won't agree a ceasefire deal with Russia that involves giving up territory - in an apparent hardening of its position.

Presidential adviser Mykhaylo Podolyak said Kyiv would not follow calls in the West for an urgent ceasefire that involved Russian forces remaining in territory they occupy in the south and east of the country.

He said making concessions would result in Moscow starting an even larger, more bloody offensive in the longer term.

His comments come as Russia continues its attempts to encircle Ukrainian forces defending the eastern city of Severodonetsk.

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