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.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Thursday that interactions between the United States and Russia showed Moscow had not given up its territorial goals in Ukraine, and that appeasing it would send a dangerous signal.

President Donald Trump said there was no need for President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to take part in talks on ending the conflict with Russia, keeping up his attacks on the Ukrainian leader.