Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has replaced the commander overseeing the military operations in the country's eastern front after only seven months.

Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that the post held by Major General Andriy Hnatov would go to Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, who retains his post of Commander of the Land Forces.

The president said he "ordered a strengthening of the command structure of our forces in the Donetsk region" in eastern Ukraine, which he described as "the most intense areas of combat."

He also argued that having Drapatyi serve two posts "will help combine the army's combat operations with the proper training of brigades."

Hnatov was appointed in June last year.

Also on Sunday, the Russian defense ministry said its troops had captured two more communities in Donetsk and that defense minister Andrei Belousov congratulated the troops involved in the operation.

Ukraine is believed to be trying to improve the situation on the eastern front by appointing a new commander, as Russian forces are stepping up its offensive there.