Russia appears to be set to continue its Ukraine invasion, now in its third year, as its top general visited troops at the front lines.

Russian troops in mid-February captured the eastern city of Avdiivka, Donetsk, following intense fighting and heavy casualties. They continue to mount attacks.

The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched 14 Iranian-made drones and seven missiles on Monday.

Local authorities in the northeastern region of Sumy reported that two people were killed in a Russian air strike as bombs and rocket fires pounded the region.

Meanwhile, Russia's defense ministry on Monday reported that Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov visited a command post in one of the front lines to be briefed on the situation and next steps.

It announced that the general awarded servicemen with medals.

The move is viewed as Russia's attempt to step up combat by boosting soldier morale.

Against this backdrop, the top commander of Ukraine's military expressed readiness to continue defensive operations while containing the number of soldiers who are killed or injured in action.

Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov also visited front line command posts.

Syrskyi on Monday posted on social media that, "The enemy regularly attacks the positions of our troops." He also said, "The situation is difficult in many areas and requires constant monitoring."

Syrskyi said he emphasized to commanders "the importance of coordination and proper operational interaction of all the Defense Forces, saving lives of our servicemen."