A senior US defense official says Russian forces have apparently stopped advancing toward Kyiv and have shifted their primary focus to eastern Ukraine.

The official at the US Defense Department said on Monday that Russian forces are still shelling Kyiv.

But the official said that Russian ground troops around the capital have not moved toward central Kyiv. The individual added there is no sign that the troops have made any advances.

The Pentagon official said that the closest units remain about 15 to 20 kilometers northwest of the capital city. Russian troops situated about 55 kilometers away on the northeastern side are also staying put.
Pro-Russian armed groups have taken control of some areas in eastern Ukraine. The Russian military has apparently stepped up its activities on the ground there.

Russian troops are about 15 kilometers southeast of the eastern town of Izyum. The troops have been making incremental advances in eastern Ukraine.

The official said the Ukrainians are keeping the Russian troops at bay in the eastern port city of Mariupol. But the Russians have besieged the city. They have also been shelling it.

The Pentagon official cited two possible reasons for Russia's decision to prioritize its offensive in eastern Ukraine.

One is that the Russians want to cut off the Ukrainian forces there and pin them down, so the forces cannot defend other areas.

The other is that it could be an attempt to gain leverage at the negotiating table, when the two sides meet to discuss a ceasefire.

The official said that the Ukrainian forces have recaptured the northeastern Ukrainian town of Trostyanets from the Russians. The official added that the forces are also actively trying to retake the southern city of Kherson.