Russian commanders fighting in Ukraine were forced to retreat after weeks of fighting in and around the capital, Kyiv. They've started to reinforce and resupply their troops for a push in the east.

Some units withdrew to their allies in Belarus to be refit and resupplied. A US defense official said on Monday that some of those forces were moving east.

The official said lines of Russian vehicles are headed toward the Donbas region. They'll support other troops including artillery and infantry units.

Some civilians see the port city of Mariupol as a warning. The mayor said the number of dead could surpass 20 thousand.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Russians want to demonstrate they can destroy a city. He said despite this, the Russians are not stopping their offensive.

Russian leaders said they wouldn't stop even during peace talks. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said they want to bring an end to the "reckless expansion" of Western countries.

Austria's Chancellor became the first European Union leader to meet in person with Russian President Vladimir Putin since the invasion began. Karl Nehammer said the meeting left him with little optimism.