Russia's forces are increasing their attacks against a key Ukrainian stronghold in the eastern region of Luhansk, in an effort to take full control of Donbas.

Russian forces have reportedly been intensifying their assaults on Severodonetsk in Luhansk.

Britain's Ministry of Defence says the entire Luhansk region will be placed under Russian control, if the "Severodonetsk pocket" falls.

Russia's Defence Ministry said on Tuesday that its forces had used air attacks and missiles to destroy ammunition depots and other targets in the neighboring Donetsk region.

Moscow also declared that its forces had finished clearing mines from waters near the seaport city of Mariupol in Donetsk.

It added that work is underway to restore the port's operational activities. That move is apparently aimed at making its takeover and control of the port city faits accomplis.

On Tuesday, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said, "Despite the heavy assistance to the regime in Kiev from the West and the sanction pressure, we will go ahead with the special military operation until all goals have been achieved."

Secretary of Russia's Security Council Nikolai Patrushev said, "All the objectives set out by the Russian president will be fulfilled." He added, "We are not chasing deadlines."

Three months have passed since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin has now indicated that it is prepared to engage in a prolonged battle to achieve the aims of its military campaign.