Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked for more military aid, saying his country's forces are far outnumbered by Russian troops and military equipment in some eastern regions.

In a video released on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces and all those who defend the state are resisting the extremely fierce offensive of Russian troops in the east. He said that in some areas, the Russians are substantially superior in terms of equipment and number of soldiers.

Zelenskyy said it will take time to discourage the Russian authorities from fighting. He added that his country still needs the help of partners, especially in providing weapons.

Zelenskyy's renewed appeal for international help comes as Russian forces intensify their offensive to take full control of the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.

Russian troops are making a push for the Ukrainian stronghold of Severodonetsk in the Luhansk region. At the same time, Russia is moving to solidify its control of areas it claims to have already captured.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday signed a decree that simplifies the process for residents in Kherson in the south and Zaporizhzhia in the southeast to obtain Russian citizenship.

Russia's state television has reported that some residents have already begun the process.

Pro-Russian forces in the two regions say they have begun introducing the Russian ruble as the official currency in areas they have seized.

Senior officials of the pro-Russian forces in Kherson have said they plan to ask President Putin to incorporate the region into Russia.