Russia announced new gains in eastern Ukraine today, saying its incursion into Russian territory had failed to deter Moscow from launching an offensive in the Donbass region.

Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said the Ukrainian incursion into Russia's Kursk region, which began on August 6, was aimed at improving Kiev's negotiating position and deterring Russian forces in the Donbass.

"We have enough forces, we are continuing the offensive," said Shoigu.

Shoigu said Russian forces were accelerating their offensive, capturing nearly 1.000 square kilometers over an eight-day period in August and September.

In recent weeks, Russian troops have been advancing through the Donetsk region towards Pokrovsk, Ukraine's strategic logistics hub.

Russia said on Monday that its forces had captured the village of Memrik, about 24 kilometers southeast of Pokrovsk.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kiev's forces are deployed in the Donetsk region.