A Ukrainian defense ministry spokesperson said on Monday that, Russian forces have completed the regrouping of troops to launch an offensive in eastern parts of the country.

"Strengthening of the offensive group is happening due to the transfer of additional Russian units. The most intense fighting is taking place in the Slobozhansky and Donetsk regions," Col. Oleksandr Motuzyanyk said during a news briefing.
Motuzyanyk added that Russia is preparing for an offensive in eastern Ukraine to establish full control over the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and ensure the stability" of the land corridor with Crimea. 

He further noted that, Ukrainian forces took back several settlements from the Russian forces around the town of Izium in the Kharkiv region.  

The spokesperson said that the town of Izium and its surrounding areas are the places with the largest concentration of Russian units.  

(With input from agencies)