KYIV, Ukraine — A critical moment for the future of Ukraine's Donetsk region is approaching as the battle for the city of Pokrovsk reaches a key stage, with Russian and Ukrainian forces so enmeshed that in some cases they’re vying for control of the same residential building, soldiers and analysts told the Associated Press.

But far from the battlefields of eastern Ukraine, Mr. Pokrovsk is also critical to a diplomatic struggle, as both Russia and Ukraine attempt to convince President Donald Trump that they have the upper hand in the fighting and the other side is weaker.

Russia says its forces have surrounded Pokrovsk and thwarted a Ukrainian operation to reopen logistics lines into the city. Ukraine denies there’s a blockade, describing the fighting as ongoing, with its forces inflictin

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