Russians advance on war’s front line in eastern Ukraine

By JOHN LEICESTER and DAVID KEYTON
Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine says Russia’s military has captured two villages in eastern Ukraine and is vying for control of a key highway as it seeks to cut supply lines and encircle frontline Ukrainian troops. The Ukrainian military hopes to gain an advantage with the arrival of powerful U.S. multiple-launch rocket systems. Britain’s Defense Ministry reported on Thursday that Russian forces had advanced since Sunday toward the city of Lysychansk and Ukrainian forces had withdrawn from some areas. Also Thursday, the European Union voted unanimously to grant Ukraine and Moldova candidate status, binding them more to the West and away from Russia.