Russian troops advancing fast along Ukrainian frontline: Vladimir Putin's defence minister Andrei Belousov

Russian troops have pushed Ukrainian forces out of almost 4,500 square kilometres (1,737 square miles) of territory this year and are advancing an average 30 square kilometres (11.5 square miles) per day, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov said on Monday.

Some 427,000 servicemen have signed contracts with the army this year, Belousov told a meeting of defence officials and President Vladimir Putin.

Military spending had reached 6.3% of gross domestic product, he said, a figure in line with Russia's budget proposals.