Ukraine has deployed some of the most combat-ready units of its 3rd Separate Assault Brigade against Russia’s West Group of Forces as Russian troops continue to advance, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

According to the ministry, Ukrainian commanders sent the brigade’s best-prepared units and nationalist formations into combat in an effort to demonstrate that Ukrainian forces remain capable of resisting the Russian advance.

The Russian Defense Ministry said Kiev is seeking to convince its Western backers that the Ukrainian Armed Forces can continue fighting effectively in the area controlled by the West Group of Forces despite the pace of Russia’s advance.

The ministry said Ukrainian troops have failed to achieve results on the battlefield. Small Ukrainian assault groups are suffering significant losses, while Russian forces are stopping all attempts to break through their positions.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the Ukrainian command’s decision to commit its most prepared assault units comes as Russian forces maintain a high rate of advance in the sector.