Russian troops are advancing to the west of Avdiivka, the devasted industrial town which fell to the Russians more than a month ago, according to the Defence Ministry in Moscow.
The village of Orlivka has fallen to the advancing Russians, the ministry reports.
The Ukrainian general staff earlier reported fighting off attacks around the village, but the maps compiled by Ukrainian military observers confirm that the front has moved.
Following the fall of Avdiivka, the Ukrainian command ordered a retreat to a line through Berdychi, Orlivka and Tonenke to stabilise the front.
Ukraine has been fending off a Russian invasion for more than two years with Western help.
Recently, there have been increasing reports of ammunition shortages on the Ukrainian side.
Kiev is also having increasing problems recruiting new soldiers for the front line.
