[Anchor Lead]
Ukraine shelled the Russian-occupied eastern Donetsk region, causing civilian casualties, the Russian side said.
As Russian President Putin mentioned the possibility of using nuclear weapons, Putin's closest aide Medvedev, deputy chairman of the National Security Council, said he was ramping up production of new weapons, according to
reporter Kim Kwan-jin.
<Reporter>
The Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine is dominated by pro-Russian forces.
Ukrainian forces are patrolling the streets, telling citizens hiding in abandoned houses that they are now free.
The Russian side said Ukrainian forces fired multiple rockets into Donetsk city center, killing one civilian, injuring three, and destroying a shopping center building.
Two people were killed and 10 injured in a missile attack by Ukrainian forces in the southeastern Russian-occupied Melitopol, pro-Russian authorities said.
"We are increasing the production of the most powerful means of destruction," said Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian National Security Council, a close ally of President Putin, as Ukrainian forces began to recapture the Donbass region occupied by Russian forces.
"The next generation of weapons is intended to protect us from our enemies, including Europe and the United States," Medvedev said.
While President Putin mentioned the possibility of a nuclear attack, it is being interpreted as a supersonic missile that will deliver it.
Meanwhile, Germany supports the Patriot missile air defense system in Poland's border with Ukraine, which suffered damage from missiles during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The German Bundeswehr plans to transfer three bombardment units to Poland after deciding on a location for the Patriot air defense system.