New satellite images show Russian forces advancing on the strategically important city of Izyum in eastern Ukraine.

The city is situated on the Donets River in Kharkiv Oblast and is roughly 120 kilometres southeast of Kharkiv.

If the Russians capture the city, it could enable them to cut off Ukrainian forces in the east of the country.

The new photos show a Russian tank company north of Izyum as well as tanks on the road south of the city.

In addition, self-propelled artillery were also spotted northeast of Izyum.

The images were posted to Twitter by George Barros, a leading researcher for the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

He wrote: “We received new Maxar satellite imagery that confirmed our standing @TheStudyofWar assessment for Russian advances near Izyum. Sharing some geolocated positions.”