Ukrainian officials say civilians are being evacuated from the besieged areas of Irpin, near the capital, Kyiv, and northeastern Sumy.
Moscow threatens to close a major gas pipeline to Germany as Western powers weigh a ban on Russian oil.
He added the alliance had seen credible reports that Russia is targeting civilians in Ukraine and urged Moscow to end its attack.
A temporary ceasefire around Sumy has mostly held, allowing civilians to be evacuated via a humanitarian corridor, the regional governor says.
The advance of Russian forces in Ukraine has “slowed considerably”, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed.
Shell announces intent to withdraw from all Russian oil & gas, aligned with new government guidance.
Russia declared a ceasefire from 10am Moscow time (07:00 GMT) to coincide with the opening of the corridors. »