Russian forces are close to taking a key hilltop city in the Donbas, something that would bee seen as a "great victory" for Vladimir Putin, soldiers on the ground and experts both warn.

Ukraine is desperately trying to defend Chasiv Yar, a city that is located in the hills not far from another key city – Bakhmut.

Lt Oles Malyarevich, deputy commander of the Achilles strike battalion told the Telegraph: “Chasiv Yar is the most important high ground as it gives control and superiority and the chance to capture the Donetsk region."

It is one of Ukraine's many "fortress cities" Ukraine is hoping to defend against Russia's incoming attacks.

Lt Malyarevich added: “The demons have accumulated a huge group of troops and set the task of capturing Chasiv Yar by May 9.

READ MORE: Ukraine's £49b aid package finally approved by US House after months of stalling

“The enemy attacks 24/7 with absolute superiority in the air, artillery, drones, and manpower.”

Stephen Hall, assistant professor of Russian politics at the University of Bath, highlighted how crucial the city is for Putin and Russia.

He said: “The militarisation of Russian society is happening and they need to continue the great victories of the Russian army.

“Chasiv Yar may possibly be that great victory that Putin can talk about on May 9.”

Ukraine has been hampered by a lack of ammunition and manpower in recent months.

But, on Saturday, the US' $60billion aid package finally passed through the House of Representatives after months of deadlock.

The bill had been blocked by a group of hardliner Republican Party lawmakers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was "grateful" for the decision.

He added: "Democracy and freedom will always have global significance and will never fail as long as America helps to protect it.

"The vital US aid bill passed today by the House will keep the war from expanding, save thousands and thousands of lives, and help both of our nations to become stronger."

US President Biden told lawmakers: "I urge the Senate to quickly send this package to my desk so that I can sign it into law and we can quickly send weapons and equipment to Ukraine to meet their urgent battlefield needs."