By Tom Balmforth and Yuliia Dysa KYIV (Reuters) -Russian forces have captured four villages in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region, the local governor said, the latest battlefield setback for Kyiv as it seeks to hold territory and avoid handing Moscow the advantage in any peace talks.

Russia launched over 900 drones at Ukraine over the weekend and comes after U.S.-led efforts last week to reach a ceasefire between the two countries.

Ukrainians have died and more than 163 others injured as Russia escalated its bombing campaign amid U.S. efforts to end the war. It prompted President Trump to lash out at not only Russian President Putin,