Nato member states are in a “race of logistics” with Russia in a bid to get crucial ammunition supplies to the Ukrainian army as Moscow starts its expected offensive in the east of the country, the alliance’s chief has warned.

The stepped-up hostilities ahead of the first anniversary of President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion on February 24 have forced Ukraine’s army to consume ammunition at an unprecedented rate and prompted warnings from Kyiv and western capitals about how sustainable its stockpiles are.

“The reality is that we have seen the start [of the Russian offensive] already?.?.?.?sending in thousands and thousands more troops,” Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg told reporters on Monday. “It is clear that we are in the race of logistics. Key capabilities like ammunition?.?.?.?must reach Ukraine before Russia can seize the initiative on the battlefield.”