Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday there were "heavy battles" along the entire front line after Russia launched a major ground offensive on the country's northeast.
"There are heavy battles along the entire front line," Zelensky said in a post on social media after hearing a report from his commander-in-chief.
"We discussed defensive actions and strengthening our positions in the Kharkiv region," he added.
Meanwhile, the United States said Friday it expected Russia to intensify a new offensive in Ukraine but voiced confidence in Kyiv and doubted Moscow would make major advances.
"The United States and the international coalition we have assembled will continue to stand with Ukraine in its defense of its freedom," Blinken said.
Russian shelling killed three people in the Kharkiv region and two others in the eastern region of Donetsk, another fighting hotspot, local prosecutors said.
"Evacuation routes have been developed since 2022, and a system of humanitarian aid distribution, temporary resettlement," he said. »