Shell shock

Zelensky cancels trips as Russia wins territory

- ANDY LINES

UKRAINIAN president Volodymyr Zelensky last night dramatically cancelled planned visits to Spain and Portugal after Russia advanced in the north east of his country.

Zelensky was due to make the trip in the next 48 hours to sign a security deal with Spain.

Sources in Portugal said the change was forced by the serious internal situation in Ukraine.

Zelensky's army chiefs.

confirmed the northern region of Kharkiv was enduring heavy fighting as Russian troops pushed on with ground and air offensives.

Some reports said up to half a million Russian troops were massing on the border.

But Ukraine was buoyed by the US's promise of weapons support when Secretary of State Antony Blinken met President Zelensky in Kyiv on Tuesday.