Fresh Offensive Under Way To Capture Eastern Ukraine

Lviv’s ‘safe haven' status in west ended by missile strikes

- David Harding Zoe Tidman

Russia has launched its anticipated new offensive in the east of the country, Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, said yesterday, as an attack on the western city of Lviv claimed at least seven lives.

“The Russian troops have begun the battle for the Donbas, for which they have been preparing for a long time. A significant part of the entire Russian army is now concentrated on this offensive,” Mr Zelensky said in a video address. “No matter how many Russian troops are driven there, we will fight. We will defend ourselves. We will do it every day.”

His comments came as Ukraine also prepared itself for an all-out offensive in the eastern Donbas region after driving back the Russian attack in the north. Military analysts say Russia is increasing its strikes on weapons factories, railways and other infrastructure targets across Ukraine to wear down the country's ability to resist such an assault.

Yesterday, Ukraine claimed seven people had been killed and 12 wounded in missile strikes in the western Ukraine city of Lviv, local officials have said. Multiple explosions were reported yesterday as Ukraine braced for an all-out Russian attack on the other side of the country.

Lviv has been considered a relatively safe haven during the invasion, as the city - along with the rest of western Ukraine has been less affected by fighting than the rest of the country.

However, to the Kremlin's increasing anger, Lviv has also become a major conduit for Nato-supplied weapons and for foreign fighters joining the Ukrainian cause. It is just 50 miles from Poland, a Nato member.