More than 20 villages in Russia’s Belgorod region – which are located in a 90-mile stretch of land along the Ukrainian border – have come under attack, according to the region’s governor.

Russian drones late Saturday hit a military hospital, shopping centre, apartment blocks and other targets in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city,

Russian forces are preparing to launch a fresh military offensive in the coming weeks to maximize pressure on Ukraine and strengthen the Kremlin's negotiating position in ceasefire talks, Ukrainian government and military analysts said.