Ukraine

CNN - The situation in the northern Kharkiv region of Ukraine has “significantly worsened,” according to Ukraine’s top general, after Russia claimed to have captured additional villages — expanding its surprise cross-border offensive. The precise goal of Russia’s new push, which began late last week, is unclear. It may be to create a buffer zone designed to reduce Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory, or possibly even a renewed assault on the city of Kharkiv, less than 20 miles to the south. According to information from the Defense Ministry in Moscow, Russia now claims control over nine Ukrainian border villages northeast of Kharkiv.