Ukraine

NBC - Russia’s new offensive gained momentum today around Ukraine’s second-largest city, the latest morale gut punch for Kyiv as it struggles to contain this new front in the war following delays in crucial military aid from the United States. Even as Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in the country to reassure it of Washington’s support, Ukraine was dealt new setbacks by the advancing Russian military in the northeast. Ukraine’s army said it had withdrawn some of its forces from more areas around the city of Kharkiv, while local officials said Russian troops had taken up positions inside the key front-line town of Vovchansk. It’s part of a new, armored assault launched by Russia last week, which could strain an already stretched Ukrainian army to breaking point. Kyiv, which has been pleading for more help from the West, fears Moscow may also be massing troops for new border incursions elsewhere. Last month, Congress approved $60 billion of military aid for Ukraine, but only after months of political wrangling and resistance by Republicans. That delay has offered the Kremlin a window for a summer offensive that was threatening to make crucial gains on the battlefield while its forces bombarded Kharkiv from the air.