Russia broadens offensive against Ukraine from all directions

Ukraine-Russia conflict: The Russian defence ministry said the direction to intensify the offensive was issued after Kyiv refused to hold talks in Belarus.

The Russian army resumed its offensive against Ukraine from all directions after a pause. The direction to broaden the offensive was issued after Kyiv refused to hold talks in Belarus, Moscow's defence ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

A damaged residential building following Russian missile strikes in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Saturday. (Bloomberg)

"After the Ukrainian side rejected the negotiation process, today all units were given orders to develop the advance from all directions in accordance with the operation's plans," Russian army spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a statement.

According to Russian state-owned news agency Sputnik, President Vladimir Putin had ordered a temporary halt to the Russian military operation in Ukraine on Friday afternoon in connection with the expectation of negotiations with Kiev, but the operation was resumed Saturday afternoon after the Ukrainian leadership refused to talk.

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The development came even as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country's forces had repulsed the Russian assault and vowed to keep up the struggle as he appealed for more outside help. “The real fighting for Kyiv is ongoing,” Zelenskyy said in a video message in which he accused Russia of hitting infrastructure and civilian targets. “We will win,” he said.

Hours ago, Ukraine denied suggestions that it was refusing to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia, but said it was also not ready to accept ultimatums or unacceptable conditions.

(With inputs from agencies)