Russian army ordered to broaden Ukraine advance 'from all directions'

Moscow, Feb 27: Russia has ordered its troops to advance in Ukraine "from all directions" as the Ukrainian capital after Kyiv refused to hold talks in Belarus.

"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 was quoted saying by AFP.

The Kremlin said Friday that Putin was ready to send a delegation to Belarus for talks with Ukraine but Ukraine wanted talks in Warsaw instead.

After a barrage of airstrikes on cities and military bases around the country, Russian forces were closing in on Ukraine's capital of Kyiv on Saturday.

Britain and the U.S. said the bulk of Russian forces were 19 miles (30 kilometers) from the center of the city.

With growing signs that Russia aims to overthrow him and his government, Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Ukrainians to "stand firm."

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko extended the city's curfew from 5 p.m. Saturday until 8 a.m. Monday to keep people indoors on Sunday. He said "all civilians on the street during the curfew will be considered members of the enemy's sabotage and reconnaissance groups."

International allies put Russia under increasing pressure and pledged additional aid to help Ukraine in the coming days.

Kyiv officials are warning residents that street fighting is underway against Russian forces, who were trying to advance on the city from several directions. They advised residents to remain in shelters and avoid going near windows.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov claimed Saturday that since the start of Russia's attack, its military had hit 821 Ukrainian military facilities, 87 tanks and other targets.

Konashenkov claimed the Russian military has taken full control of the southern city of Melitopol, 35 kilometers (22 miles) inland from the Azov Sea coast, and said Russia-backed separatists have made significant gains in the eastern region of Donbas.

with PTI inputs