Kyiv:

Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff said on Monday that “the second phase of the war has begun,” referring to Russia’s new attack in eastern Ukraine. His words echoed those of Ukraine’s top security official, who earlier said Russia had launched its new offensive on Monday morning.

“Believe in our army, it is very strong,” Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak wrote on the Telegram messaging app, assuring Ukrainians that Ukrainian forces would be able to hold off the offensive.

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