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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has canceled trips outside of Ukraine as Russia presses forward in a major new offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region. 

According to Sergii Nykyforov, Zelensky’s press secretary, “Ukraine gave instructions to postpone all international events for his participation, scheduled for the coming days, and to work out new dates.” This change affected planned visits to Spain and Portugal, which were part of efforts to strengthen international support during the conflict.

The military escalation by Russian forces has intensified as they launched an assault last Friday from the neighboring Belgorod region. This offensive has led to the capture of several villages and prompted the evacuation of thousands of civilians. A significant battle is unfolding in the town of Vovchansk, where Russian troops have breached the northern part. Despite the aggressive push, Moscow’s forces are reportedly not sufficient to take over Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, but pose a strategic threat to the supply lines and could encircle the city.

The situation has stretched Ukrainian forces thin, with battles raging across the eastern front. Amidst these developments, President Zelensky has been in continuous communication with his military leaders, receiving updates from Col. Gen. Oleksandyr Syrskyi, the commander in chief of Ukraine’s armed forces.