Ukraine official says Russia has started new offensive in east

FILE PHOTO: Firefighters operate at a damaged apartment block following Russian shelling, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, April 17, 2022. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

KYIV (Reuters) - Russia appears to have started its anticipated new offensive in the east of Ukraine, Ukraine's top security official said on Monday.

"This morning, along almost the entire front line of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv regions, the occupiers attempted to break through our defences," Security Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said in televised comments.