# Russian soldiers approach Kiev # Russian soldiers approach Kiev.
According to a senior U.S. defense official, Russian troops have moved about three miles toward Kiev in the last 24 hours as the offensive in western Ukraine signals a new direction for the war.
After several days of stagnation, Russian troops could be nearly 9 miles (15 kilometers) from central Kiev. In addition to entering Kiev along the northwestern route, the troops approached along two parallel lines east of the capital.
U.S. intelligence suggests some troops may have returned to the northeastern city of Sumy, but it's unclear why.
Chernihiv, northeast of the capital Kiev, is now isolated, but Russian troops have yet to pass through the city, and fighting has reportedly been fierce as the Ukrainians counterattacked. Meanwhile, the besieged southern port city of Mariupol was besieged. #Pay attention to the latest developments in the situation in Russia and Ukraine # Headline hot list
