Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cancelled his visit to Madrid scheduled for Friday (May 17), the Spanish media reported on Wednesday (May 15).

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The Spanish royal palace updated the royal agenda on Wednesday, removing a Friday meeting between Spain's King Felipe VI and Zelensky. 

The Spanish media said the Ukrainian leader cancelled his visit after Russia launched a fresh offensive on northeastern Ukraine.

Also read: Zelensky flags 'biggest problem' to Blinken as Russians advance in Kharkiv

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Notably, Ukraine has pulled back its troops near several villages in the eastern Kharkiv region, where Russian forces have been advancing.

The Ukrainian military announced on Tuesday night, "To protect our troops and minimise casualties, Ukrainian units near Lukyantsi and Vovchansk carried out a strategic manoeuvre to more defensible positions in response to enemy fire and ground assaults." 

Ukraine's General Staff said the situation remains quite difficult but insisted that its forces were not allowing the Russians to gain a foothold.

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"Donetsk and Kharkiv regions are where it is most difficult now," Zelensky said in an address on Tuesday evening.

Video: Russia sharpens attacks on Ukraine's Kharkiv

Additionally, Ukrainian energy operator DTEK announced that it had lifted electricity consumption restrictions in several regions of the country that were placed in the wake of Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities.

"Emergency shutdowns in Kyiv, the Kyiv region, the Odesa region, the Donetsk region and the Dnipropetrovsk region were lifted," DTEK said.

Russia advances in Kharkiv

Russian offensive in Ukraine's northeast, in the Kharkiv region has forced thousands to flee their homes. On Tuesday (May 14), it hit the centre of Kharkiv with airstrikes. Kharkiv is Ukraine's second biggest city after Kyiv. 

Also read | US Secretary of State Blinken assures Zelensky military aid 'now on its way'

Around 20 people were injured, including three children. One of the sites hit with airstrikes was a 20-storey building in the city centre, emergency services said.

(With inputs from agencies)