Russia has begun major new offensive to seize eastern Ukraine, Zelensky says as ‘explosions heard along entire frontier’

UKRAINE’S President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the “battle for the Donbas” is now underway. His comments follow warnings from other senior officials that Russia has begun its assault on the eastern region on Monday. Putin has ordered his Russian troops to begin the battle for the Donbas He said: “We can now confirm that Russian troops have begun the battle for the Donbas, which they have been preparing for a long time. “A large part of the Russian army is now dedicated to this offensive.” The brave Ukrainian leader refused to be cowed by the latest Russian attack, saying: “No matter how many Russian soldiers are brought here, we will fight. We will defend ourselves.” Zelensky’s chief of staff said the assault on the Donbas marked the start of the “second phase” of the war. Most read in News SPY 'INSIDE NO10' PM's computer network 'HACKED with world's most powerful cyberweapon' NUKE DANGER Chilling moment fearsome Russian nuclear bomber flies close to Ukraine border RAM AWAY Shock moment truck slams into police car in reverse - before cops let it get away PARTY KNIFING Boy stabbed at kid's birthday party as scared locals hear chilling screams OH SHIP! First pics of Russian flagship sinking in flames as sailors had limbs ripped off SHAFTED BY FRENCH Brits land 66th place in willy size survey - while French are 11th It comes after fighting has stepped up in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions which make up the Donbas. According the head of the Luhansk region, at least four people were killed as the city of Kreminna fell into enemy hands overnight. Earlier today four people were killed by Russian shelling in the Donetsk area according to the region’s governor. Sergei Gaidai, the governor of the Luhansk region said on Facebook: “It’s hell. Read More on The Sun 'heartbroken beyond words' Charlotte Dawson reveals she suffered a miscarriage KNIFE PANIC 'Knifeman', 29, tasered yards from Downing St after confronting cops “The offensive has begun, the one we’ve been talking about for weeks. He said fighting was “constant” in the cities of Rubizhne and Popasna.