“Vladimir Putin has rarely looked more isolated than he does now.
“As Russia’s commander in chief, ultimate responsibility for the invasion of Ukraine rests with him.
“But Putin has always relied on a deeply loyal entourage.
“Like him, many of his closest advisors also began their careers in Russia’s security services.
“The question is who has his ear, during this most fateful moment in his presidency.
“An official in the city of Izium, two hours southeast of Kharkiv, has reported that eight civilians – including two children – have been killed in air attacks.
“Deputy Mayor Volodymyr Matsokin said that the city centre sustained significant damage and that police were injured when a government building was hit.
“Earlier, Matsokin wrote on his Facebook page that the residents died when a shell hit their apartment building.”
Read more at BBC
