Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s request to visit Tel Aviv last week in solidarity was turned down, according to Israeli media. 

The Ukrainian president had hoped to appear alongside US secretary of state Antony Blinken. 

Officials said it was not the right time, but Mr Zelenskyy could visit later, sources told the Israeli news organisation Ynet. 

He is now expected to include Israel as part of a future European tour. 

The conflict in Israel and Gaza has grabbed the world’s attention – meaning there has been less focus on Ukraine in recent days. 

Situation on frontline has ‘significantly escalated’, Ukraine says

Ukraine’s ground forces commander has said the situation on the northeast frontline has “significantly escalated”. 

Russia is hoping to break through defences in the Kupiansk-Lyman direction, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi said. 

He said the Russian military wanted “revenge” by retaking territory it once occupied in the area. 

Russia launched an attack in and around Kupiansk at the beginning of August, moving the frontline by two miles. 

It has been raining shells on the city, prompting local authorities to launch a civilian evacuation.