Putin's forces are now targeting Western Ukraine in a way rarely seen in this invasion.

The lead starts right now.

It had been a relatively safe area of Ukraine, but now missile strikes have killed at

least seven in Ukraine's western city of Lavy.

CNN is on the ground.

As new video may show, one of Russia's weapons, an action.

Plus, more of Jake's exclusive interview with Ukrainian President Zelensky is pushing

back on concerns, his troops would need months of training to use advanced weapons systems.

He says send them quickly and they'll be prepared.

Also ahead, a sharp review of the Biden administration's travel mask mandate, a federal judge's

ruling this afternoon that could in the days of masks required on plain strains and public

transportation.

Hello and welcome to the lead.

I'm Pamela Brown.

Jake Tapper is off today.

To begin this hour in Mary U-Paul Ukraine, described as quote, hell on earth by one Ukrainian

Marine Commander.

In an open letter to Pope Francis begging for intervention, adding quote, the time has

come when praying is not enough.

Ukrainian forces in the besieged city reject in a deadline to surrender to the Russians.

A local official says Russian forces plan to seal the city off from entry or exit.

Russian troops also battering the city of Kremlin and Luhansk, part of the dogbass.

...