At least three people were killed in a Russian attack on the outskirts of Kharkiv in Ukraine, officials said, as Kyiv and Moscow continued to exchange attacks overnight.
Emergency services have rescued and evacuated eight people, some of whom were injured, governor Oleh Syniehubov said, adding the search was ongoing to identify any other possible casualties.
In Russia, Ukrainian attacks have targeted another online retailer, setting fire to Ozon's logistics hub in Makhachkala in Dagestan. Kyiv has repeatedly targeted facilities belonging to Russia's largest online shop Wildberries, accusing it of providing logistics support to Vladimir Putin's armed forces.
Ozon said it also paused operations at two warehouses in the nearby regions of Stavropol and Adygeya in the North Caucasus amid a drone attack alert.
Earlier, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Putin intends to draft 300,000 new troops to join the war from next month in a bid to seize territory.
Zelensky said that the Russian leader would start the drive after elections in September, as Moscow pursues its main goal of capturing the rest of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.
Read MoreUkrainian arrested over Nord Stream blast ‘detained on Hollywood movie set’
I’m a conflict expert. Here’s why the UK-Ukraine drone partnership is worth risking Putin’s wrath
Key Points
- Russian attack kills three near Ukraine's Kharkiv
- Burnham to give Ukraine blueprints for long-range missiles as he visits Kyiv
- Russia's Ozon says Dagestan logistics hub on fire after drone attack
- Putin will draft 300,000 new troops after September elections, Zelensky says
- Putin pulls ambassador from London amid fears of breakdown in diplomatic relations
Burnham to give Ukraine blueprints for long-range missiles as he visits Kyiv
05:53 , Arpan RaiPrime minister Andy Burnham has agreed to provide Ukraine with blueprints to produce long-range missiles.
He is set to announce the move today during his first trip to Ukraine that he will allow European defence firm MBDA to declassify information on UK components for the long-range Scalp missile – the French-produced version of the UK’s Storm Shadow.
The “deep precision strike” missiles use shared French and British technology, and Ukraine and France are looking to set up local assembly lines to produce them in Ukraine.
The PM is visiting Kyiv on his first foreign trip to mark Ukraine’s independence day and signal the UK’s continued support for the country under his administration.
Burnham to give Ukraine blueprints for long-range missiles as he visits Kyiv
Russian attack kills three near Ukraine's Kharkiv
05:25 , Arpan RaiA Russian attack on the outskirts of Kharkiv in Ukraine's northeast killed three people, the regional governor said late last night.
Emergency services have rescued and evacuated eight people, some of whom were injured, governor Oleh Syniehubov said, adding the search was ongoing to identify any other possible casualties.
Russia's Ozon says Dagestan logistics hub on fire after drone attack
05:16 , Arpan RaiA logistics centre belonging to Russian online retailer Ozon is on fire in Makhachkala in Dagestan following a drone attack this morning, the company said.
Ozon has also temporarily shut down two warehouses in the nearby regions of Stavropol and Adygeya in the North Caucasus amid a drone attack alert, it said, though they were not damaged.
Zelensky says Ukraine not behind Nord Stream blasts and cooperating with probe
05:01 , Arpan RaiUkraine played no role in blowing up the Nord Stream gas pipelines and is cooperating with an investigation into the matter, president Volodymyr Zelenksy said on Sunday.
“Ukraine has never officially taken part in any operations regarding the blowing up of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline,” he told reporters in Kyiv.
The Nord Stream 1 and 2 natural gas pipelines between Russia and Germany were damaged in explosions in September 2022, and two Ukrainian suspects are currently in custody on suspicion of involvement.
Norway announces £6.69bn for Ukraine in 2027
04:43 , Arpan RaiNorway plans to give another 85bn Norwegian crowns (£6.69bn) in financial support to Ukraine in the 2027 fiscal year, in line with the amount given in 2026, the Nordic country's government said in a statement on Sunday.
Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Stoere and leaders from across the Nordic and Baltic region visited Kyiv on Sunday in a show of support for Ukraine in the war with Russia.
Norway's donation will be for both military and humanitarian spending, Stoere was quoted as saying in the text of a speech released by the government in Oslo.
“Supporting and rebuilding Ukraine is not assistance alone. It is an investment in Europe's own security,” Stoere said.
Separately, Finland and Ukraine have signed a letter of intent on manufacturing and developing unmanned systems in Finland and memorandum of understanding for a joint venture to produce uncrewed surface vessels, among other documents, Zelensky's office said on X.
PM Burnham to visit Ukraine with plan to support long-range missile production
04:24 , Arpan RaiPrime minister Andy Burnham will visit Ukraine today on his first overseas trip since taking office, and will announce British support to help Kyiv improve its domestic production of long-range missiles.
Burnham will be in Ukraine to co-chair a meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries backing Ukraine.
He is also due to meet Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. He is set to announce that Britain has agreed to allow European missile manufacturer MBDA to release classified information on British-made components used in the SCALP long-range cruise missile, according to his office.
That will help enable France and Ukraine to establish local assembly lines for the missile, which shares British and French technology, according to Downing Street.
“Ukraine's security is our security," Burnham said in a statement, adding that Britain would stand by Ukraine “for as long as it takes”.
Andy Burnham to double down on support for Ukraine in first foreign trip to Kyiv
Two children killed as drone attack hits logistics hub in Krasnodar
03:59 , Arpan RaiAt least two children were killed and another nine people, including seven children, were injured after drone debris hit a private childcare centre in southern Russia’s Krasnodar overnight, governor Veniamin Kondratyev said.
Debris fell on apartment buildings and warehouses caught fire in Krasnodar, Kondratyev said.
The attack caused a fire at a logistics hub of Russian online retailer Ozon, the company said on Telegram.
In Russia's Nevinnomysk, a chemical production area in the Stavropol region next to Krasnodar, a drone attack on an industrial area was repelled, governor Vladimir Vladimirov said on Telegram in the early hours this morning.
North Korea preparing further troop deployments in Ukraine war but no sign move imminent, says South Korea
03:55 , Arpan RaiNorth Korea is continuing preparations for an additional troop deployment to Russia, but had detected no signs that such a deployment was imminent, the South Korean defence ministry has said.
The ministry told lawmaker Yu Yong-weon that North Korea had continued to supply Russia with weapons systems, including short-range ballistic missiles, according to Yu's office.
The lawmaker's office, citing a South Korean Defence Intelligence Agency assessment, said North Korean missiles used in the war may have improved in accuracy through battlefield data, alongside Russian technical advice and component support.
The ministry also said the development of some North Korean ballistic missiles and multiple rocket launchers assessed as being intended for use in a conflict with South Korea was nearing completion.
North Korea is also estimated to have supplied Russia with more than 15 million rounds of artillery ammunition, measured in 152-millimetre shell equivalents.
Just last week, North Korea's Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, rejected Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky's claim that Pyongyang planned to send up to 50,000 more troops to Russia to fight for its ally.
Recap: Zelensky vows revenge after Russian double-tap strike on shopping mall in his hometown kills 16
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUkraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to retaliate after a double-tap drone strike on his hometown killed 16 people.
Rescuers are still searching for survivors in the wreckage of a shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih, which was hit twice by Russia on Friday.
More than 130 people were wounded in the daytime attack carried out in two waves, with the second strike targeting emergency workers at the scene of the first.
Zelensky called the attacks an “act of barbarism”, claiming the “absolutely cynical and despicable” second strike was a deliberate attempt to target emergency services.
You can read more below:
Zelensky vows revenge after Russian attack on shopping mall in his hometown kills 16
Watch: Putin says Ukrainian strikes cause losses but won't turn tide of war
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRussia expanding secret bases that can launch drones deep inside Nato territory: report
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRussia has built secret bases from which it will be able to launch long-range suicide drones deep into Nato territory, according to a report.
The Kremlin has built and expanded at least 10 new bases with at least 59 new launch rails, according to an investigation by The Telegraph using satellite imagery and leaked documents.
The bases are designed to fire large numbers of jet-powered drones that can overload Ukrainian air defences as Moscow bombards military and civilian targets across the country.
But situated along its borders with Ukraine and Belarus, the hi-tech drones will also be able to reach Kyiv’s allies in Nato, the report said.
You can read the full report below:
Russia expanding secret bases that can launch drones deep inside Nato territory
Analysis: Putin is threatening Britain again – this time he could be cornered enough to do something reckless
Monday 24 August 2026 00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIt isn’t the first time the Kremlin has warned of consequences for the UK over its support for Ukraine. From arson to sabotage, Russia has been testing Britain’s defences for years. But desperation could lead to a real attack, and it is something we are in no way prepared for, writes Owen Matthews.
Putin is threatening Britain again – this time he could do something reckless
Recap: Ukrainian arrested over Nord Stream blast ‘detained on Hollywood movie set’
Sunday 23 August 2026 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOne of the main suspects in the 2022 Nord Stream explosions was arrested while reportedly acting as a consultant on a Hollywood film which dramatises the gas pipeline attack, according to German media.
Volodymyr Zhuravlev was arrested by police in Pula, Croatia, under a European arrest warrant put out by Germany, which is seeking his extradition.
German prosecutors accuse him of being a member of a team of Ukrainian divers that allegedly planted explosives on the Baltic Sea energy link between Russia and Germany which destroyed three of the four pipelines in 2022. They describe Zhuravlev as a professional and experienced scuba diver.
You can read the full report below:
Ukrainian arrested over Nord Stream blast ‘detained on Hollywood movie set’
Ukraine and Norway sign defence pact
Sunday 23 August 2026 22:34 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUkraine and Norway signed a new defence pact on Sunday as Norway pledged around $9 billion for Ukraine in 2027.
“Together with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre @jonasgahrstore, we signed an Agreement on defence and security cooperation under the Drone Deal format and a Declaration on a Strategic Partnership – the Ellisiv Accord, named after the daughter of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, who became Queen of Norway.,” Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X.
“These documents strengthen the foundation of the long-term partnership between our countries in defense, energy, and the resilience of our people.
“I am especially grateful for the decision to maintain a high level of support and allocate around $9 billion for 2027. I thank Jonas Gahr Støre, the government, and the entire Norwegian people for their support since the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion.”
Zelensky asked US for 5% of its remaining Patriots, former VP says
Sunday 23 August 2026 22:00 , Sam RkainaUkraine’s president Zelensky asked the US for 5 percent of its remaining Patriot missiles, former vice president Mike Pence has claimed.
During a visit to Kyiv, Donald Trump’s former VP told CNN the request was made to “get them through the winter”.
“One of the things President Zelensky made clear to me is that he fully expects that as winter approaches, sooner than later, that Putin will start to strike not just children’s schools and hospitals as he did this week, not just a shopping mall taking more than a dozen lives, but that he’ll start to strike that energy infrastructure to try and essentially impose the deep winter cold on the people of Ukraine,” Pence said.
Putin facing domestic pressure over fuel shortages
Sunday 23 August 2026 20:48 , Sam RkainaEarlier this week, we reported on the domestic pressure Vladimir Putin is facing over the war on Ukraine.
Russian police have arrested citizens complaining of fuel shortages at the pump, as Ukraine’s drone campaign sparked fighting at petrol stations and rationing.
Moscow and its surrounding regions have been forced to reimpose purchase limits on fuel, capping sales at between 50 and 60 litres per vehicle.
As Ukraine intensifies its “deep strike” campaign, hitting another major oil refinery on Wednesday, the strain on Russia’s domestic energy grid continues to grow.
Across at least 12 regions, miles of gridlocked traffic now stall forecourts, with motorists waiting up to 30 hours only to find the pumps empty.
Moscow withdraws UK ambassador as tensions between Britain and Russia mount
Sunday 23 August 2026 19:45 , Sam RkainaThe Russian embassy in London has denied Russia intends to downgrade diplomatic relations between Moscow and Britain, but said ties have “deteriorated to an unprecedentedly low level entirely on London's initiative”.
The comments come after reports Moscow has withdrawn its UK ambassador as relations between Britain and Russia continue to deteriorate amid Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine.
Former Russian ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin left his post on July 21, having been in the role for over seven years.
Click here for the full story.
Zelensky says Ukraine not behind Nord Stream blasts and are cooperating with probe
Sunday 23 August 2026 18:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUkraine played no role in blowing up the Nord Stream gas pipelines and is cooperating with an investigation into the matter, President Volodymyr Zelenksky said on Sunday.
"Ukraine has never officially taken part in any operations regarding the blowing up of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline," he told reporters in Kyiv.
The Nord Stream 1 and 2 natural gas pipelines between Russia and Germany were damaged in explosions in September 2022, and two Ukrainian suspects are currently in custody on suspicion of involvement.
Ukraine braces for new wave of energy strikes
Sunday 23 August 2026 17:43 , Sam RkainaUkraine is facing another difficult winter of Russian strikes on its energy grid, President Zelensky has warned, a prospect that had prompted Kyiv's air force to ask for 360 missile interceptors for the season.
He also said he had reached an agreement with France on at least one SAMP/T air-defence system this year, and with Germany on the supply of about 600 PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors through 2028.
Ukraine's war effort is further complicated by a $27 billion defence funding gap this year, Zelensky added, a result of higher-than-expected spending in the first half of the year.
At least $8 billion is needed for "a normal start" to 2027, plus about $20 billion more for military salaries, payments to families of the dead, as well as other financing, the president said.
Minister pays tribute to ‘courage’ of Ukrainians ahead of independence day event
Sunday 23 August 2026 16:41 , Sam RkainaA Scottish Government minister has paid tribute to the “extraordinary courage, determination and resilience” of the people of Ukraine, ahead of the country’s independence day on Monday.
Minister for Europe and external affairs Stephen Gethin made the comments ahead of an appearance at an Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain event in Glasgow on Sunday, where he will address Ukrainians and supporters.
He is expected to pay tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people, recognising their contribution to communities across Scotland, and reiterating the Scottish Government’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Gethin said: “As Ukraine continues to defend its freedom, and the freedoms of everyone in democratic Europe, its people continue to demonstrate extraordinary courage, determination and resilience.
“Their strength in the face of Russia’s aggression, violence and oppression remains an inspiration to people around the world.”
Ukraine marks Day of the National Flag
Sunday 23 August 2026 15:49 , Sam Rkaina
Ukraine elections now would be 'tsunami for the state'
Sunday 23 August 2026 14:35 , Sam RkainaZelensky's approval rating has remained generally stable at about 60%, but pollsters have said that while Ukrainians want fresh faces in politics, many have little appetite for voting now.
An August 5 poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found that 57% of Ukrainians want elections only after fighting ends.
Echoing his previous comments on the matter, Zelensky said a wartime election might be possible if Kyiv's partners could guarantee security, but that no one has proposed such a plan.
“Elections right now are a tsunami for the state, which will split Ukraine,” he said.
“That's why my strategy is to steer the country toward an ending of the war and to preserve an independent and sovereign state.”
Putin says Ukrainian strikes cause losses but won't turn tide of war
Sunday 23 August 2026 13:00 , Sam RkainaWartime election would 'destroy' Ukraine, Zelensky says
Sunday 23 August 2026 12:56 , Sam RkainaHolding a wartime election in Ukraine while active fighting with Russia continues would “destroy” the country by splitting Ukrainians, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
His comments, released to reporters on Sunday, were Zelensky's first on the subject since ousted former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for a wartime poll in an address last week.
Fedorov's surprise dismissal last month sparked widespread protests, but supporters calling for his reinstatement later baulked at his call for an election - the first such demand by a major Ukrainian political figure since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
“I believe that if we want to destroy the country, then we can move towards elections during this kind of war,” Zelensky said.
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