UK defence intelligence officials have no evidence Chinese soldiers captured fighting for Putin have links to the Chinese government, it is understood.
Volodymyr Zelensky has alleged that Chinese soldiers have joined Russia’s war effort, two of whom have been taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces.
Kyiv’s forces engaged in battle with six Chinese troops in Donetsk, the Ukrainian president said, adding that Ukraine believes there are “many more Chinese citizens in the occupier's units than just these two”.
Kyiv demanded an explanation from Beijing, summoning China’s charge d'affaires as foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said the development “undermines Beijing's credibility as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council”.
But it is understood that UK officials have so far found nothing that links the captured troops to the Chinese government.
It comes months after North Korea first sent troops to assist Vladimir Putin’s war effort in Russia’s Kursk region, where Moscow’s forces have reclaimed large swathes of land from Ukraine.
Russian officials and state media claimed on Tuesday to be close to regaining full control of Kursk after purportedly pushing Ukraine from one of its few remaining footholds in the settlement of Guyevo – although Moscow has frequently made such assertions prematurely.
As Ukraine withdraws from Kursk, Mr Zelensky confirmed for the first time that Ukrainian troops were now operating in Russia’s neighbouring Belgorod region.
Read More
Key Points
- Breaking: Zelensky says Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia in Ukraine
- ‘There are many more’ – Zelensky’s comments on Chinese troops in full
- Zelensky confirms Ukrainian troops active in Russia’s Belgorod region
- Trump condemns Russia for ‘bombing like crazy’
- Russia showing ‘complete disrespect’ towards peace talks, says EU
UK intelligence has no evidence of captured soldiers having Chinese government links
22:44
,
Angus Thompson
UK defence intelligence officials have no evidence Chinese soldiers captured fighting for Putin have links to the Chinese government, it is understood.
Ukrainian forces battled six Chinese citizens in the eastern Donetsk region and took two prisoner, according to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who shared footage of one of the prisoners, who appeared with his hands zip-tied together.
Kyiv demanded an explanation from Beijing, summoning China’s charge d'affaires as foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said the development “undermines Beijing's credibility as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council”.
But it is understood that UK officials have so far found nothing that links the captured troops to the Chinese government.
Many other foreign nationals have also been recruited to fight for Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.
Nine injured in Russian drone attacks on two cities, Ukrainian officials say
22:19
,
Andy Gregory
At least nine people have been injured tonight as Russian drones attacked the Ukrainian cities of Dnipro and Kharkiv, regional officials have said.
The attack on Dnipro in southeastern Ukraine sparked a fire, damaged houses and cars, and injured six people, said Serhiy Lysak, governor of Dnipropetrovsk region. One woman was in serious condition after the strike.
In the northeastern city of Kharkiv, which has been hit by drone strikes nearly every evening over the past week, a series of explosions resounded through the city, mayor Ihor Terekhov said.
Three people were injured and storage facilities were set on fire in Kharkiv.
ICYMI: Former MI6 chief says Putin needs a ‘permanent state of antagonism’
21:40
,
Andy Gregory
In conversation with The Independent’s world affairs editor Sam Kiley, former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger has suggested that Vladimir Putin’s leadership offers Russia only “security” – and therefore requires a “permanent state of antagonism”.
The former spymaster said: “Security needs a threat. And I think at the beginning the threat was that Russia was fundamentally falling apart, and Putin did fix that.
“But now of course, Putin feels the need to take this to another level – and I think Putin doesn’t have a rationale unless he’s in a permanent state of antagonism, specifically with Europe. And so this needs to continue.”
Watch the full discussion here.
Deadly Russian strike on Zelensky's home city ‘underscores Trump’s call for peace’, says US
21:12
,
Andy Gregory
A Russian missile strike which killed 11 adults and nine children as it hit a playground in Volodymyr Zelensky’s home city of Kryvyi Rih “underscores” Donald Trump’s “urgent call for peace”, the US State Department has said.
Asked about the strike, spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters: “It was a Russian Federation ballistic missile strike in a residential neighbourhood of that town – it is further underscores President Trump’s urgent call for peace.
“He’s affected by this, it’s long time to stop the death and destruction and end this war, just as we know President Trump has been committed to finding and demanding the return of the missing or stolen Ukrainian children from Russia.
“So this is top of the mind from President Trump and from Secretary Rubio.”
Analysis | How Ukraine’s prehistoric rock deposit became central to helping stop Russia
20:46
,
Andy Gregory
Ukraine’s minerals have become central to global geopolitics, with Donald Trump seeking a deal with Volodymyr Zelensky to access them. But what are these minerals exactly and why are they so sought after?
Ukraine is often recognised for its vast agricultural lands and industrial heritage, but beneath its surface lies one of the world’s most remarkable geological formations – the “Ukrainian Shield”.
This massive, exposed crystalline rock formed over 2.5 billion years ago, stretches across much of Ukraine. It represents one of Earth’s oldest and most stable continental blocks.
The formation has undergone multiple episodes of mountain building, the formation and movement of magma and other change throughout time. These geological processes created favourable geological conditions for forming several mineral deposits including lithium, graphite, manganese, titanium and rare earth elements.
All these are now critical for modern industries and the global green energy transition, to the extent that Ukraine has deposits containing 22 of 34 critical minerals identified by the European Union as essential for energy security – positioning Ukraine among the world’s most resource-rich nations.
Munira Raji reports:
US confirms upcoming meeting with Russia in Istanbul
20:20
,
Andy Gregory
The US State Department has confirmed that American and Russian delegations will meet for a second time in Istanbul on Thursday to “solely” discuss stabilising bilateral embassy operations.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters that the discussions will not include any political or security issues, adding: “Ukraine is not, absolutely not on the agenda.
“These talks are solely focused on our embassy operations, not on normalising a bilateral relationship overall, which can only happen, as we've noted, once there is peace between Russia and Ukraine,” she added.
US State Dept ‘disturbed’ by reports of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in Ukraine
19:59
,
Andy Gregory
The US State Department has said it is aware and “disturbed” by reports of Chinese citizens fighting for Russia against Ukraine.
Spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters: “It’s disturbing with the Chinese soldiers having been captured – we’re aware of those reports, that Ukraine captured two Chinese citizens fighting on behalf of Russia in Ukraine.
“China is a major enabler of Russia in the war in Ukraine. China provides nearly 80 per cent of the dual-use items Russia needs to sustain the war – 80 per cent comes from China.
“As President Trump has said, continued cooperation between these two nuclear powers will only further contribute to global instability and make the United States less secure, less safe, and less prosperous. I think that’s an understatement.”
US ambassador to UN issues warning after Russian strike on Zelensky's home city
19:43
,
Andy Gregory
The acting US ambassador to the United Nations has said that Russian strikes such as that on Friday which killed 11 adults and nine children in Volodymyr Zelensky’s home city of Kryvyi Rih could jeopardise peace talks.
Claiming that “have no patience for bad faith negotiation or violation of commitments” as it seeks to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, Washington will Dorothy Shea told the UN Security Council on Tuesday: “We will ultimately judge President (Vladimir) Putin's commitment to a ceasefire by Russia's actions.”
Ms Shea added: “We urge the Russian Federation to bear in mind that strikes like those on Kryvyi Rih, and executions of prisoners of war, have the potential to damage peace efforts and all dependent discussions.”
US Senate backs Elbridge Colby for top Pentagon post, after he refuses to say Putin invaded Ukraine
19:20
,
Andy Gregory
The US Senate has voted on Tuesday to confirm Elbridge Colby – a China hawk and advocate of Donald Trump’s “America First” worldview – as undersecretary of defence for policy, the Pentagon’s No 3 post.
Colby, who was deputy assistant secretary of defence for strategy and force development during Mr Trump’s first term as president, is known for arguing that the US military should prioritise competition with China and shift its focus from the Middle East and Europe.
He was closely questioned about those views by Democrats and some Republicans during his confirmation hearing, during which he repeatedly declined to answer when asked if Vladimir Putin had invaded Ukraine – instead citing Trump's ongoing “delicate” diplomacy.
The only Senate Republican who voted against Mr Colby’s confirmation on Tuesday was Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the party’s former leader.
Russia pushes Ukrainian troops from one of their last footholds in Kursk region, army claims
18:54
,
Andy Gregory
Russia is close to regaining full control of its western Kursk region after pushing Ukrainian forces from one of their last footholds there, the regional governor and state media have claimed.
Russia's Defence Ministry released footage of what it claimed was the recapture of the settlement of Guyevo – showing smoke rising from various buildings, a soldier waving the Russian flag from the window of a heavily damaged Orthodox church, and Russian troops carrying out house-to-house checks in case any Ukrainian soldiers were hiding.
Reuters reported that it was able to verify the location of the video from file and satellite imagery of the area, but could not verify the date.
There was no immediate comment from Ukraine on Russia’s claims, but the Ukrainian militar said that its planes had struck a complex of hangars and military buildings in the Kursk region being used by Russian drone operators and maintenance workers.
Alexander Khinshtein, the governor of Kursk, claimed the raising of Russia’s flag in Guyevo meant Russian forces were on course to regain control of the region “very soon”. Citing unnamed military sources, the Tass state news agency claimed that Moscow only had to push Ukrainian troops out of two more settlements – Gornal and Oleshnya – in order to retake the entire region.
Nato chief raises concern over China's arms buildup
18:34
,
Andy Gregory
The head of Nato has expressed concern about China’s arms buildup and military drills near Taiwan and called on the organisation’s members and friendly nations to work together to keep free and open sea lanes in the region.
“China is supporting Russia's efforts. China is building up its armed forces, including its navy, at a rapid pace,” Nato chief Mark Rutte told reporters as he wrapped up his visit to the Japanese navy port of Yokosuka.
“We cannot be naive, and we really have to work together, assess what is happening.”
His remarks came as Japanese defence minister Gen Nakatani announced his country’s interest in participating in the Nato command for its Ukrainian mission, which is based in Germany.
Tories say capture of Chinese citizens in Donetsk a ‘stark reminder’ of need to help Ukraine
18:15
,
Andy Gregory
The Tory shadow foreign secretary has vowed to put Beijing’s response “under the microscope” after Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine had captured two Chinese citizens fighting for Russia in Donetsk.
Dame Priti Patel said: “President Zelensky’s statement about the capture of two Chinese citizens supporting Russia’s army in Ukrainian territory should concern us all.
“We await further and fuller details, but this is a stark reminder about why it’s so important we continue our support for Ukraine now, to help them defend their sovereign territory from Putin's barbaric invasion.
“We will put China's response under the microscope. More broadly, China must refrain from any actions that could help fuel Putin’s war machine.”
Russia and US officials to hold talks in Istanbul this week, Kremlin says
17:56
,
Andy Gregory
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said that Russian foreign ministry officials will take part in talks with the US in Istanbul planned for Thursday.
He did not offer details of what the talks would focus on, but the foreign ministry's involvement suggests it is another round of discussions about normalising their respective embassies’ operations and increasing staff numbers after years of diplomatic expulsions.
Mapped: Russia's advance in Donetsk slows as Ukrainian troops launch counterattacks
17:38
,
Alex Croft
Japan looks to participate in Nato's Ukraine mission in Germany
17:21
,
Andy Gregory
Japan has expressed in participating in the Nato command for its Ukrainian mission based in Germany – in what would mark a major boost in ties with the largely European alliance.
Japanese defence minister Gen Nakatani announced his country’s interest in joining the mission during talks with Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte in Tokyo on Tuesday.
Details – which include the possibility of sending Japan Self Defence Force members to the US base in Wiesbaden – were still to be discussed. But any Japanese co-operation was not expected to involve combat, in line with what has been Tokyo’s post-Second World War tradition of limiting its military’s role.
Mr Nakatani said Japan wants to further deepen security co-operation with Nato and that participation in the Nato mission would help Tokyo learn lessons from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Both Japan and Nato face many challenges and our security environment has become increasingly more severe,” he said.
Japan has said that Russia’s war on Ukraine underscores that security risks in Europe and Asia are inseparable, and Tokyo has sought closer ties with Nato while also joining the United States in expanding defence ties with other friendly nations in the Indo-Pacific.
ICYMI: Former MI6 chief ‘worried’ Trump believes Russia has right to Ukraine due to its size
17:05
,
Andy Gregory
In conversation with The Independent’s world affairs editor Sam Kiley, former MI6 chief Alex Younger has expressed concern that Donald Trump has “a bias towards the idea that Russia has more rights than Ukraine because it’s a bigger country.
Watch the full discussion here.
Belgian PM pledges €1bn new aid package to Ukraine
16:41
,
Andy Gregory
Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever has announced that his government will grant Ukraine a new bilateral aid package of €1bn in 2025 – and hopes to deliver the war-torn country at least that same amount every year during his term.
During a press conference in Kyiv alongside Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, he also said Belgium would make good on its pledge to deliver all the fighter planes that it had promised Ukraine.
“We will deliver two F-16s for spare parts this year and certainly deliver two fighter planes next year. We hope to do more but we are depending on the delivery of the F-35. There is no delay in Belgium but the F-35 has delays. Once the F-35 arrives, the F-16 leaves, it's a simple as that,” Mr De Wever said.
Starmer to take ‘intelligence advice’ after Ukraine says Chinese soldiers captured in Donetsk
16:28
,
Andy Gregory
Sir Keir Starmer said he would speak to the intelligence agencies and the Kyiv government after Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky said two Chinese citizens had been captured fighting as part of the Russian army.
The prime minister told MPs on the Commons Liaison Committee he wanted to “make sure that we've got to the bottom of what we actually think has happened here” before commenting publicly.
“I will obviously be taking intelligence and security advice on it, we will obviously be talking to the Ukrainians about it,” Sir Keir said.
Trump should maintain current military presence in Europe, US general says
16:21
,
Andy Gregory
The top US general in Europe has advised that Washington should retain its military presence on the continent in its current form, as the Pentagon reviews its global footprint under Donald Trump.
The US military has more than 100,000 troops in Europe, but US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has told European colleagues that they should not assume that the US presence will last forever.
“It's my advice to maintain that force posture as it is now,” US Army General Christopher Cavoli told a House Armed Services Committee hearing.
Mr Cavoli said the military had periodically reviewed its troop levels in Europe since 2022 – when Washington poured 20,000 troops into the continent after Russia's invasion of Ukraine – but he had recommended against bringing troop levels down.
“I have consistently recommended throughout that period to maintain the forces we surged forward, and I would continue to do so if asked,” he added.
US tells United Nations: We have no patience for bad faith talks on war in Ukraine
16:08
,
Andy Gregory
The United States “will have no patience for bad faith negotiation or violation of commitments” as it seeks to end the war in Ukraine, acting US ambassador Dorothy Shea has told the UN Security Council.
“We will ultimately judge President Putin’s commitment to a ceasefire by Russia's actions,” Ms Shea told the 15-member council.
Ms Shea is a career diplomat and was nominated to the post of deputy UN ambassador by Joe Biden in 2023, having previously been nominated by Donald Trump for the post of ambassador to Lebanon.
Mapped: Where were the Chinese troops caught according to Zelensky?
15:45
,
Alex Croft
Unlikely that Chinese authorities were involved in troops in Ukraine, says Russia expert
15:25
,
Alex Croft
It is unlikely that Chinese authorities were involved in sending troops to Ukraine, Russia expert John Lough has told The Independent.
“I wouldn't read too much into it,” said Mr Lough, head of foreign policy at the New Eurasian Strategies Centre.
“It's very hard to believe that the Chinese authorities would be in any way involved in this because they've been extremely careful to limit their involvement in this war,” he added.
Mr Lough suggested the situation could be similar to the handful of Indian soldiers who were duped by promises of a job in Russia but ended up fighting in Ukraine, after being “coerced to serve in the Russian army”.
Almost 100 men from India, who say they believed they were moving to Russia for a safe and secure job, ended up serving on the frontline in Ukraine last year.
“I don't think it's a dramatic development. It doesn't particularly surprise me though we would find citizens from other countries in the right army. At the end of the day, there are people from all sorts of backgrounds fighting on the Ukrainian side,” Mr Lough added.
Watch: Zelensky shares video of captured Chinese citizens who he says joined Russia's war on Ukraine
15:19
,
Alex Croft
Chinese troops raise questions about Russian manpower problems - defence analyst
15:10
,
Alex Croft
Defence analyst Francis Tusa said the alleged presence of Chinese soldiers in Ukraine prompted many questions.
"If there are Chinese troops there, what is President Xi getting back from it?" he asked, speaking to The Independent.
"It does raise the question of whether Russia has got problems with its troops. They have only introduced very partial conscription and have tried to avoid making it Muscovites.
"It might be considered by Putin to be better to bring in Chinese mercenaries rather than his own people where there is a risk of potential rebellion and people saying no.
"However that would be slightly high risk by Russia as Trump does not like the Chinese."
Mr Tusa said the US president wanted the war between between Russia and Ukraine to end so that he can focus on China.
"If China is providing troops to the Russians, Zelensky has a strong position that the people Trump does not like are in bed with Putin, so cut him some slack."
Mr Tusa added that it might also raise the possibility that Kim Jong-Un is not going to provide limitless numbers of Korean troops.
"Is Russia actually more exposed than we think?"
Zelensky: North Koreans only fought us in Russia - Chinese troops are fighting us in Ukraine
14:57
,
Alex Croft
Speaking to reporters after revealing that Ukrainian troops had captured two Chinese soldiers fighting in eastern Ukraine, Mr Zelensky compared the development to the North Korean troops who joined Russian forces months ago.
“This is another country that militarily supports Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” Mr Zelensky told reporters according to the Financial Times.
“But there is a difference: the North Koreans fought against us on the front in Kursk, the Chinese are fighting on the territory of Ukraine.”
China another country accused of sending troops to Ukraine - after North Koreans fought in Kursk
14:42
,
Alex Croft
Volodymyr Zelensky’s claims that Chinese troops have been fighting in Ukraine may pose a significant development, months after it emerged that North Korean troops were supporting the Russian war effort.
The question whether it is treated by the international community as direct nChinese involvement in the Russian war effort - as in the case of the North Korean troops who fought with Russian forces in Kursk.
Today’s video published by Mr Zelensky on X, showing a Chinese soldier in Ukrainian captivity, is reminiscent of a video which emerged nearly three months ago - when the first North Korean prisoners of war were captured.
North Korea sent around 12,000 troops to Russia to help Moscow’s forces to reclaim much of the Kursk region, where Ukraine had seized large swathes of territory.
Although the picture today is not as clear cut as it was in the case of North Korea - with evidence showing thousands of North Korean troops fighting in Kursk - Mr Zelensky claims there are “many more” Chinese troops fighting within Ukraine’s borders.
Chinese troops in Ukraine 'undermines Beijing's credibility', says Ukrainian minister
14:19
,
Alex Croft
The Ukrainian foreign minister has condemned the alleged involvement of Chinese troops in the war in Ukraine.
“Chinese citizens fighting as part of Russia’s invasion army in Ukraine puts into question China’s declared stance for peace and undermines Beijing’s credibility as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council,” Kyiv’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X.
We strongly condemn Russia‘s involvement of Chinese citizens in its war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as their participation in combat against Ukrainian forces.
— Andrii Sybiha (@andrii_sybiha) April 8, 2025
We have summoned China's chargé d'affaires in Ukraine to the Foreign Ministry to condemn this fact and demand… https://t.co/LoXHDoIQsu
'There are many more' - Zelensky's comments on Chinese troops in full
13:49
,
Alex Croft
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has alleged that Chinese citizens have been engaged in Russia’s war effort against Ukraine.
Here are his comments in full:
“Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army. This happened on Ukrainian territory—in the Donetsk region. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession.
“We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier's units than just these two. We are currently verifying all the facts—intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the relevant units of the Armed Forces are working on it.
“I have instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to immediately contact Beijing and clarify how China intends to respond to this.
“Russia's involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war. He is looking for ways to continue fighting. This definitely requires a response. A response from the United States, Europe, and all those around the world who want peace.
“The captured Chinese citizens are now in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine.
“Relevant investigative and operational actions are ongoing.”
Breaking: Zelensky says Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia in Ukraine
13:34
,
Alex Croft
Volodymyr Zelensky has alleged that Chinese soldiers were caught after joining Russia’s war effort in eastern Ukraine.
Kyiv’s forces fought six Chinese soldiers in Ukraine, taking two captive, the Ukrainian president said, adding that he expects a reaction from Washington.
He has ordered officials to obtain an official explanation from China regarding its soldiers fighting in Ukraine.
Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army. This happened on Ukrainian territory—in the Donetsk region. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 8, 2025
We have information suggesting that… pic.twitter.com/ekBr6hCkQL
We will know in weeks if Putin is serious about peace, US says
13:16
,
Rachel Clun
US secretary of state Marco Rubio has said the US will know within weeks whether Vladimir Putin is serious about peace.
Speaking at the end of a two-day meeting of Nato foreign ministers, Mr Rubio said: "We will know soon enough, in a matter of weeks, not months, whether Russia is serious about peace or not. I hope they are.
"If this is dragging things out, President Trump's not going to fall into the trap of endless negotiations about negotiations.”
Washington’s Nato allies have accused Russia of stalling ceasefire effots, and Donald Trump has reportedly become wary of Mr Putin’s commitment to peace in Ukraine.
Russia claims it is pushing Ukraine out of Kursk
12:46
,
Rachel Clun
The Kremlin claims it is continuing to take back territory gained by Ukraine in Russia’s Kursk region.
"The armed forces of the Russian Federation continue to crush the Ukrainian army formations on the territory of Kursk region," Russia’s Defence Ministry said in a statement.
The high-quality DeepState map of the conflict shows Ukraine currently retains about 58 square km of territory around the Kursk settlement of Guyevo.
It’s a far cry from the 1,300 square km Ukraine had gained in Kursk at the peak of its incursion, and Russia has been trying since August last year to eject Ukraine from the region.
Earlier today Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian troops have also been active in the Belgorod region.
Russian commander Apti Alaudinov was quoted by Russian state news as saying on Friday that the situation in Belgorod was “under control”.
Zelensky honours Belgian defenders
12:30
,
Rachel Clun
The Ukrainian president has commemorated Belgians who have helped defend his country, alongside Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever.
“Today, together with the Prime Minister of Belgium, @Bart_DeWever, we commemorated our defenders—the warriors thanks to whom Ukraine is alive, free, and continues to fight,” Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X.
“We remember the feat of every man and woman who defended Ukraine at the cost of their own lives. Eternal honor and gratitude to the heroes.”
Washington considers withdrawing up to 10,000 troops from Europe - report
12:16
,
Alex Croft
Washington is considering withdrawing up to 10,000 troops from eastern Europe, NBC News cited six US and European officials briefed on the discussions as saying.
In 2022, after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the US deployed 20,000 troops to bolster Nato’s eastern border with Russia. Troops are stationed in Poland, Romania and the Baltic States.
It would be the latest move in the White House push for Europe to be more self-reliant for its own security.
The numbers which will be withdrawn are not yet confirmed, NBC reported, but the US could remove as many as half its additional troops sent after the invasion.
Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte said European allies would be in close coordination with Washington regarding any withdrawal.
Moscow supports Iran-US talks over nuclear programme, Kremlin says
12:02
,
Alex Croft
Moscow supports talks between Iran and the US over Tehran’s nuclear programme and believes it offers a chance of alleviating tensions between the countries, the Kremlin said today.
Speaking to reporters over a call, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s support for a diplomatic settlement.
"We know that certain contacts, direct and indirect, are planned in Oman. And, of course, this can only be welcomed, because it may lead to a de-escalation of tensions around Iran,” Mr Peskov said.
Iranian state media reported on Tuesday that talks between the US and Iran would take place in Oman on April 12.
The format of the talks remains unclear.
Moscow accuses Ukraine of attacking energy facilities twice in 24 hours
11:32
,
Alex Croft
The Russian defence ministry said on Tuesday that Ukraine had attacked Russian energy facilities twice in the past 24 hours, despite a moratorium on strikes on energy facilities.
Both sides have accused the other of breaching the moratorium since agreeing with US president Donald Trump to halt such strikes - and have denied being at fault.
The Independent was unable to verify the reports of the strikes.
Mapped: Russia pushes back against Ukraine's incursion into Belgorod
11:11
,
Alex Croft
Kremlin says there are no expected nuclear arms negotiations with US
10:55
,
Alex Croft
The Kremlin said it is hard to imagine negotiating a new nuclear arms reduction treaty with the US, as mutual trust between Moscow and Washington has not yet been fully restored.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, was answering a question about the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or New START - which runs out in February 2026.
The treaty caps the number of strategic nuclear warheads that the US and Russia can deploy - and the land- and submarine-based missiles and bombers to deliver them.
Kyiv hits back at Ukrainian-born US lawmaker who called for Zelensky to resign
10:40
,
Alex Croft
Kyiv has responded to a claim by a Ukrainian-born US lawmaker who said Volodymyr Zelensky should resign and called for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia.
"If they were winning the war, that would be very different," Republican congresswoman Victoria Spartz said in an interview with the Telegraph as she said the people of Ukraine should demand Mr Zelensky resign.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry hit back by saying: "Unlike Victoria, all of our land has always been and will always remain Ukrainian.”
Ruslan Stefanchuk, speaker of the Verkhovna Rada - the Ukrainian parliament - accused Ms Spartz of echoing the narrative of the Putin regime.
"One, born in Kyiv, became a representative of Putin. Another, from Chernihiv Oblast, discusses the 'expediency' of giving up Ukrainian territories, calling the Ukrainian people a faceless 'they,'" Mr Stefanchuk said.
Watch: Former MI6 Chief 'worried' Trump has bias that Russia has right to Ukraine due to its size
10:23
,
Alex Croft
Three killed and 19 injured in attacks over past day
09:38
,
Alex Croft
At least three people have been killed and 19 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day, according to regional officials.
Moscow’s forces launched 46 drones overnight, according to the Ukrainian military, nine of which were shot down by air defences.
In Donetsk, two residents were killed by Russian shelling in Kostyantynivka and Hryshyno, the Kyiv Independent quoted regional governor Vadym Filashkin as saying.
One man was killed and five were injured in the Kharkiv region, while eight were injured in the Kherson region, the governors said.
In the Dnipropetrovsk region, artillery and drone strikes wounded four.
More than 30 remain in hospital after Kryvyi Rih attack
09:19
,
Alex Croft
A total of 33 people from Kryvyi Rih who were injured in the deadly Russian ballistic missile attack over the weekend remain in hospital, according to local authorities.
Among the injured are four children, two of whom are in a serious condition. Sixteen other adults are also in serious conditions.
The huge missile attack on Friday killed 20 people, including nine children. The city is still reeling in the aftermath of the strike, head of Kryvyi Rih city council Oleksandr Vilkul said on Telegram.
Trump condemns Russia for 'bombing like crazy'
08:50
,
Alex Croft
Donald Trump has condemned Russia for “bombing like crazy” in the past week, after Moscow’s forces have continued deadly drone and missile attacks across Ukraine.
"I'm not happy about what's going on with the bombing, because they [the Russians] are bombing like crazy right now,” Mr Trump said, adding that it is “not a good situation”.
Speaking during a meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office, Mr Trump also referenced the recent peace discussions between Washington, Moscow and Kyiv.
“We're getting sort of close. But I'm not happy with all the bombing that's going on the last week or so. Horrible. It's a horrible thing," he said.
Over the weekend, Russia killed 20 people, including nine children, with a ballistic missile attack in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih.
