Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Russia are planning a fresh ground assault into eastern Ukraine, despite Vladimir Putin’s support for a ceasefire.
Mr Zelensky said Mr Putin’s troops are “building up forces” across the border from Ukraine’s Sumy region.
His comments come after he joined 29 other world leaders on Saturday for a meeting hosted by Sir Keir Starmer.
“We are also observing directions along our eastern border of Ukraine, where the Russian army is building up forces,” Mr Zelensky wrote on X.
“This indicates an intention to attack our Sumy region. We are aware of this, and will counter it. I would like all partners to understand exactly what Putin is planning, what he is preparing for, and what he will be ignoring.”
The Ukrainian president also urged Kyiv's Western allies to give "a clear position" on security guarantees including about a potential foreign troop contingent on Ukrainian soil with a US backstop.
Mr Putin said on Thursday that he supported in principle US president Donald Trump's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine, but that Russia would fight on until several crucial conditions were worked out.
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Key Points
- Zelensky warns Russian troops planning fresh ground invasion
- Military chiefs to meet in UK to discuss peacekeeping force
- Starmer accuses Kremlin of 'dithering and delay' over ceasefire deal
- Zelensky accuses Putin of lying about ceasefire
What are Putin and Zelensky’s demands for agreeing 30-day truce?
07:30
,
Shahana Yasmin
Russia has presented the US with a list of demands for a deal to end its invasion of Ukraine and reset relations with Washington, it has been reported.
The demands were submitted to Washington after Ukraine accepted a 30-day proposal discussed with the US during peace talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
It is unclear what was included in that letter, but former senior British officials who focus on Russia have suggested to The Independent that Moscow will try to extract maximal demands from Washington in exchange for a ceasefire.
Canada pledges almost £27 m to Ukraine energy fund
07:10
,
Shahana Yasmin
Canada has contributed an additional CA$50m (£26.8m) to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, Ukraine’s energy ministry announced on Saturday, according to The Kyiv Independent.
This follows Ukraine’s receipt of the first tranche of a $1.7bn loan, secured through frozen Russian assets from Canada, as confirmed by Ukraine’s finance ministry on 13 March.
“As Russia continues its ruthless attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, leaving millions without electricity, water, and heat, Canada is proud... to continue the important work it is doing to help Ukraine repair its critical infrastructure,” said Canadian foreign minister Mélanie Joly in a statement.
“Contributions to the Energy Support Fund are directed toward purchasing equipment necessary for restoring energy facilities after enemy attacks and ensuring the stable operation of Ukraine’s energy system,” said Ukraine’s minister of energy Herman Halushchenko.
Watch in full: Starmer gives Ukraine update after urging world leaders to keep pressure on Russia
06:50
,
Shahana Yasmin
Watch as Sir Keir Starmer held a press conference after hosting a meeting with world leaders to discuss peace in Ukraine on Saturday, 15 March.
The prime minister urged countries in his “coalition of the willing” to keep pressure on Moscow after he warned Vladimir Putin not to “play games” over a ceasefire deal.
Around 25 world leaders joined Sir Keir for a virtual call on Saturday, including Emmanuel Macron, Volodymyr Zelensky and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.
How Trump’s ‘America First’ MAGA movement turned the Republican Party into an ‘arm of the Kremlin’
06:30
,
Shahana Yasmin
Donald Trump’s Oval Office attack on Ukraine’s president last month appeared to mark a very public realignment of America’s sympathies - away from Europe and towards Russia in a manner that few could have imagined during the Cold War years.
The Republican Party, now dominated by Trump’s “America First” MAGA movement, once considered the former Soviet Union “the evil empire” under Ronald Reagan and relished its collapse.
Today, the GOP stands accused of parroting Vladimir Putin’s rhetoric and some even refuse to admit the plain fact that Moscow began the war by invading its neighbor.
Putin’s troops say they’re close to retaking Kursk from Ukrainian forces – here’s why it matters
06:10
,
Shahana Yasmin
Ukrainian forces are rapidly losing ground in the Kursk region amid a major Russian offensive to recapture land which Kyiv hoped could be a crucial bargaining chip in peace negotiations.
In an attempt to divert Russian forces from the brutal frontlines in eastern Ukraine – and embarrass Vladimir Putin – Ukraine smashed across the border into the Kursk region in August, the biggest attack on Russian territory since the Nazi invasion of 1941.
Putin visited the western region for the first time since its seizure on Wednesday, in a sign of the confidence Moscow has that they will retake complete control of the region.
Russia, Ukraine trade drone strikes as ceasefire prospects remain uncertain
05:50
,
Shahana Yasmin
Three people, including a 7-year-old, were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s Belgorod border region, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram, according to a Reuters report.
Two of the victims were hurt when a drone struck their house, sparking a fire in the Gubkinsky district, while the third was injured in an attack on the village of Dolgoye, Gladkov said.Alexander Gusev, governor of Voronezh and acting governor of Russia's southern Rostov region both said there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage in their regions.
Russia’s defence ministry reported on Sunday that its air defence units destroyed 31 Ukrainian drones—16 were downed over the southwestern Voronezh region, nine over Belgorod, and the remainder over the Rostov and Kursk regions.
Ukrainian authorities reported multiple Russian drone strikes, including an attack on the northern Chernihiv region, where firefighters were tackling a blaze at a high-rise building ignited by the assault, according to Ukraine's state emergency service.
In pictures: Russian drone attack sets apartment building in Ukraine on fire
05:30
,
Shahana Yasmin
Keir Starmer’s steady leadership offers the best chance of forcing Putin to make peace
05:10
,
Shahana Yasmin
The coalition of the willing is growing. The attendance list for Sir Keir Starmer’s video conference was impressive. The United Kingdom is now at the head of a roll call of 26 nations in support of Ukraine. These included all the larger countries in Europe, including Italy – even if Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, repeated her refusal to put troops into Ukraine under any circumstances.
The European Union itself was represented, even if not all its members were. So was Nato. And there were the leaders of four countries outside Europe: Canada, Turkey, Australia and New Zealand. The coalition is also backed, Sir Keir said, by Japan. Canada was represented by Mark Carney, its new prime minister, who understands that his nation must stand up to Donald Trump as well as to Vladimir Putin if either threatens it.
Italy rules out deploying peacekeeping forces in Ukraine
04:50
,
Shahana Yasmin
Italy has no plans to deploy peacekeeping forces on the ground in Ukraine to support a potential ceasefire, prime minister Giorgia Meloni's office announced on Saturday.
The statement followed the ‘coalition of the willing’ hosted by Keir Starmer, where members discussed ways to bolster Ukraine’s security in the event of a peace agreement with Russia.
Meloni joined the virtual meeting alongside leaders from 24 other nations.
“The Prime Minister confirmed that Italy intends to continue working with European and Western partners and with the United States to define credible and effective security guarantees, reiterating that national participation in a possible military force on the ground is not envisaged,” the statement said.
Australia open to sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, says Albanese
04:30
,
Shahana Yasmin
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said Australia could offer Ukraine a “small contribution” of peacekeepers if requested, though he emphasised it was too early to discuss specifics until Russia agreed to a ceasefire.
Albanese participated in the ‘coalition of the willing’ call chaired by Keir Starmer, and reaffirmed Australia's commitment to standing up to “bullies” like Vladimir Putin.
“Vladimir Putin’s a bully. You know what Australians do? They stand up to bullies. They don’t get intimidated by an authoritarian leader engaging in that sort of rhetoric.”
He added that Australia would “stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes” and expressed openness to considering new forms of support. However, he noted that any additional contributions would be based on Australia’s “capacity and comparative strengths.”
“It is the right thing to do and it is in Australia’s national interest. Because what happens in the Euro-Atlantic has serious implications for our region – the Indo-Pacific – and vice versa,” Albanese said in a statement.
Starmer says plans for military support for Ukraine now entering ‘operational phase’
04:10
,
Shahana Yasmin
Sir Keir Starmer has declared that plans to put a peacekeeping force in Ukraine have now entered an “operational phase”, as Britain prepares to host military chiefs from a group of Western countries ready to support a ceasefire.
Sending the strongest signal yet that the “coalition of the willing” is pressing ahead with the pledge to back a ceasefire deal with troops on the ground, the PM said allies would be prepared to “help secure Ukraine on the land, at sea and in the sky”.
“We won’t sit back and wait for Putin to act,” the prime minister warned, vowing to “keep pushing forward” with the plan for peace.
Zelensky says ‘no encirclement’ in Kursk, Ukraine holding ground against Russian forces
03:50
,
Shahana Yasmin
Ukrainian forces are holding their positions in Russia’s Kursk region, President Zelensky said, after US President Donald Trump’s claim on Friday that “thousands" of Ukrainian troops had been surrounded by Russian forces.
“The operation of our forces in the designated areas of the Kursk region continues,” Zelensky said. “Our troops continue to hold back Russian and North Korean groupings in the Kursk region. There is no encirclement of our troops.”
Earlier on Saturday, Zelensky accused Moscow of massing troops along the border and warned that if Russia rejected the US proposal, Trump's administration would deliver a “specific, harsh, and straightforward” response.
“The build up of Russian forces indicates that Moscow intends to keep ignoring diplomacy. It is clear that Russia is prolonging the war.”
Russia and Ukraine target key infrastructure in overnight strikes
03:30
,
Shahana Yasmin
Russia and Ukraine exchanged intense aerial strikes overnight, with both sides reporting over 100 enemy drones over their territories on Saturday, reported Associated Press.
The Ukrainian air force reported on Saturday that Russia had launched an overnight assault of 178 drones and two ballistic missiles. Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down around 130 drones, while 38 others failed to hit their targets.
Russian strikes targeted energy facilities, causing severe damage to infrastructure in the Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa regions, according to a statement from Ukraine’s private energy company DTEK.
“The damage is significant. Energy workers are already on the ground, doing everything possible to restore power to homes as quickly as possible,” the company said.
Falling drone debris in Russia's Volgograd region ignited a fire in the Krasnoarmeysky district near a Lukoil oil refinery, according to governor Andrei Bocharov. Local media reported that nearby airports temporarily suspended flights. No casualties have been reported.
UK to host further ‘coalition of the willing’ talks in London
03:16
,
Shahana Yasmin
Military leaders are set to convene in London this week to develop “robust” strategies for a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
Following a call with world leaders on Saturday morning, UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that preparations for the peacekeeping operation would progress to an “operational phase,” with senior generals scheduled to meet on Thursday.
“Our militaries will meet on Thursday this week here in the United Kingdom to put strong and robust plans in place to swing in behind a peace deal and guarantee Ukraine's future security,” he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who participated in Saturday's call, has expressed support for a European peacekeeping force backed by the United States as a means to ensure Ukraine’s security in the event of a ceasefire.
What is Starmer's 'coalition of the willing'?
03:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
Sir Keir Starmer held a virtual meeting with 29 other world leaders to discuss peace in Ukraine.
The countries in the “coalition of the willing”, which include Britain, France, Australia and Canada, will discuss how to help Kyiv deter future Russian aggression in the event of any peace deal.
The leaders discussed how countries plan to contribute to the coalition of the willing, ahead of a military planning session next week.
Comment | Putin has given Trump a clear message – he still wants to win
02:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
After humiliating Zelensky into submission, Trump briefly put the ball into Putin’s court to accept a ceasefire, writes Jon Sopel. But the US president is not the master strategist he likes to think he is – and now has a crunch decision to make about what comes next
Pictured | Firefighters battle blazes in Ukraine's Kherson after strikes
01:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
Watch | Starmer sends message to Trump as world leaders discuss peacekeeping in Ukraine
Saturday 15 March 2025 23:59
,
Jabed Ahmed
Recap | Starmer's press conference following virtual meeting
Saturday 15 March 2025 23:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
- Military chiefs meeting in UK: Plans for a Ukraine peacekeeping force are moving into an "operational phase," with military leaders convening on Thursday to discuss security support.
- International commitment to Ukraine: Sir Keir held talks with Nato, EU leaders, and allies, reaffirming long-term support for Ukraine’s defence and deterrence against future Russian aggression.
- Ceasefire negotiations and pressure on Russia: Leaders welcomed the Jeddah peace agreement and Ukraine’s acceptance of a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, urging Russia to agree and stop attacks. If Russia refuses, efforts will intensify to strengthen Ukraine and weaken Russia’s war capabilities.
- Sanctions and Russian assets: Discussions included tightening sanctions on Russia and exploring ways to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s recovery, though legal complexities remain.
- Coalition of the willing and military planning: A growing alliance is making new defence commitments, with discussions on how different countries will contribute military capabilities, potentially including UK troops and aircraft.
- Next steps: The UK will play a leading role in backing a peace deal, with military planning this week to ensure Ukraine’s security, prepare for potential deployment, and monitor any ceasefire violations.
Steve Witkoff: Who is the real estate mogul Trump picked to broker Ukraine peace with Putin?
Saturday 15 March 2025 22:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
Firefighters rein in fire at Russia's Tuapse refinery, regional authorities say
Saturday 15 March 2025 21:32
,
Holly Evans
A fire that was sparked by Ukraine's drone attack on Friday at the Tuapse oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region has been contained but not yet extinguished, the region's administration said late on Saturday.
The fire has been contained to an area of 1,250 square metres (13,500 square feet), the administration said in a post on the Telegram messaging app. Nearly 200 firefighters are fighting the blaze, it said.
The ‘nyet’ factor: Will Putin accept a ceasefire in Ukraine?
Saturday 15 March 2025 21:00
,
Jabed Ahmed
Saturday 15 March 2025 20:01
,
Jabed Ahmed
Zelensky said battlefield situation near Pokrovsk stabilised
Saturday 15 March 2025 19:41
,
Holly Evans
In his statement, Zelensky also said the battlefield situation near the strategic eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk had stabilised, and that Ukraine had successfully used a new domestically-produced long-range missile in combat.
Kyiv is seeking to expand its domestic defence industry to wean itself off Western allies who have provided critical artillery, air defence and long-range strike capabilities.
Ukraine's new "long Neptune" missile has a range of 1,000 kilometres (621 miles), Zelensky said.
The Independent View | Playing for time, Vladimir Putin is toying with Donald Trump
Saturday 15 March 2025 19:01
,
Jabed Ahmed
Read The Independent’s editorial below:
Zelenskiy says troops not surrounded in Kursk
Saturday 15 March 2025 18:41
,
Holly Evans
Ukrainian troops are still fending off Russian and North Korean forces in Russia's Kursk region but face a potential new attack on Ukraine's northeast Sumy region, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday.
Military analysts say Russia is close to ejecting Ukrainian forces from their months-old foothold in the western Russian region, seized in a mass cross-border incursion last August. That prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to warn that thousands of Ukrainian troops were "completely surrounded."
Russia's Defence Ministry said its forces had retaken two more villages near Sudzha, 10 km (six miles) from the Ukrainian border, a town which Moscow said it had recaptured on Thursday.
Russia's Emergencies Ministry said more than 300 residents had been evacuated from areas around Sudzha.
Putin’s troops say they’re close to retaking Kursk from Ukrainian forces – here’s why it matters
Saturday 15 March 2025 17:59
,
Jabed Ahmed
My colleague Alex Croft reports:
Revealed: Ukraine’s red lines for any peace deal with Putin
Saturday 15 March 2025 17:39
,
Jabed Ahmed
Our Chief International Correspondent Bel Trew reports:
On the ground | North Korean soldiers sent in ‘suicidal attacks’ to soften up Ukraine troops for Putin’s final push in Kursk
Saturday 15 March 2025 17:23
,
Jabed Ahmed
As US negotiators arrive in Moscow for ceasefire talks, World affairs editor Sam Kiley looks at how Vladimir Putin’s forces fought back in Kursk
Read the full report here.
Zelensky: Ukraine cannot do this alone
Saturday 15 March 2025 17:15
,
Jabed Ahmed
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said Kyiv’s allies understand there is a “shared responsibility” regarding the strength and maintenance of Ukraine’s army.
Writing on X, he said: “Everyone is interested in a strong, undiminished army — those partners with whom we are in discussions. Regarding the maintenance and strengthening of such an army, everyone understands that this is a shared responsibility. Ukraine cannot do this alone.”
In another post he added: “Everyone understands that at the current pace, Ukraine and Europe can be strengthened within five years. We believe this is too long and too dangerous.
“We have shown that in wartime, it can be done faster, but everyone must act swiftly. This means strengthening and massively increasing production in all allied countries to make real the security guarantees for all of Europe.”
Full statement on the frontline from Zelensky
Saturday 15 March 2025 16:59
,
Jabed Ahmed
Giving a frontline update from the Ukrainian army’s commander-in-chief, president Volodymyr Zelensky said: “Defense of our positions in the Donetsk region and other frontline areas. I am grateful to all Ukrainian units for their resilience and effectiveness in destroying the occupier. The situation in the Pokrovsk direction has been stabilized.
“A separate note on the Kursk region. The operation of our forces in the designated areas of the Kursk region continues. The units are carrying out their tasks exactly as required. Thanks to the Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, a significant number of Russian forces were withdrawn from other directions. Our troops continue to hold back Russian and North Korean groupings in the Kursk region. There is no encirclement of our troops.
“We are also observing directions along our eastern border of Ukraine, where the Russian army is building up forces. This indicates an intention to attack our Sumy region. We are aware of this, and will counter it. I would like all partners to understand exactly what Putin is planning, what he is preparing for, and what he will be ignoring.
“The buildup of Russian forces indicates that Moscow intends to keep ignoring diplomacy. It is clear that Russia is prolonging the war. We are ready to provide our partners with all the real information on the situation at the front, in the Kursk region, and along our border.
“Today there were also reports on our missile program. We have tangible results. The long Neptune missile was tested and successfully used in combat. A new Ukrainian missile, precise strike. The range of one thousand kilometers. I thank our Ukrainian developers, manufacturers and military personnel. We continue our work to ensure the security of Ukraine.
“Also today, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine delivered a report on new support packages from our partners. We are securing artillery supplies. I am grateful to all the partners who are helping.”
Where is Sumy?
Saturday 15 March 2025 16:37
,
Jabed Ahmed
Scholz: Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace
Saturday 15 March 2025 16:19
,
Jabed Ahmed
Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has thanked Sir Keir Starmer for hosting today’s virtual meeting to discuss peace in Ukraine.
Writing on X, Mr Scholz said: “Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace.
“Together with European and international partners we will continue to support. Thanks to Keir Starmer for today's meeting.
“It is up to Russia to end the attacks and finally make peace possible.”
Pictured: Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a press conference in Kyiv
Saturday 15 March 2025 15:47
,
Athena Stavrou
Zelensky accuses Putin of lying about ceasefire
Saturday 15 March 2025 15:00
,
Athena Stavrou
Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of “lying to everyone about the situation on the ground” in Ukraine.
He took to social media to reiterate his claims that Ukrainian forces were still operating in the Kursk region, despite reports that they had retreated in recent days.
He wrote on X: "Putin is also lying about how a ceasefire is supposedly too complicated.
"In reality, everything can be controlled, and we have discussed this with the Americans. The truth is, Putin has already dragged out the war for nearly a week after the talks in Jeddah. And he will keep dragging it out."
I addressed the meeting of European leaders stating that the path to peace must begin unconditionally. And if Russia doesn’t want this, then strong pressure must be applied until they do. Moscow understands one language. pic.twitter.com/4RewM39OJp
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 15, 2025
Zelensky says question of territory should be discussed later
Saturday 15 March 2025 14:56
,
Athena Stavrou
Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the question of territory is “complicated” and should be discussed in detail at a later date.
Speaking during a press conference in Kyiv, the Ukrainian president said Ukraine would never recognise occupied territory as Russian.
Recap | Starmer's press conference following virtual meeting
Saturday 15 March 2025 14:24
,
Jabed Ahmed
- Military chiefs meeting in UK: Plans for a Ukraine peacekeeping force are moving into an "operational phase," with military leaders convening on Thursday to discuss security support.
- International commitment to Ukraine: Sir Keir held talks with Nato, EU leaders, and allies, reaffirming long-term support for Ukraine’s defence and deterrence against future Russian aggression.
- Ceasefire negotiations and pressure on Russia: Leaders welcomed the Jeddah peace agreement and Ukraine’s acceptance of a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, urging Russia to agree and stop attacks. If Russia refuses, efforts will intensify to strengthen Ukraine and weaken Russia’s war capabilities.
- Sanctions and Russian assets: Discussions included tightening sanctions on Russia and exploring ways to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s recovery, though legal complexities remain.
- Coalition of the willing and military planning: A growing alliance is making new defence commitments, with discussions on how different countries will contribute military capabilities, potentially including UK troops and aircraft.
- Next steps: The UK will play a leading role in backing a peace deal, with military planning this week to ensure Ukraine’s security, prepare for potential deployment, and monitor any ceasefire violations.
Watch | Starmer sends message to Trump as world leaders discuss peacekeeping in Ukraine
Saturday 15 March 2025 14:12
,
Jabed Ahmed
European Council president thanks Starmer for meeting
Saturday 15 March 2025 13:58
,
Jabed Ahmed
The president of the European Council has said “Russia needs to show real political will to stop the war” following a virtual meeting with 29 other world leaders.
Writing on X, Antonio Costa said: “Thank you, Keir Starmer, for organising today’s virtual meeting to assess progress and consider next steps after this week’s talks in Jeddah.
“Now Russia needs to show real political will to stop the war.
“We are committed to ensuring that Ukraine is in a position of strength in future peace negotiations.
“The EU actively contributes to strengthening Ukraine and enhancing its defence through political, financial, and military support, to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”
Zelensky presses allies for 'clear position' on security guarantees
Saturday 15 March 2025 13:45
,
Jabed Ahmed
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has told Kyiv's Western allies that they must "define a clear position on security guarantees", including about basing a troop contingent on Ukrainian soil.
"The contingent must be stationed on Ukrainian soil," Zelensky said in a post on X, alongside an image of him taking part in a virtual call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders and other Western allies.
"This is a security guarantee for Ukraine and a security guarantee for Europe," he said.
Starmer: We must keep increasing the pressure on Putin
Saturday 15 March 2025 13:40
,
Jabed Ahmed
Sir Keir Starmer has said Ukraine’s allies “must keep increasing pressure on Putin” to engage in ceasefire negotiations.
Writing on X, the prime minister said: “Today I spoke to world leaders on how we can drive forward action to support a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
“We must keep increasing the pressure on Putin to come to the table.
“And we must keep strengthening the support to our Ukrainian friends.”