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Editorial: It’s been 2 years and world’s on the brink. Time to wake up or fall

Generation of fire: young ukrainians forced to survive first, plan for future later.

How has Crimea changed after 10 years of Russian occupation?

How has Crimea changed after 10 years of Russian occupation?

After 2 years of Russia's full-scale war, Ukraine keeps fighting

After 2 years of Russia's full-scale war, Ukraine keeps fighting

‘Our reserves will run out:’ Ukrainian artillery sounds alarm on Western shell shortage

‘Our reserves will run out:’ Ukrainian artillery sounds alarm on Western shell shortage

Journalists estimate 83,000 Russian soldiers killed since start of full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Journalists estimate 83,000 Russian soldiers killed since start of full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Zelensky: 'We are 730 days closer to victory'

Zelensky: 'We are 730 days closer to victory'

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine shoots down another Russian A-50 aircraft over Azov Sea, Air Force says

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine shoots down another Russian A-50 aircraft over Azov Sea, Air Force says

Canada, Italy sign security agreements with Ukraine

Canada, Italy sign security agreements with Ukraine

Volker: West has made a lot of mistakes in Russia-Ukraine war

Volker: West has made a lot of mistakes in Russia-Ukraine war

Sanctions for show: Russian oil sales to China, India single main driver of Ukraine invasion

Sanctions for show: Russian oil sales to China, India single main driver of Ukraine invasion

Opinion: Sexual violence is not a hidden war crime in Ukraine

Opinion: Sexual violence is not a hidden war crime in Ukraine

EU adopts 13th package of Russia sanctions

EU adopts 13th package of Russia sanctions

Ukraine, Denmark finalize long-term security agreement

Ukraine, Denmark finalize long-term security agreement

Opinion: In the past 2 years of war, we have all died a little

Opinion: In the past 2 years of war, we have all died a little

War analysis, russia takes avdiivka at steep price, as ukraine forced to face shortcomings, ukraine pins hopes on home-made drones to counter russia, ukraine is about to get new us long-range bombs. how will it use them, field report, ukrainian soldiers recall retreat from avdiivka – on foot, leaving their wounded behind, fate of avdiivka uncertain as ukrainian forces defending it struggle with fortifications, resources, human story, ‘i still imagine being there:’ a trip through memories of ukrainian cities in tatters from russia's war, alone: photo project shows wives of fallen soldiers coping with loss, shattered dreams, russia’s war against ukraine, in 5 minutes, this week in ukraine s2 e7 – ukraine’s messy withdrawal from avdiivka, polish border protests threaten ukraine-poland relations, belarus weekly: tsikhanouskaya urges democracies to 'show their teeth' after navalny's death, belarus weekly: russia's wanted lists include over 3,000 belarusians, alexei navalny's life and death as main opponent to putin regime, this week in ukraine s2 e6 – who is leading ukraine’s military now, this week in ukraine s2 e5 – what russian elections will mean for ukraine, russian strike kills more than 20 pigs at kharkiv oblast farm, uk will boost humanitarian aid to ukraine by over $10 million, zelensky: western long-range weapons won't be used outside of ukraine, company news, how coca-cola in ukraine is giving back this winter, pechersk school international to reopen campus in kyiv, evolution of inclusivity: top trends in gender-neutral packaging in cosmetics industry.

visa

ISW: Situation in Ukraine grave, but not hopeless.

Ukrenergo: backup power line restored at zaporizhzhia nuclear plant., military intelligence: damaged russian steel plant 'directly involved' in weapons production., us philanthropist pledges $300 million for ukraine in 2024., russia attacks 6 communities in sumy oblast., funding delays threaten usaid projects for ukraine., russian strike kills more than 20 pigs at kharkiv oblast farm., g7 vows to sustain aid to ukraine, zelensky says g7 knows what is needed., zelensky discusses potential security guarantees, joint weapons production with swedish defense minister., uk will boost humanitarian aid to ukraine by over $10 million., zelensky: western long-range weapons won't be used outside of ukraine., eu to send 4.5 billion euros to ukraine in march in first payment under new aid program., von der leyen: eu to open defense innovation office in kyiv., russian prison authorities release navalny's body., canada, italy sign security agreements with ukraine., journalists estimate 83,000 russian soldiers killed since start of full-scale invasion of ukraine., dutch far-right leader wilders against signing security agreement with ukraine., german foreign ministry adopts ukrainian spelling of kyiv., media: ukraine's security services allegedly behind attack on russian steel plant., russia's supreme court head dies in moscow., former uk prime minister boris johnson arrives in kyiv., most popular.

Kyiv says it will 'firmly respond' if Moscow attempts to involve Transnistria in the war

Kyiv says it will 'firmly respond' if Moscow attempts to involve Transnistria in the war

Air Force: Ukraine shoots down another Russian A-50 aircraft over Azov Sea

Air Force: Ukraine shoots down another Russian A-50 aircraft over Azov Sea

Military says Russian landing ship sunk in Black Sea

Military says Russian landing ship sunk in Black Sea

Intelligence chief determines who was behind poisoning, promises retaliation in Russia

Intelligence chief determines who was behind poisoning, promises retaliation in Russia

Russia’s Medvedev threatens to nuke US, UK, Germany, Ukraine if Russia loses occupied territories

Russia’s Medvedev threatens to nuke US, UK, Germany, Ukraine if Russia loses occupied territories

Editors' picks, borrell: 'we can't impose sanctions on third countries that help russia’, mistaken for spies: ukraine’s bird watchers find comfort and destruction, short-lived rise of boris nadezhdin, putin's 'anti-war' opponent.

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Russia-Ukraine war

Latest news, send frozen russian cash to kyiv, says sunak, meet the navalnayas, the daughter and wife continuing putin fight.

10 hours ago

King sends message to Ukraine on second anniversary of war

12 hours ago

Navalny’s body released after widow turns fire on ‘satanist’ Putin

2 hours ago

times documentary

‘I expect torture’: meet the Russians fighting for Ukraine

Ukraine must find a way to win on another front: the industrial war.

5 hours ago

For Putin, terror is an absolute necessity

Navalny’s mother rejects russian ultimatum on private burial, do not put nuclear weapons in space, us warns russia, tucker carlson’s putin interview to be shown in russian schools, putin revels in biden’s ‘son of a bitch’ slur, only 10 per cent of europeans say ukraine will win war.

war in ukraine

Britain winds down Ukraine refugee scheme — leaving families separated

Death squad is hunting putin critics, says jailed dissident, navalny’s mourners conscripted into russian army, putin’s henchmen ‘killed navalny with kgb heart punch’, russian blogger ‘kills himself’ after criticising troop deaths, biden blames congress for ukraine’s loss of avdiivka, russian mafia and kremlin spies ‘linked to defector death’, nato states must spend more, says baltic leader, let me see my son — navalny’s mother calls on russian president to release body, the brazen methods of russia’s poison squad, trump breaks silence on navalny — but no mention of putin, what alexei navalny’s death means for putin, how did navalny die wife blames novichok poisoning, inside the brutal polar wolf prison where alexei navalny was jailed, putin ‘and his thugs’ responsible for navalny’s death, says biden, the navalny i knew — witty, relentless, unbowed to the last, russia denies claims that it plans to put nuclear missile in space, putin’s nuclear arms race could make space the new battlefield, kyiv drones ‘annihilate’ black sea warship, britain takes mothballed tanks on nato war exercise.

in graphics

Nato’s frontline nations are digging 1,000 bunkers. Will it deter Putin?

What would a nato war with russia look like how britain is rehearsing, trump’s nato comments condemned as ‘strategically illiterate’, nato warning after trump says he’d urge russia to attack members who don’t pay up, fact-checked: putin’s claims to tucker carlson, putin’s claim that west started war is ridiculous, says sunak, new ukraine commander ready to sacrifice more men, say army officers, zelensky names new army chief after removing zaluzhny, anti-war putin opponent banned from standing in russian election, presidential rivals clash over hosting nuclear weapons, revealed: suspected russian spy ‘worked for mi6’ and foreign office, klitschko hits out at zelensky’s ‘plan to reset’ top team, ukrainian-born winner of miss japan gives up crown after affair, court issues arrest warrant for bestselling author, kremlin set to keep anti-putin upstart off presidential ballot, russia bans bananas from ecuador after it sends arms to ukraine, putin’s ‘nazi-themed’ successor to wagner stakes claim in africa, chechnya’s ‘ailing strongman’ packs government with his children.

analysis by Mark Galeotti

The Ukraine war has changed, so Zelensky must reinvent himself

Anti-war voices prove a headache for putin in ‘election without choice’.

From the first signs Russians were massing troops on the border, to the invasion and onslaught on besieged cities, Times & Sunday Times foreign correspondents have reported from the front line to tell the story of a nation in the grip of war. Here are their vivid dispatches, which chart Ukraine's fears for the future, its determination to prevail against the odds, and the devastating cost of President Putin's war.

Two years in, can Ukraine still win and what would victory look like?

15 hours ago

dispatch from ukraine

Behind enemy lines, snipers wait days to pick off their prey

dispatch from donbas

Could Zelensky’s latest move hand victory to Russia?

Ukraine’s struggle to save the minds of traumatised troops, small german town at centre of row over arming ukraine, nato prepares for putin blitzkrieg in the baltics.

anthony Loyd DISPATCH

Kamikaze drones are changing the face of the Ukraine war

‘we were brothers in the legion. now we fight each other in ukraine’, ‘from my torn arms violets will sprout’: ukraine mourns machinegun poet.

anthony loyd dispatch

Ukrainians resort to extreme lengths to flee the war

UKRAINE DISPATCH

Ukraine gunship squadron flies into battle in Cold War relics

dispatch from kyiv

Putin hasn’t won if Ukraine’s traditions live on

Michael Clarke

Year of the drone — how the hi-tech weapon has transformed warfare

Surrounded and low on ammo, the elite troops out to spoil putin’s new year, kyiv bracing for brutal winter war.

DISPATCH | WAR IN UKRAINE

Kyiv’s Drone Mother unleashes her deadly children into battle

War in Ukraine

‘They operated on me without anaesthetic’: Azov soldiers return to the front

‘i worried our children would be consumed by hate’: inside ukraine’s grief camps.

Anthony Loyd in Ukraine

‘Crowdfunded drones can wreck Putin’s tanks — but we need more’

Go back to the ukraine front i would rather shoot myself in the leg.

Anthony Loyd in ukraine

A firefight erupts and soldiers watch on a drone feed as their comrades fall

Dispatch from ukraine

Jet ski raiders strike at the heart of Crimea

ANTHONY LOYD IN UKRAINE

‘I’m so excited to still be alive’ — the mine-clearers who keep coming back

Dispatch from Ukraine

‘I’m ready to die . . . 90% of the guys here will die too’

DISPATCH FROM UKRAINE

A mother’s 312-day search for the loved ones stolen by Russia

Ukrainian lives being saved by british armoured vehicles, putin’s missiles hit the spiritual heart of odesa, the honeytrappers persuading russian soldiers to reveal all, wagner’s retreat leaves ruin in its wake for russia, outnumbered with outdated kit: a day with ukraine’s heroic helicopter pilots, humiliated russia has learnt from mistakes and copied wagner, evacuation of zaporizhzhia nuclear plant feeds fears of sabotage, it hasn’t changed anything for us, say ukraine’s soldiers, kyiv’s eyes in the sky learn to live without pity for russians, meet ‘predator’ and ‘grandad’, the exiled belarusians plotting an uprising against putin’s friend, schoolboy ‘heroes’ killed in gunfight with kremlin forces.

WAR IN UKRAINE | DISPATCH

My son said ‘I know what hell is’ — before the Russians took him again

‘shells, drones — they’re throwing everything at us’, her son went to fight putin to protect her. he died on the front line at 18, flood helpers throw themselves to the ground as putin’s shells land by the rescue point, the female drone army carrying the fight to putin, diamond-rich african country is a zombie host for kremlin’s mercenaries.

DISPATCH FROM DNIPRO

‘Compared to some places it’s paradise’: bombed-out Ukrainians sow seeds of recovery

Ukrainians divided over legacy of ancient burial mounds.

Louise Callaghan in ukraine

We live near Chernobyl. Why did Russians dig trenches in our radioactive woods?

Meet the defectors fighting russia: ‘the putin regime must be destroyed’.

Louise Callaghan in Kyiv

Ukraine surrogates fear ban on births for foreigners

‘i stand by my grandson’s grave and i weep’, ukraine’s navy chief has eye on liberating crimea, ‘eerie silence ... then war was upon us’: a correspondent’s ukraine diary, on the front line of ukraine’s cultural de-russification, i’ve never seen anything like this: the british surgeon treating ukraine’s wounded, revisiting bucha, ground zero for russian atrocity, ‘putin has more men, but our mentality beats any weapon’.

war in ukraine | dispatch

‘A day without dead Russians isn’t complete’

FROM THE FRONT LINE

Life in the trenches: ‘Waves of Russians go over the top — they’re just cannon fodder’

Chechens avenge family lost in wars against moscow.

war in Ukraine | dispatch

From 21st-century trenches, Ukraine’s war poets write acclaimed verse for their times

WAR IN UKRAINE

‘We are taking you home, buddy’ — Ukraine recovers battlefield dead

Partisans halted russian advance on kyiv, but they paid with their lives, cancer and strokes won’t stop them defending ukraine, ‘russian torturers argued about socks, then reached for the meat knife’, we will always stand with ukraine and hold putin to account.

3 hours ago

To understand this war, live with Ukrainians

Double efforts in ukraine but be ready to deal, time to punish putin by using russian assets.

Sunday, 25 February 2024, 06:03

english newspapers ukraine

More than 2 million children have left Ukraine due to Russia's full-scale invasion.

24 February 2024

War update: 69 combat clashes along Ukrainian frontlines

War update: 69 combat clashes along Ukrainian frontlines

Ukraine reported 69 combat engagements with Russian invasion forces on Saturday.

Scarred map of Ukraine

Scarred map of Ukraine

The names of these settlements, known to no one or few just two years ago, now resonate with every Ukrainian heart

Over 1600 people became victims of Russians in Kyiv region during two years of war - head of RMA

Over 1600 people became victims of Russians in Kyiv region during two years of war - head of RMA

In the Kyiv region, over 1600 people, including 53 children, have become victims of the Russian army during the two years of full-scale war.

Struggle goes on: second year of Great War in photos by Ukrinform

Struggle goes on: second year of Great War in photos by Ukrinform

Today, February 24, marks two years since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Russia’s overall losses match number of troops Moscow originally deployed in Ukraine – UK intel

Russia’s overall losses match number of troops Moscow originally deployed in Ukraine – UK intel

Two years into the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian army lost the same number of personnel and military equipment as it deployed at the outset of the incursion.

Zelensky addresses nation from war-torn Hostomel Airfield

Zelensky addresses nation from war-torn Hostomel Airfield

On the second anniversary of the Russian invasion, President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed Ukrainians from the Hostomel Airport, where European leaders also came in show of support.

Russia's war on Ukraine requires allies to strengthen security - Scholz

Russia's war on Ukraine requires allies to strengthen security - Scholz

Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany said that every day, Russia wipes its feet on the principle of the unacceptability of altering borders by force, which not only threatens Ukraine but destroys Europe’s peaceful order.

UK invests €280 million in purchase and production of artillery for Ukraine

UK invests €280 million in purchase and production of artillery for Ukraine

The United Kingdom will spend £245 million (about EUR 280 million) throughout the next year to procure and invigorate supply chains to produce urgently needed artillery ammunition for Ukraine.

In Kherson region, Russians damaged 34 houses and two educational institutions overnight, four wounded

In Kherson region, Russians damaged 34 houses and two educational institutions overnight, four wounded

Over the past day, 11 high-rise buildings and 23 private houses, two educational institutions, cars and garages were damaged as a result of enemy shelling in the Kherson region.

War update: 84 combat clashes along front lines

War update: 84 combat clashes along front lines

Over the past day, Ukraine has reported 84 combat engagements with Russia’s invasion forces.

Biden, Macron talk Ukraine aid amid Congress stall

Biden, Macron talk Ukraine aid amid Congress stall

U.S. President Joe Biden discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron the threat posed by Russia, which continues its war of aggression, as well as support for Ukraine in conditions where the United States Congress is delaying the adoption of the corresponding bill on continued assistance.

Russia’s military death toll in Ukraine already over 409K

Russia’s military death toll in Ukraine already over 409K

From February 24, 2022 to February 24, 2024, Ukraine’s Defense Forces eliminated 409,010 Russian invaders, including 770 in the last 24 hours.

Today marks second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Today marks second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Two years ago, at around 3:40 Kyiv time, the first convoy of Russian tanks crossed into Ukraine in Luhansk region as Russia launched its first missiles at the country’s rear.

Ukraine intercepts 12 Russian drones, two missiles in southern regions

Ukraine intercepts 12 Russian drones, two missiles in southern regions

Defense Forces South shot down 12 Russian strike drones and two Kh-59 missiles in their operational zone overnight Saturday.

Russia’s Su-34 down in Kherson region - media

Russia’s Su-34 down in Kherson region - media

A Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber reportedly crashed in the occupied part of Kherson region.

CinC Syrskyi, SACEUR Cavoli discuss Army needs

CinC Syrskyi, SACEUR Cavoli discuss Army needs

Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi, together with Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov spoke with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, commander of U.S. European Command General Christopher Cavoli.

Kremlin restricting access to information to fight dissent – UK intelligence

Kremlin restricting access to information to fight dissent – UK intelligence

The Kremlin continues to come up with new laws aimed at limiting access to alternative information and stifling criticism of the war inside the country.

Biden urges state governors to encourage Congress to approve aid to Ukraine

Biden urges state governors to encourage Congress to approve aid to Ukraine

U.S. President Joe Biden has called on U.S. state governors to make efforts to encourage the House of Representatives to immediately pass a bill supporting Ukraine, which was previously supported by the Senate.

Russian troops injure 1,230 children in Ukraine

Russian troops injure 1,230 children in Ukraine

Russian invaders killed 528 children in Ukraine and injured at least 1,230 children.

23 February 2024

Two wounded in Russian drone attack on Odesa

Two wounded in Russian drone attack on Odesa

Russian troops have attacked Odesa with drones, damaging a residential building.

War update: Ukrainian forces repel almost 50 attacks in five sectors

War update: Ukrainian forces repel almost 50 attacks in five sectors

Ukraine's defense forces repelled 48 enemy attacks in the Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Marinka, and Zaporizhzhia sectors in the past 24 hours.

Zelensky: Democracies should not withdraw from historical process of protecting all values

Zelensky: Democracies should not withdraw from historical process of protecting all values

Democracies should not withdraw from the historical process of protecting all the values that have shaped the modern world.

Zelensky says Denmark played key role in unblocking decision on F-16s for Ukraine

Zelensky says Denmark played key role in unblocking decision on F-16s for Ukraine

Denmark played a key role in unblocking the decision to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, and Ukraine is grateful for Danish support.

Drones and artillery: Russians attack Nikopol district 11 times in one day

Drones and artillery: Russians attack Nikopol district 11 times in one day

The Russian army attacked the Nikopol district with drones and artillery.

Ukrainian forces shoot down Russia's A-50 aircraft

Ukrainian forces shoot down Russia's A-50 aircraft

Ukrainian Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk has confirmed the downing of another Russian A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft.

Brink calls for continued support for Ukraine after Russia's barbaric attacks

Brink calls for continued support for Ukraine after Russia's barbaric attacks

Russia's barbaric attacks on civilians and infrastructure in Ukraine emphasize why partners should continue to support Ukraine.

Russian troops shelling Kherson

Russian troops shelling Kherson

Russian troops are shelling Kherson again, and explosions are heard in the city.

Number of victims of night attack on Dnipro increased to two

Number of victims of night attack on Dnipro increased to two

The number of people killed in a night attack in Dnipro has increased to two.

Russian troops shell Inhulets in Kherson region, injuring woman

Russian troops shell Inhulets in Kherson region, injuring woman

Russian troops shelled the village of Inhulets in the Kherson region, injuring a 47-year-old woman.

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Navalny’s body released to his mother, says spokesperson

Spokesperson for the Russian opposition politician, who died in prison last week, said funeral arrangements are still to be determined

  • 10h ago Closing summary
  • 12h ago Navalny's body released to mother, says spokesperson
  • 15h ago World leaders offer support to Ukraine
  • 16h ago King praises Ukrainian 'valour'
  • 18h ago Drone suspected after blaze at Russian steel plant, governor says
  • 19h ago Western leaders visit Kyiv in solidarity on war anniversary
  • 19h ago Yulia Navalnaya calls Putin 'demonic' and questions his Christian faith
  • 20h ago Opening summary

Supporters of Russian Alexei Navalny gather during a commemoration in Paris

Navalny's body released to mother, says spokesperson

Alexei Navalny’s body has been handed over to his mother, a spokesperson has confirmed.

The spokesperson for the Russian opposition politician, who died while in prison last week, said funeral arrangements are still to be determined.

It is “unclear” whether the authorities will interfere, they added.

Closing summary

Four western leaders, including the prime ministers of Italy, Canada, and Belgium, arrived in Kyiv on Saturday to show solidarity with Ukraine on the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion. Reuters reports that Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Canada’s Justin Trudeau, Belgium’s Alexander De Croo and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, travelled to the Ukrainian capital together overnight by train from neighbouring Poland, the Italian government said in a statement.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday he had signed a bilateral security agreement with Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Kyiv. Canada joins Italy, Britain, Germany, France and Denmark in concluding a 10-year security deal with Kyiv. The agreements are intended to shore up Ukraine’s security until it can reach its aim of becoming a member of the Western military alliance, Nato.

Alexei Navalny’s body has been handed over to his mother, a spokesperson has confirmed. The spokesperson for the Russian opposition politician, who died while in prison last week, said funeral arrangements are still to be determined. It is “unclear” whether the authorities will interfere, they added.

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny , had demanded that Russian authorities release his body for burial and accused a “demonic” Russian president Vladimir Putin of “torturing” his corpse. In a six minute video posted on YouTube, Navalnaya accused Putin of holding her husband’s body “hostage”, and questioned Putin’s often-professed Christian faith, Reuters reported.

A fire broke out and was extinguished at Russian steelmaker NLMK’s main plant, the regional governor said on Saturday, the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine . Preliminary data indicated the fire at the Novolipetsk Steel plant was caused by a drone, the Lipetsk regional governor, Igor Artamonov, said on Telegram, without mentioning Ukraine, Reuters reports. There were no casualties, Artamonov said.

Hundreds of people gathered at Marble Arch in central London to protest against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine , as the conflict reached its second anniversary. Demonstrators waved Ukrainian flags, with others wrapping them around their shoulders, PA Media reported. Other protesters bore signs urging Russia to “stop the war”, labelling Russian president Vladimir Putin a “terrorist” and urging international powers to offer more support.

Russia is unlikely to take part at the outset of a high-level Ukraine peace conference which neutral Switzerland plans to host in the coming months, Swiss president Viola Amherd was quoted as saying by a newspaper on Saturday. Amherd’s interview with the Neue Zuercher Zeitung daily was published a few hours after Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis told the United Nations that Bern aimed to hold the conference “by this summer” after the idea was floated in January.

David Cameron warned allies in the United Nations against “fatigue” and “compromise” over Russia’s war in Ukraine as he urged countries including the US to keep up support for Kyiv. The UK foreign secretary said the world must “recognise the cost of giving up” in a speech in New York on the eve of the second anniversary of Moscow’s invasion, PA Media reported.

The UK has pledged £8.5 million in humanitarian funding allocations to the Red Cross Movement and the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund on the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Foreign secretary Lord David Cameron said: “Ukrainians are bravely defending their land against Russia’s brutal invasion, but the past two years of war have had a tragic impact on millions of people across Ukraine. Families have been separated, towns and villages decimated, and vital civilian infrastructure destroyed.

Protesters said they dumped two tons of dung outside the home of the Russian ambassador to Poland on Saturday, as they marked the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine . Activists put a bloodied Russian flag with the letter “Z” on the pile of manure and stuck a sign into it that said “Russia = shit! We don’t want you in EU! Get out!”, pictures of the protest in Konstancin-Jeziorna, seen by Reuters, showed. The town near Warsaw is where the ambassador lives.

Just days after the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a prison colony, human rights activists and journalists are warning that dozens of other political prisoners may be at risk of death from deliberate abuse of ill convicts in the Russian prison system, writes Andrew Roth and Pjotr Sauer.

Dmitry Muratov, the Nobel-prize winning editor of Novaya Gazeta , told the Observer that Navalny’s death had sent a clarion call for the world to save the Russian political prisoners who could die next.

“I already can’t help Navalny,” said Muratov. “But there are several people there in the worst condition right now … I’ll tell you straight: we have several more deaths coming.”

Yesterday it was reported that Navalny’s body has been handed over to his mother. His spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh wrote on the social media platform X that she did not know if the authorities would allow a funeral to be held “the way the family wants and the way Alexei deserves”.

The blockade on the Zosin-Ustyluh checkpoint was suspended today to mark the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine .

Polish farmers formed the blockade in protest over what they said was Ukrainian grain imports undercutting local farmers.

The blockade was lifted at 3am, with passengers and cargo able to pass through, Sky News reported.

“During February 24, the passage of cargo and passenger vehicles at the indicated crossing point is carried out according to the established procedure for entry and exit,” the Western Regional Department of the State Border Service of Ukraine-Western Border said.

Factories destroyed. Roads blown to pieces. Power plants put out of action. Steel exports decimated. A flood of refugees out of the country. Ukraine – the poorest country in Europe – has paid a heavy economic price for a two-year war against Russia waged almost entirely on its own soil, writes Larry Elliott and Philip Inman. The figures are stark. More than 7 million people – about a fifth of the population – have been plunged into poverty. Fifteen years of human development have been lost. In the first year of the war, the economy contracted by 30%. Yet it could have been even worse. Beata Javorcik, chief economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, said 90% of businesses in the areas of Ukraine where there was no fighting are still going concerns. Inflation has come down from a peak of 27% to less than 5%. Even so, Ukraine’s economy remains on a knife edge. It needs more than $40bn (£31bn) of western aid this year to balance the books and keep the military equipped. The costs of piecing the country back together again is put at $486bn over 10 years – up from $411bn a year ago. “The last two years have seen unprecedented suffering and loss for Ukraine and its people,” said Antonella Bassani, World Bank vice-president for Europe and central Asia.

Large crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square to protest against Russian’s invasion of Ukraine on the day the conflict reached its second anniversary.

Protesters waved Ukrainian flags, chanting “Russia is a terrorist state”, and sang along to Ukrainian anthems playing from loudspeakers.

One protestor, who left Ukraine three years ago, said he feared for the safety of his brother in Kyiv as sanctions on Russia were ineffective.

Mykola, 29, said: “Ukraine needs weapons desperately. It desperately needs help.

“My brother lives in Kyiv, and Kyiv is under missile attack basically every day,” he added.

He said he was “thankful” for the support offered to Ukraine by international powers but added there was “room for improvement”.

A large crowd gather in Trafalgar Square to protest against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine .

Ukrainian drones hit a major Russian steel factory overnight, causing a large fire, a Kyiv source said on Saturday.

The governor of Russia’s Lipetsk region identified the plant as one in the city of Lipetsk, some 400 km (250 miles) north of the Ukrainian border, that is responsible for about 18% of Russian steel output.

He said a fire apparently caused by a drone strike had been extinguished at the plant and there had been no casualties.

“There is no significant impact on the plant’s operations,” he added.

The Ukrainian source told Reuters the attack, a joint operation by GUR military intelligence and the SBU security service, had caused a major fire and staff had been evacuated.

 Ukraine is fighting for independence and will win, says Volodymyr Zelenskiy – video

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday he had signed a bilateral security agreement with Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau in Kyiv.

Canada joins Italy, Britain, Germany, France and Denmark in concluding a 10-year security deal with Kyiv.

The agreements are intended to shore up Ukraine’s security until it can reach its aim of becoming a member of the Western military alliance, Nato.

Hundreds of people have gathered at Marble Arch in central London to protest against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine , as the conflict reached its second anniversary.

Demonstrators waved Ukrainian flags, with others wrapping them around their shoulders, PA Media reported.

Other protestors bore signs urging Russia to “stop the war”, labelling Russian president Vladimir Putin a “terrorist” and urging international powers to offer more support.

On the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, protesters marched from Marble Arch to Trafalgar Square in support of Ukraine.

A Ukrainian child sang to the crowd, followed by a performance by the St Mary’s Ukrainian School choir.

Organisers said it was important the protest, which preceded a march to Trafalgar Square for a vigil, remained peaceful.

Western leaders visit Kyiv in solidarity with Ukraine on war anniversary – video

Protesters said they dumped two tons of dung outside the home of the Russian ambassador to Poland on Saturday, as they marked the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine .

Activists put a bloodied Russian flag with the letter “Z” on the pile of manure and stuck a sign into it that said “Russia = shit! We don’t want you in EU! Get out!”, pictures of the protest in Konstancin-Jeziorna, seen by Reuters, showed. The town near Warsaw is where the ambassador lives.

Elsewhere in Warsaw at 6am local time other protesters played the sound of sirens, gunfire and explosions outside a building housing Russian diplomats, Reuters reported.

“We wanted a clear signal to the Polish authorities and the European Union. It’s high time to expel Russian diplomats from our country,” said Dominik, a protester quoted in a statement.

World leaders offer support to Ukraine

Political leaders are expressing their continued support for and solidarity with Ukraine . Here’s a roundup of what they are saying:

The UK prime minister Rishi Sunak :

We must renew our determination on this grim anniversary. This is the moment to show that tyranny will never triumph and to say once again that we will stand with Ukraine today and tomorrow. We are prepared to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, until they prevail.

The US president Joe Biden :

The brave people of Ukraine fight on, unbowed in their determination to defend their freedom and future. Nato is stronger, larger, and more united than ever. And the unprecedented 50-nation global coalition in support of Ukraine, led by the United States, remains committed to providing critical assistance to Ukraine and holding Russia accountable for its aggression. The American people and people around the world understand that the stakes of this fight extend far beyond Ukraine.

The Moldovan president Maia Sandu :

I thank Ukrainians for their tireless fight for freedom and for protecting peace in Moldova too. In these two years, the free world has shown unprecedented solidarity, yet the war persists; our support must endure fiercely.

The Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni , speaking at Hostomel airport near Kyiv:

This place is the symbol of Moscow’s failure, this place is the symbol of Ukrainian pride ... This land is a piece of our home and we will do our bit to defend it.

The Polish prime minister Donald Tusk :

Two years of Ukrainian heroism. Two years of Russian barbarism. Two years of disgrace of those who remain indifferent.

And the Polish president Andrzej Duda :

We have supported, support and will support Ukraine in its fight for freedom. Today, this support is still extremely necessary. Regardless of war fatigue. The free world cannot allow Putin and Russia to triumph.

The European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen :

More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine. Financially, economically, militarily, morally. Until the country is finally free.

The Romanian prime minister Marcel Ciolacu :

Commemorating today two years of [Russia’s] war of aggression against Ukraine. We stand united and in full solidarity with , until it achieves victory and a just peace.

The German chancellor Olaf Scholz :

Ukraine is standing because Ukraine is strong and courageous, and because it has friends in Europe and all over the world. We are proud to be among her friends – today and in our common European future.

The Slovak president Zuzana Čaputová :

Ukraine is still standing, defending its people, our shared values and the rules-based order. And we are by Ukraine’s side.

Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski, the leader of the Ukrainian Catholic community in the UK, tells the congregation that Ukrainians “do not want to give up hope”, as a prayer service marks the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

Ukrainians are very resilient and anyone who has been in the last two years to Ukraine can attest to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their high morale.

Referring to 528 paper angels hanging from the balcony of the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in central London, Bishop Nowakowski has said:

These paper angels are a remembrance of those young lives and the families who are grieving.

Each angel represents a Ukrainian child killed during the war, according to figures provided by Ukrainian authorities.

In an opening prayer, the bishop and the congregation called for those “overtaken by a spirit of deception and violence” to “open their eyes”. Two pupils from St Mary’s Ukrainian school lit two candles, symbolising the second anniversary of the conflict, while 10 children laid flowers to commemorate 10 years since Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

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Canada joins growing list of countries summoning  Russian ambassador following Navalny's death

From CNN’s Mariya Knight

Canada said it “condemns in the strongest terms the death of opposition leader Alexey Navalny” and holds "the Kremlin entirely accountable,” Global Affairs Canada  wrote on X  Wednesday.

At the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ request, Ambassador Oleg Stepanov was summoned in protest over the death of Navalny in Russian custody.

"A senior official from Global Affairs Canada met with him to convey Canada’s strong condemnation and called on the Kremlin to conduct a full and transparent inquiry into the death; and release Navalny’s body without delay to his family," a statement from Global Affairs Canada said.

The Russian Embassy responded by urging “Canada to stop interfering” with Moscow’s internal affairs in a statement on Telegram Wednesday.

“Every death is a tragedy. But the death of a Russian citizen is strictly Russia’s matter. Thus, we urge Canada to stop interfering into our internal affairs,” the statement read.

Some background:  Several nations — including France, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Germany — have also summoned the Russian ambassador  to their countries over Navalny's death in the past few days. Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, accused Western countries  of politicizing Navalny's death  and said the investigation into the cause of death has "not concluded yet."

Former Putin speechwriter says discontent toward Putin in Russian society is on the rise

Discontent toward Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russian society is on the rise, according to Abbas Gallyamov, Putin's former speechwriter.

Gallyamov noted that Russian success in Avdiivka will be a key factor to “suppress this discontent” and “strengthen Putin’s domestic standing” ahead of Russian elections.

If there were no victory in Avdiivka, Putin would fail to “solidify his control” over Russia, Gallyamov told CNN's Brianna Keilar Wednesday. This military gain gave him “an additional injection of legitimacy” and is very beneficial for his presidential campaign.

Talking about   people reportedly detained across Russia over vigils for opposition figure Alexey Navalny , Gallyamov said “sooner or later this will definitely backfire” because the discontent in society is growing and “at some moment it can become very strong.” 

Gallyamov said Putin is trying to get rid of all the opposition leaders to at least make discontent in Russian society be "unstructured," "disorganized" and "leaderless" ahead of future elections.

Moscow aims to "build up a bank of hostages with American passports," Russian investigative journalist says

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) is trying to keep tabs on everyone with an American passport who comes to Russia, according to Russian investigative journalist Andrei Soldatov.

“The main goal of the whole operation is to build up a bank of hostages with American passports,” Soldatov told CNN's Brianna Keilar Wednesday, commenting on Ksenia Karelina , a Russian-American arrested in Russia for allegedly donating about $51 to Ukraine.

He said Moscow will use it “as leverage” in any future negotiations with Russia.

Russian-American arrested in Russia was just excited to visit her grandparents, boyfriend says

Ksenia Karelina seen here in an undated social media photo.

A US-Russian dual citizen was excited to go back to her hometown in Russia to see her grandparents, but she had no idea that she would be arrested and face charges of treason for allegedly donating just $51 to a  Ukrainian  charity, her boyfriend said.

Chris Van Heerden, the boyfriend of Ksenia Karelina, said she never thought this would happen. The couple, who live in Los Angeles, flew to Istanbul together before Karelina continued to Russia to see her family while Van Heerden flew back to California.

Van Heerden said Karelina was detained, but released, when she entered the country. Later, on the day she was due to fly back to the United States, she told him she was relieved they were going to let her go home — but that was the last time he heard from her.

"I believe in America. I do believe that America will bring her back to me and that's the hope I'm holding onto,” Van Heerden said, adding that she never talked about any donations and that she is “so proud to be Russian” and never “intervene with anything about the war” in Ukraine.

Chris Van Heerden, the boyfriend of Ksenia Karelina, spoke with CNN on February 21, 2024.

The boyfriend said she wrote him a letter after being arrested. In the letter, which he calls a “love story,” Karelina describes conditions and expresses her worry about her boyfriend.

He said her attitude about what is going to happen varies day by day. Some days she is strong and feels like she will get home soon, but other days, she wrote him: “It’s like I’ll just sit on my bed and stare at a wall for hours, like, knowing that I'm going to be here forever because that's what she's thinking.”

Van Heerden told CNN that she was a "semi-pro ballerina" for years but was a full-time esthetician before being arrested in Russia.

Ukraine shot down 7 Russian fighter jets within a week, Zelensky says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on February 16.

Ukraine shot down seven Russian fighter jets within the past seven days, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“Seven combat aircraft – Russian 'Su' jets – were shot down in a week,” Zelensky said in his nightly address Wednesday.

Russia has not publicly commented on the incidents.

Russia has lost 338 aircraft since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, the general staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported Wednesday.

CNN cannot independently verify these numbers.

Men detained at St. Petersburg Navalny vigils were handed military draft summonses, monitoring group says

From CNN's Mariya Knight in Atlanta

Some of the men detained at vigils for Alexey Navalny in St. Petersburg, Russia, were handed military draft summonses, OVD-Info, an independent Russian human rights group that monitors repression in the country, said in a Telegram post on Wednesday.

“In St. Petersburg, those detained during the laying of flowers in memory of Alexey Navalny are given summonses to register for military service and clarification of their credentials at police departments and temporary detention centers," OVD-Info said, without providing any additional details.

Russia claims capture of a key village, but Ukraine denies it. Here's what you should know

From CNN staff

Russia claimed to capture Krynky, a small, but key, riverside village  situated on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, according to Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Ukraine's Operational Command denied Shoigu's claim, describing it as “a manipulation and falsification of facts.” 

Here are other headlines you should know:

  • Avdiivka developments: A pro-Kremlin Russian military blogger, Andrey Morozov, has reportedly died just days after he reported that Russia had suffered massive losses during its  assault on the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka . Several well-informed pro-Russian military bloggers as well as Russian state news agencies and newspapers reported he had died by suicide. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded medals to Russian soldiers Wednesday as the military continues to celebrate its victory in capturing the eastern Ukrainian town.
  • Developments on the ground: In eastern Ukraine, footage geolocated by CNN Wednesday, showed Russian forces hoisting their flag over the Donetsk village of Pobieda, near Mariinka. Russian military bloggers said Ukrainian forces had “retreated” and were regrouping in positions to the south. And in southern Ukraine along the Zaporizhzhia front, Moscow has for weeks been pushing east and north toward Robotyne, as well as west, toward Mala Tokmachka.
  • Detained US-Russian citizen: Dual US-Russian citizen Ksenia Karelina, a 33-year-old Los Angeles resident, is being detained in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg because she allegedly donated $51.80 to a Ukrainian charity while she was in the US, according to her employer.
  • Grain dispute: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky invited Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda to meet with him at the Polish-Ukrainian border to settle the grain dispute that has led to  several blockades by farmers . He also called on the European Commission to send a representative to attend the meeting.
  • Sanctions: The UK is sanctioning six individuals who were in charge of the “Polar Wolf” penal colony, where Russian opposition leader  Alexey Navalny died last week . They will be banned from the UK and have their assets frozen, the UK Foreign Office said in a statement Wednesday.
  • US aid and diplomacy: White House spokesperson Andrew Bates attacked Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson over not putting the $95 billion foreign aid package on the floor for a vote, accusing him of putting "his own internal politics above the safety of the American people" in a new memo Wednesday morning. Also, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov were a matter of yards from each other at the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in Rio de Janeiro Wednesday, but they did not speak or even appear to look at each other during a roughly 15-minute photo session of the ministerial meeting.

Top US diplomat and Russian foreign minister do not interact at G20 meeting despite being near each other

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov talks on the phone during the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro. In the foreground, Britain's Foreign Secretary David Cameron, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speak to each other.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov were a matter of yards from each other at the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in Rio de Janeiro Wednesday, but they did not speak or even appear to look at each other during a roughly 15-minute photo session of the ministerial meeting.

It comes just days after the death of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, which the US and its partners have blamed on Russia, and amid news that Russia has detained a dual US-Russian citizen.

Blinken last year met briefly with Lavrov on the margins of the G20 to confront him about the war in Ukraine, Russia’s suspension of cooperation in a nuclear arms reduction treaty and its detention of Americans.

It is unclear if the two will meet at this year’s G20 meeting.

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Ukraine war: 'Not possible' to stay in UK, says family

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Svitlana Nakonechna and her daughter Hanna pictured on Hull's waterfront

On the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a mother and daughter living with sponsors near Hull, explain why they are preparing to risk their lives and return to their homeland. They say they are unable to afford to live independently in the UK, despite being in one of the least expensive areas of the country.

For Svitlana Nakonechna and her daughter Hanna, the pull of home is strong.

Due to high living costs in Britain, they also feel a push; with both believing a home of their own in the UK is beyond their reach.

Hanna and Svitlana sitting with coffee in Lena's Ukrainian Kitchen in Hull city centre

"It's very expensive here," says Svitlana, 41, explaining their decision to return to Ukraine in the summer. "We had a target not to live on benefits, to find jobs. We did find jobs.

"But to live in this country, on our own, is not possible or realistic. We don't earn enough money to get our own place.

"We do not want to overstay our welcome [with the sponsors]."

Since arriving here on 18 March 2022, Svitlana and Hanna, 19, have been living with a couple they call their "second family" under the government's Homes for Ukraine scheme, in a village near Hull in East Yorkshire.

Though at pains to stress they will forever be grateful to their "amazing" hosts and the UK, Svitlana and Hanna say they need independence after being forced to rely on the generosity of others for nearly two years.

Svitlana, a hair stylist before the war, and Hanna work in a pub, both pot-washing.

Hanna combines her work with studying at East Riding College.

Lena Sutherland, left, comforts Hanna Nakonechna as mum Svitlana looks on

I met them in Lena's Ukrainian Kitchen, a cafe in Hull city centre, where many who fled the war come for a taste of home.

As well as the UK cost of living crisis, mother and daughter say they are missing family who remain in Ukraine.

Over coffee and a plate of mlyntsi - a type of pancake made with stewed apples - Svitlana and Hanna tell me they are aware of the risks associated with returning to Ukraine.

Neither will forget the panic and destruction that arrived with the opening salvos of the conflict, as many expected Kyiv to be overrun.

'Difficult decision'

"I realise it's dangerous," says Svitlana, speaking through an interpreter. "I cannot deny I am scared. At the present moment, my decision is final."

Svitlana recalls her life before the war.

"My life in Ukraine was good," she says. "Myself and my husband had been building our own house. My husband had a business. We were very happy."

Rubbing her wedding ring, Svitlana tells me her husband died four months before the invasion.

Hanna, who dreams of one day becoming an actress, says she and her mother felt "fear and disbelief" when the Russians began their onslaught.

When their neighbour's house was bombed, Svitlana made the "difficult decision" to leave.

Neither woman wanted to move abroad. The situation dictated it, say the pair.

People outside a missile-struck building in Kyiv

Over the past two years, the women have made brief trips back to Ukraine to see Svitlana's parents and sisters.

Soon, they will buy one-way tickets.

"Kyiv is still very beautiful," says Hanna who, like her mother, hankers for their homeland.

However, the smiles vanish as she tells of changes they have noticed in the people each time they return.

"The main changes are in the people," says Hanna, now looking down at her coffee. "People are more angry."

She adds: "They are anxious. They are scared."

'Amazing people'

Svitlana turns to the classic English ice breaker - the weather - to lift the mood.

"I like the UK," she says. "I particularly like the weather here - warm in the winter and not too hot in the summer.

"More importantly, I love the people. Very humble. Very kind. Always prepared to help either materially or mentally."

Svitlana describes her sponsors as "amazing people".

Hanna agrees, adding: "They are very loving. We are very happy we found these people. There is no limit how grateful we are."

Svitlana and Hanna Nakonechna intend to return to Ukraine pictured on Hull's waterfront

Liliya Holmes, a Ukrainian national whose husband John hails from Hull, is aware of others who have also left, at least partly, for financial reasons.

But she adds: "The extension to the visas recently announced by the government may make people change their minds about returning to Ukraine for now."

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Related Topics

More on this story.

Ukraine family visa scheme closes to new applicants

  • Published 5 days ago

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Ukraine visa schemes to be extended by 18 months

  • Published 6 days ago

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Full cemeteries and empty homes: Ukrainians struggle to endure

  • Published 14 February

A woman looks at the photograph of a perished Ukrainian soldier on the graveside cross in the field of honorary burials at the Lychakiv Cemetery, Lviv, western Ukraine, on 28 October 2023

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  • Published 30 January

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'We're safe here but always thinking of home'

  • Published 12 January 2023

Nataliya Rudyk

IMAGES

  1. Powerful newspaper front pages day after Russia invades Ukraine

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  2. Powerful newspaper front pages day after Russia invades Ukraine

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  3. 'Russia strikes Ukraine': Front covers of newspapers around the world

    english newspapers ukraine

  4. Powerful newspaper front pages day after Russia invades Ukraine

    english newspapers ukraine

  5. Newspaper headlines: PM's Ukraine speech and guards' conned by 'priest

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  6. Opinion

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  4. Ukraine War Live: Former UK's PM Makes A Surprise Trip To Ukraine, Says Its 'Privilege'

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  6. Viral

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  1. Ukrainska Pravda

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  13. Ukraine News Premier Independent English-language Source

    Ukraine News Premier Independent English-language Source — The New Voice of Ukraine News Latest Main Popular 02:00 PM Russia sets up makeshift morgues in abandoned Donetsk schools - Kyiv 01:30 PM House unlikely to consider Ukraine aid before mid-March, lawmaker says 01:00 PM Zaporizhzhia to open underground schools by September 12:30 PM

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  15. Euromaidan Press: Ukrainian News in English, News from Ukraine

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  16. Russia-Ukraine war: US sanctions three Russian officials over Alexei

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  17. February 21, 2024

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  18. Zelenskyy hosts Western leaders as Ukraine marks 2 years of war

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  19. Ukraine War

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  20. Ukraine

    14 Feb 2024 Rus­sia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 720 As the war en­ters its 720th day, these are the main de­vel­op­ments. 13 Feb 2024

  21. Get the Latest Ukraine News Today

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