Russia has launched a devastating ground assault and seized two new settlements just hours after bombarding Ukraine with the biggest drone and missile attack of the war so far. In a worrying sign for Kyiv and the West, Putin has pushed home an assault near the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv in the east of the country and taken new territory for the first time.
It's reported the Russian war machine has captured the villages of Milove and Stroivka for the first time in a military success for Moscow that brings troops closer to Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv. The huge front line between Ukrainian forces and Kremlin troops in the east of Ukraine stretches for more than 600 miles, but day by day, Putin's soldiers are making gains.
The action on the ground comes as waves of drone and missile attacks targeted Kyiv overnight into Friday injuring 23 people and inflicting damage across multiple parts of the capital. The majority of projectiles were Iranian-developed Shahed drones, and Russia also used 11 missiles in the attack.
The renewed attacks came hours after President Donald Trump held a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin which Trumpsaid was "disappointing". He added: "I'm very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin, because I don't think he's there, and I'm very disappointed. I'm just saying I don't think he's looking to stop, and that's too bad."
Polish minister Radoslaw Sikorski said Putin's latest July 4th attacks on Ukraine were "mocking" Trump's peace plans. He wrote on X: "President Trump, Putin is mocking your peace efforts."
THIS LIVE BLOG IS NOW CLOSED...
-
Labour's biggest mistake laid bare in devastating poll
-
Delhi Speaker sets up House panels for welfare of senior citizens
-
Full confirmed list of Arsenal ins and outs for summer transfer window as two more deals announced
-
Why Lord Rama is Called Maryada Purushottam: The Ideal Man
-
7 Amazing Benefits of Witch Hazel for Your Skin
