Ukraine war – latest: Hypersonic missiles launched by Russia in seven hours of strikes; assassination attempt claims ‘nonsense’, Kyiv says
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant temporarily lost electric power supply after Russia launched a barrage of missile attacks on cities across Ukraine; Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the battle for Bakhmut as Ukraine’s “first priority”.
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Russia launches missile attacks across cities in Ukraine View post | How today’s seven-hour barrage unfolded View post
What are the hypersonic Kinzhal missiles Russia is believed to have fired? View post
Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant temporarily loses power supply View post
‘I don’t remember an attack like this before’ – Ukrainian Air Forces View post
Claims of assassination attempt against Transnistria leader ‘nonsense provocation’, says Ukraine View post
Stuart Ramsay: Loss of power in Zaporizhzhia is ‘very, very dangerous’ View post
Live reporting by Faith Ridler and Katie Williams, with Stuart Ramsay in Ukraine and Diana Magnay in Moscow
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4h ago
16:36
Biden to visit Canada later this month
Joe Biden is to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau later this month, the White House has announced.
The US president will visit Canadian capital Ottowa during his trip to the country from March 23 to 24.
In a statement, the White House said the two leaders will talk about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, defence cooperation, climate change and addressing the opioid crisis.
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5h ago
15:45
Father and son killed in Bakhmut
Oleh and Mykyta Khomyuk were killed in the battle for Bakhmut, Ukraine’s defence ministry has said.
The two men had joined Ukraine’s army shortly after the invasion began.
The fiercest fighting in the war currently is around the eastern town of Bakhmut, which has been a key target for Russia since last summer.
Both sides have suffered heavy losses here.
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6h ago
15:15
Latest Russian missile strikes are ‘war crime’, EU chief says
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has responded to the latest major wave of Russian missile strikes, which killed at least six people overnight.
“Russia’s deliberate targeting of civilians and energy grid is a war crime,” she wrote in a tweet.
The EU chief spoke with Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier today, where she also condemned the attacks.
Mr Zelenskyy said during the call he had also welcomed the latest package of EU sanctions.
The Ukrainian president added that the pair had discussed his country’s progress in adhering to recommendations put forward by the EU that will help in its bid to join the bloc.
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6h ago
14:45
‘I want Putin to die’: Residents pick up the pieces of their homes after Kyiv strike
Our chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay is in the Ukrainian capital, which was subjected to another barrage of missile strikes this morning.
He speaks to Larysa, a grandmother who is standing on broken glass outside her Kyiv apartment block.
“There was an explosion, and of course I jumped immediately,” she tells him.
“I just looked outside and saw people running, so I ran through my apartment and checked all my windows… and then I saw the ambulance and fire engines arrive 15 minutes later.”
She is particularly angry towards Russia.
“May they be cursed! I hope they can hear me, even friends I have known there my whole life… let them be cursed!
“I don’t worry about myself, I’m old, but I worry about my children and grandchildren.
“I want an end to this as soon as possible – I want Putin to die…”
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7h ago
14:15
Expert admits surprise at Russian military’s incompetence
Much has been made of the problems experienced by Russia’s military since its invasion of Ukraine.
Indeed, a number of experts have since admitted surprise at just how ill-equipped Vladimir Putin’s forces have been for such a conflict.
Among them is George Barros of the US think tank the Institute for the Study of War.
“We realised in retrospect that the Russian military exercises that we’d studied in minutia for years weren’t really exercises,” he told Newsweek.
“They were choreographed ballets with tanks.”
“Exercises are supposed to stress units, to bring them to their breaking point, to help them learn new operational concepts, to help them find pain points so that they can iron them out and get good at fighting.
“That’s what we thought the Russians were doing. But we didn’t understand how hollow the exercises had been until we actually saw the First Guards Tank Army come up against a real life adversary.”
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7h ago
13:45
Russia announces sanctions against 144 public figures in Baltic states
Russia has introduced personal sanctions against 144 government officials, journalists, lawmakers and other public figures from the three Baltic states.
The Russian foreign ministry officials said all those affected were deemed to be “most hostile” to Moscow.
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – ruled from Moscow during the Cold War but now members of the EU and NATO – have been among the strongest critics of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The ministry said the move was a response to what it called active lobbying by the three Baltic republics for more sanctions against Russia and to their “interference in our internal affairs, inciting Russophobic sentiments”.
Last year, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania began restricting the entry of Russian citizens travelling from Russia and Belarus in response to what Moscow calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine.
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8h ago
13:15
Destruction in Kyiv after Russian strikes
Police in Kyiv have released images which they say shows the aftermath of one of Russia’s air strikes across Ukraine overnight.
The force said five vehicles were completely destroyed and 15 more were damaged, as were the facades of nearby houses.
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8h ago
12:45
Energy facilities hit in eight regions – Ukrainian PM
As we’ve been reporting, Ukraine was today hit with a barrage of Russian missiles – with 81 rockets launched at 10 regions in total.
The country’s prime minister, Denys Shmyhal, has now confirmed that the attack was clearly targeted at civilian infrastructure facilities.
Energy and distribution facilities were hit in eight of the ten regions, he said.
Mr Shmyhal added that power outages are still possible in some areas, but insisted the country’s energy system remains “intact”.
He said repair work is ongoing on the damaged facilities, with “special attention” being paid to restoring power in Kharkiv. The region was hit by 15 missiles.
Russia has carried out a number of strikes on energy infrastructure since October, with 40% of the total being seriously damaged as a result.
There were fears this morning after it emerged the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant had been disconnected from the Ukrainian power grid, but it has since been reconnected.
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9h ago
12:15
Belarus to impose death penalty for officials convicted of ‘high treason’
President Alexander Lukashenko has signed a law today allowing the use of capital punishment against those convicted of high treason, according to state news agency Belta.
It is part of changes to the criminal code aimed at strengthening the fight against “crimes of an extremist [terrorist] and anti-state orientation”.
Belarus is the only country in Europe that still applies the death penalty.
Up until now, it was only used for those who commit aggravated murder or a terrorist act.
Belarus remains Russia’s closest ally in Europe, allowing its territory to be used as a launchpad for the invasion of Ukraine.
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9h ago
11:50
Ukrainian commander has warning about Bakhmut
Defending the eastern town of Bakhmut has taken on a new importance, according to the commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces.
Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said that if Moscow’s forces managed to capture the embattled town, it would give it renewed resources to launch a “large-scale offensive”.
“Each day of the city’s defence allows us to gain time to prepare reserves and prepare for future offensive operations,” he said in a statement.
“At the same time, in the battles for this fortress, the enemy loses the most prepared and combat-capable part of his army — Wagner’s assault troops.”
Pointing to statements from Wagner mercenary group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Ukrainian commander said the capture of Bakhmut would allow the group’s hands to be “freed”.
“He will be able to launch a large-scale offensive with the use of army and airborne units on combat equipment,” he said.
“This once again proves the very important role of Bakhmut in the overall defence system of our group.”
Experts have previously said Bakhmut is of little strategic importance to Russia or Ukraine, although it would be a significant symbolic victory for either side.
Russian forces – led in part by Wagner troops – have been battling to take the town since last summer.
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10h ago
11:25
Ukrainians shelter as dozens of missiles fall
Residents of the Ukrainian capital were sheltering inside underground metro stations this morning, as air raid sirens sounded in the capital.
Ukraine says 81 Russian missiles were launched at 10 regions, including six hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, which Kyiv is unable to shoot down.
Of these, 34 cruise missiles were reportedly downed by air defences.
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10h ago
11:10
Ukraine names soldier executed in video
Earlier this week, footage began circulating of the execution of a Ukrainian prisoner of war.
The unidentified man was smoking a cigarette and said the words “Slava Ukraini” [Glory to Ukraine] before being gunned down.
The video quickly spread across social media and the soldier was branded a hero by Ukrainians – leading speculation to grow about his identity.
Now, Ukraine’s army has tentatively confirmed the soldier was Oleksandr Matsievsky, a fighter of the territorial defence of the Chernihiv region.
His body has been identified by relatives, although the Regional Management of the Territorial Defence Forces North said this does not constitute a final ID.
In an interview with Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne, his mother Paraska Demchuk said she felt a “sort of lightness” when she realised how her son had died.
“It’s very hard, but it’s true. I saw it. That was his character – steady, unbreakable.”
The commander of the unit which Mr Matsievsky served in also told Suspilne: “I have no doubt it was Oleksandr… he was captured by the Russian military.
“Given that he’s standing in a pit with no weapons, they must have forced him to dig his own grave. They gave him a last cigarette.”
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10h ago
10:55
Afghan fighters ‘turned away from Ukraine’s foreign legion’
US-trained Afghan fighters are being turned away from joining Ukraine’s foreign legion to help in the war against Russia, it has been reported today.
Fierce battles are still very much under way in parts of eastern Ukraine, while Russia today launched its first round of significant bombardment in three weeks.
But despite the ongoing fight, news website Semafor claims upwards of 100 Afghans who want to fight for Kyiv are being turned away.
The site said 300 Afghan nationals have submitted applications to United Legion – a privately-run website working on behalf on Ukraine’s government to vet foreigners wanting to enlist.
Of these, 150 are reportedly members of Afghanistan’s US-trained counter-terrorism unit Ktah Khas.
The United Legion’s founder estimated there could be “thousands” of Afghan veterans hoping to join the fight, with many applications stating they may have hundreds of fighters ready to join with them.
Kadim, a former elite Afghan reconnaissance unit member, said there are many who want to help fight against Russia’s “war against democracy and humanity and a full-scale genocide”.
But Ryan Routh, head of the International Volunteer Centre in Ukraine, said most local authorities “do not want these soldiers”.
“I have had partners meeting with [Ukraine’s ministry of defence] every week and still have not been able to get them to agree to issue one single visa.”
A source close to the Ukrainian government told Semafor that its main concern was being infiltrated by spies due to Russia’s presence in Afghanistan and the mercenary Wagner Group’s recruitment efforts there.
The International Legion of Territorial Defence of Ukraine was created by Volodymyr Zelenskyy when the war erupted in February 2022.
It contains an estimated 20,000 troops from around the world who have stepped up to help the war efforts.
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10h ago
10:40
Ukraine is ‘battle lab’ for testing Iranian weapons – US official
A senior US defence official has warned Ukraine is becoming a “battle lab” for testing Iranian weapons outside the Middle East, according to CNN.
“Everyone should be preparing for what the threat scenarios look like when Iran takes the tactics, techniques and procedures it learned in Ukraine and starts to use those coercive tactics here,” the unnamed official said in reference to the Middle East.
They also repeated an earlier assertion by the US that Moscow would be willing to provide advanced technology to Tehran in return for Iranian “lethal aid”.
The comments were made ahead of US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin’s visit to Israel.
In talks there, Iranian-Russian military cooperation will be on the agenda.
Russia has been using Iranian-made drones in its strikes on Ukrainian territory – including in today’s attacks.
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11h ago
10:25
The remains of a Russian drone and cruise missile litter the ground in northern Ukraine
A Russian combat drone and cruise missile were shot down by defence forces in northern Ukraine today, it’s being reported.
The country’s Operational Command North team have posted photos to Telegram which they say show the destroyed weapons.
The below photo shows the wreckage of a Russian missile shot down in Pryluk, in the Chernihiv region.
Further photos show the remains of an Iranian-made Shahed drone – which have been used by Moscow in its attacks on Ukraine – in Severshchyna, in the area of Sumy.
Pic: Operational Command North/Telegram
Pic: Operational Command North/Telegram
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11h ago
10:10
How significant were today’s missile strikes?
Military analyst Sean Bell has told Sky News that the death toll from today’s strikes will most likely rise.
As of now, it is thought six people have been killed.
“It was the first time in the last three weeks that Russia has launched one of these major attacks. The Russian defence minister has claimed this is in retribution because of the Ukrainian alleged attacks at Bryansk just about a week ago,” he said.
“But these attacks were conducted all across Ukraine, so from Kyiv up to the north to Odesa in the south. There were 10 different regions hit. It was absolutely widespread.
“They’ve announced six people have been killed, but when you look at some of the devastation it’s quite possible that number will rise.”
Mr Bell then turned to claims that six hypersonic Kinzhal missiles were part of the 81 launched at Ukraine by Russia this morning.
“This is the first time we’ve seen them used in that sort of number,” he said.
You can hear more from Mr Bell in the clip below…
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11h ago
09:55
Giant crater ‘created by missile attack’
A stark image purportedly showing the aftermath of one missile strike on the Kharkiv region is circulating on social media.
Radio Nakipilo posted this photo of people inspecting a giant crater in a private garden in a suburb of the region, which is reportedly a result of this morning’s attacks.
The radio station, which serves Kharkiv, said several residential buildings nearby were also damaged by the explosion.
Sky News is unable to independently verify the reports.
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11h ago
09:40
‘We want Russia to become a new North Korea’
Kira Rudik, a Ukrainian MP, today told Sky News she hopes Russia will become an isolated state like North Korea – “where nobody will help them”.
“When the war happens it is very black and white. There are people who help your enemy to kill you, and to make sure that everything you love or have ever loved will go to rubble,” she said.
“And there are people who are helping you to stay alive and fight for your life – and have a better chance of seeing tomorrow.”
She described Ukrainians as “terrified” and “very angry”, calling for sanctions on everyone who is helping Russia.
“We want Russia to become a new North Korea – where nobody will help them. Where there will be no communication with them,” she said.
“They can only find their alliance within their regime.”
You can hear more from Ms Rudik in the clip below…
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12h ago
09:25
Ukraine foreign minister says missile attacks are ‘just Russian barbarism’
Dmytro Kuleba says the barrage of missile attacks on his country overnight have “no military objective”.
Ukraine’s foreign minister said the strikes, which lasted nearly seven hours and killed at least six people, are “just Russian barbarism”.
He insists the Russian president will be “held accountable” for his invasion of Ukraine at a tribunal.
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12h ago
09:07
Smoke rises over WWII memorial in Kyiv
A chilling photograph has emerged from the Ukrainian capital today, picturing thick, black smoke rising over the defiant shape of the Motherland monument.
The 203ft steel statue is a part of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War in the Pechersk neighbourhood of Kyiv.
It is said to symbolise the feat accomplished by Ukrainian people during the Second World War – as another wages on around it.
