Russia-Ukraine war – live: Fresh strikes on Kyiv overnight as beachgoers in occupied Crimea flee counterstrike
Two people were killed and scores of residential buildings damaged after the Kremlin launched fresh strikes at Kyiv.
Ukraine said Moscow launched three missiles at the capital overnight, two of which were destroyed by its air defence systems.
The airstrikes came after at least three people were killed and a further 19 injured after Russia fired multiple glide bombs at civilian-populated areas of Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv.
A residential building was hit four times at around 3.15pm local time on Saturday, according to local officials.
It comes as television footage published by Russian state media showed people running from a beach in occupied Crimea as air defences appeared to be active over the holiday destination.
Russian-installed authorities in Crimea said missile fragments had fallen just after noon near a beach on the north side of the city of Sevastopol where locals were holidaying.
The Ministry of Defence claimed that Ukraine had fired multiple US-supplied ATACMS long-range missiles.
The Independent was unable to verify these claims. A Russian military base, however, is located near to where the holidaygoers were filmed.
Key points
Russia launches air attack on Kyiv
Two injured and houses damaged in strikes on capital
Russian attack kills 3 in Ukraine’s Kharkiv, at least 18 injured
Kremlin launches fresh attacks on Ukraine's power grid
Farage doubles down on comments that West ‘provoked’ Russia into invading Ukraine
Zelensky posts update on second Kharkiv strike in as many days
15:45 , Tom Watling
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has posted an update on X, formerly Twitter, on the situation in the country’s second largest city after it was hit by multiple glide bombs for the second day in a row.
Kharkiv is under Russian bombardment again. I have received all the reports. So far we know of one person killed and some wounded. All necessary services are on the site, helping people. I thank everyone involved.
Part of Kharkiv is now without electricity, and the subway is… pic.twitter.com/w9uJnnjapB— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 23, 2024
One killed, ten wounded by Russian strikes on Kharkiv, official says
15:13 , Tom Watling
One person was killed and ten others wounded by Russian strikes on Ukraine‘s eastern city of Kharkiv on Sunday, regional governor Oleh Synehubov said.
“The occupiers have conducted strikes on the civilian infrastructure of Kharkiv,” Synehubov wrote on Telegram, adding that the strikes appeared to have been conducted with glide bombs.
Russia has regularly bombed Kharkiv throughout Moscow’s 28-month full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The governor said there were casualties at two separate strike sites in the city, two teenage children among them.
Two of the wounded victims were in a “severe condition”, he added.
Germany’s Scholz says he will keep social agenda in budget deal
14:35 , Matt Mathers
Germany’s coalition government will stick to its social agenda and reconcile that with military aid to Ukraine in budget talks due to wrap up next month, chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a television interview on Sunday.
"We will defend the welfare state and develop it further," the head of Europe’s largest economy told public broadcaster ARD.
Germany’s three-way coalition is in negotiations that Scholz has said will be completed by July 3, ahead of a NATO summit on July 9.
"I am confident that we will be able to get the budget on its way in July," he said during an ARD summer interview series with politicians.
ICYMI: A year ago, Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin challenged the Kremlin with a mutiny
14:00 , Matt Mathers
On a lazy summer weekend a year ago, Russia was jolted by the stunning news of an armed uprising. The swaggering chief of a Kremlin-sponsored mercenary army seized a military headquarters in the south and began marching toward Moscow to oust the Defense Ministry’s leaders, accusing them of starving his force of ammunition in Ukraine.
Full report:
A year ago, Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin challenged the Kremlin with a mutiny
A US envoy visits Hanoi days after Putin, saying US-Vietnam trust is at ‘all-time high’
13:16 , Matt Mathers
A senior U.S. diplomat held talks in Vietnam on Saturday and said that the trust between the two countries was at an “all-time high,” just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s state visit to Hanoi.
US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink insisted that his trip was unrelated to Putin’s visit on Thursday. Vietnam had elevated the United States to its highest diplomatic status, comprehensive strategic partner, last year, putting it at the same level as China and Russia.
The elevation of the U.S. ties suggested that Vietnam wanted to hedge its friendships as Western companies look to diversify their supply chains away from China.
Full report:
A U.S. envoy visits Hanoi days after Putin, saying US-Vietnam trust is at 'all-time high'
ICYMI: Farage accused of ‘playing into Putin’s hands’ as he doubles down on Ukraine invasion comments
11:54 , Matt Mathers
Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have led criticism of Nigel Farage after the Reform UK leader claimed that the West “provoked” Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
It did not stop Mr Farage from doubling down on his comments, originally made in a BBC Panorama interview which aired on Friday night, in a column piece on Saturday afternoon for the Daily Telegraph, claiming that he should “not be blamed for telling the truth about Putin’s war”.
Full report:
Farage accused of ‘playing into Putin’s hands’ as he doubles down on Ukraine comments
Russia missile attack on Kyiv region injures two, damages houses, Ukraine says
10:34 , Matt Mathers
Two people were injured and scores of residential and other buildings were damaged in a Russian missile attack on the Kyiv region overnight, the head of the region’s state administration said on Sunday.
Of the three missiles launched by Russia, Ukraine’s air defence systems destroyed two over the Kyiv region, Ukraine’s Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk said on Sunday.
In his statement on the Telegram messaging app, Oleshchuk did not say what happened to the third missile.
Falling debris injured two people who did not require hospitalisation, Ruslan Kravchenko, head of the Kyiv region’s administration, said on Telegram.
Debris also damaged six multi-storey residential buildings and more than 20 private houses, Kravchenko added. In addition, a gas station, a pharmacy, an administrative building and three cars in the region were also damaged.
With its new pact with North Korea, Russia raises the stakes with the West over Ukraine
09:24 , Matt Mathers
Behind the smiles, the balloons and the red-carpet pageantry of President Vladimir Putin‘s visit to North Korea last week, a strong signal came through: In the spiraling confrontation with the U.S. and its allies over Ukraine, the Russian leader is willing to challenge Western interests like never before.
The pact that he signed with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un envisions mutual military assistance between Moscow and Pyongyang if either is attacked. Putin also announced for the first time that Russia could provide weapons to the isolated country, a move that could destabilize the Korean Peninsula and reverberate far beyond.
Full report:
With its new pact with North Korea, Russia raises the stakes with the West over Ukraine
Farage has been ‘infected with the virus of Putinism’ - Zelensky
08:00 , Matt Mathers
Nigel Farage has been “infected by the virus of Putinism”, Volodymyr Zelensky has said after the Reform leader suggested the West had provoked Russia into invading Ukraine.
“The virus of Putinism, unfortunately, infects people,” a source in the Ukraine president’s office told the BBC.
Mr Farage doubled down on the comments first made in an interview with the BBC, saying he was the only politician who has been “consistent” and “honest” about the war.
Farage accused of ‘playing into Putin’s hands’
07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have led criticism of Nigel Farage after the Reform UK leader claimed that the West “provoked” Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
It did not stop Mr Farage from doubling down on his comments, originally made in a BBC Panorama interview which aired on Friday night, in a column piece on Saturday afternoon for the Daily Telegraph, claiming that he should “not be blamed for telling the truth about Putin’s war”.
Asked about the remarks during an election campaign visit in London on Saturday, prime minister Mr Sunak suggested Mr Farage was “emboldening Putin”.
More here.
Farage accused of ‘playing into Putin’s hands’ as he doubles down on Ukraine comments
Russian lawmaker warns Moscow may change timing for use of nuclear weapons
07:16 , Matt Mathers
Moscow may change the timing for use of its nuclear weapons if threats against Russia increase, the RIA state news agency cited Andrei Kartapolov, the head of the Russian lower house’s defence committee, as saying on Sunday.
The former general’s comments follow recent warnings by President Vladimir Putin that Moscow may change its nuclear doctrine, which lays out the conditions in which such weapons could be used.
"If we see that the challenges and threats increase, it means that we can correct something in (the doctrine) regarding the timing of the use of nuclear weapons and the decision to make this use," the agency quoted Kartapolov as saying.
"But of course, it’s too early to talk about specifics now."
Here are some of the latest photos from Ukraine
07:00 , Tom Watling
Good morning.
Below are some of the latest photos coming from Chasiv Yar, a small city in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk.
The city has become a flashpoint on the frontline in recent months as Russian forces look to gain the strategic area, located on high ground.
Russia launched 2,400 guided bombs on Ukraine in June, says Zelensky
06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky has called for more help to deal with the growing threat of Russian guided bombs after an attack on Kharkiv killed three civilians.
In a nightly video address, the president said Russian forces had used more than 2,400 guided bombs on Ukrainian targets in June alone, with about 700 aimed at Kharkiv.
He said after US Congress gave delayed approval of a big aid package in April, Ukraine's replenished arms supplies had reduced the devastation and frequency of missile attacks and the same had to be done now to fend off these bombs.
"The significant reduction in Russian missile terror against Kharkiv and the region proves it is entirely possible to secure our cities and communities from Russian bombs," he said.
Ukraine, he said, needed promised military aid packages "without delay so that the agreements we reached with (US) president Biden can be realised."
Ukraine and the US signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement this month aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense against Russia and getting Ukraine closer to Nato membership.
Russia has relied increasingly on relatively inexpensive guided bombs, dropped from a distance and involving fewer risks for its forces.
West ‘provoked’ Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Nigel Farage claims
06:00 , Tom Watling
West ‘provoked’ Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Nigel Farage claims
Ukraine ‘launches tens of drones on Russian territory'
05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Ukraine has launched tens of drones overnight targeting several Russian regions but with no reported damage, Russian officials said.
At least 23 drones were destroyed over Russia’s western region of Bryansk, which borders Ukraine, the governor of the region, Alexander Bogomaz, said on Telegram.
Russia’s air defence systems also destroyed drones over the Smolensk region, Vasily Anokhin, governor of the region in Russia’s west, said on Telegram. It was not immediately clear how many drones were downed.
Sunak accuses Farage of ‘playing into Putin’s hands’ with Ukraine comments
05:00 , Tom Watling
Sunak accuses Farage of ‘playing into Putin’s hands’ with Ukraine comments
Russia launches air attack on Kyiv
04:23 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Russia launched an air attack on Kyiv and its surrounding region, forcing the engagement of air defence systems to repel the strikes, the mayor of Ukraine’s capital and the broader Kyiv region’s administration said on Telegram.
Witnesses told Reuters they heard several blasts in and around Kyiv that sounded like air defence systems hitting air weapons.
Putin’s best friend routine with Kim Jong-un is a clear and present danger to the West
03:00 , Tom Watling
Putin’s friendship with North Korea’s Kim Jong-un is a clear danger to the West
US will move Ukraine to front of line for air defense missile deliveries, White House says
02:00 , Tom Watling
White House will prioritize weapons for Ukraine after new Russia attack
Taiwan says it is learning from Ukraine how a smaller country can stand up to invasion
01:00 , Tom Watling
Taiwan says it is learning from Ukraine how smaller country can stand up to invasion
Russia fires deputy defense minister jailed on bribery charges and extends his arrest
Sunday 23 June 2024 00:00 , Tom Watling
Russia fires deputy defense minister jailed on bribery charges and extends his arrest
A Ukrainian author turned soldier has a stark warning for the West: ‘Be prepared for war with Russia’
Saturday 22 June 2024 23:00 , Tom Watling
Ukrainian author and soldier warns the West: ‘War is coming to you’
Has Russia just dropped a deadly new 3,000kg glide bomb in Ukraine?
Saturday 22 June 2024 22:00 , Tom Watling
Has Russia just dropped a deadly new 3,000kg glide bomb in Ukraine?
EU nations agree to start membership negotiations next week with Ukraine and Moldova
Saturday 22 June 2024 21:00 , Tom Watling
EU nations agree to start membership negotiations next week with Ukraine and Moldova
Ukraine claims three oil refinery strikes inside Russia as Moscow says naval attack thwarted
Saturday 22 June 2024 20:00 , Tom Watling
Ukraine claims three oil refinery strikes inside Russia as Moscow says naval attack thwarted
A year ago, Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin challenged the Kremlin with a mutiny
Saturday 22 June 2024 19:00 , Tom Watling
A year ago, Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin challenged the Kremlin with a mutiny
Farage doubles down on comments that West ‘provoked’ Russia into invading Ukraine
Saturday 22 June 2024 18:34 , Tom Watling
Nigel Farage has doubled down on comments that the West “provoked" Russia into invading Ukraine, claiming that he shouldn’t be “blamed for telling the truth”.
In a comment piece forThe Telegraph, he claimed that he was not a “mouthpiece” for Russian leader Vladimir Putin, before repeating that he knew the war would happen back in 2014.
“There is no easy solution to the war,” he wrote. “But facing up to the truth about the causes and consequences must be a start.
“That is why I simply want to tell it as it is, and have done for a decade. Those slanderers who claim that telling the truth makes me a “mouthpiece for Putin” only reveal the weakness of their own case.”
He did not, however, offer any alternative policy for the war in Ukraine, despite claiming that he was being valiant in not conforming to popular backing of the invaded country.
With his Putin comments, Nigel Farage has reminded us who he really is
Saturday 22 June 2024 18:00 , Tom Watling
With his Putin comments, Nigel Farage has reminded us who he really is
Ukrainian soldiers pictured in eastern Ukraine
Saturday 22 June 2024 17:30 , Tom Watling
Sunak accuses Farage of ‘playing into Putin’s hands’ with Ukraine comments
Saturday 22 June 2024 17:00 , Tom Watling
Sunak accuses Farage of ‘playing into Putin’s hands’ with Ukraine comments
Putin takes part in ceremony honouring WW2 unknown soldier
Saturday 22 June 2024 16:30 , Tom Watling
Zelensky: Russian glide bomb attack must stop
Saturday 22 June 2024 16:00 , Tom Watling
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Kyiv’s western partners to further boost their ability to strike Russian territory after a daytime attack on the country’s northeast region killed at least three people and injured 19 more.
“This Russian terror with guided aerial bombs must and can be stopped. Bold decisions from our partners are needed so that we can destroy Russian terrorists and Russian combat aircraft where they are,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
It comes as the Pentagon gave the green light to Ukraine to strike mainland Russia so long as it is defensive in nature.
Ukrainian officials have since said, however, that Russia will continue to be able to launch missiles unless they are permitted to strike deeper into Russia.
Russian terrorists have struck Kharkiv with guided aerial bombs again. Unfortunately, a residential building was hit.
The debris is being cleared. All necessary services are on the scene. As of now, there are 19 wounded and 3 dead. My condolences to everyone who lost their loved… pic.twitter.com/iSpKjjevtC— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 22, 2024
West ‘provoked’ Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Nigel Farage claims
Saturday 22 June 2024 15:43 , Tom Watling
West ‘provoked’ Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Nigel Farage claims
Russian attack kills at least two in Ukraine’s Kharkiv, at least 18 injured
Saturday 22 June 2024 15:30 , Tom Watling
At least two people were killed and at least 18 injured by Russian guided bombs in an attack on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Saturday, regional officials have said.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said at least four explosions were heard in a residential area in the afternoon. Rescue workers were working on the site of the strikes.
Kharkiv lies about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border with Russia. The city of about 1.3 million people has frequently been targeted in Russian attacks during nearly 28 months of war.
Russia attacks Kharkiv with guided aerial bombs on 22 June 22, at 15:15 pm.
Mayor Terekhov said 2 killed, 18 injured. Residential building damaged, multiple floors affected.
Read more: https://t.co/jGFPUCm9Zo pic.twitter.com/01UwvItkjF— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) June 22, 2024
ICYMI: Taiwan says it is learning from Ukraine how a smaller country can stand up to invasion
Saturday 22 June 2024 15:00 , Matt Mathers
Taiwan is looking at Ukraine’s resistance under Russian invasion and learning how it can prepare for a possible attack by China, the island’s vice-president said in London on Thursday.
Hsiao Bi-khim was speaking at an event hosted by Chatham House, reported The i news.
Taiwan says it is learning from Ukraine how smaller country can stand up to invasion
