Ukraine war briefing: Two people killed as Russia pounds Zaporizhzhia

South-eastern Ukrainian city struck more than 10 times, while three people die in attacks on Sumy and Donetsk; Germany approves €3bn in new military aid for Ukraine. What we know on day 1,123
Russian attacks killed two people in Ukraine’s south-eastern city of Zaporizhzhia late on Friday. The Zaporizhzhia regional governor, Ivan Fedorov, said on Telegram the city had been struck more than 10 times, killing two people and injuring nine. The injured included a nine-month-old infant and a woman in serious condition. Pictures posted online showed rescue teams sifting through rubble and apartment blocks and homes with windows and facades badly damaged. Fires burned amid piles of rubble.
Two people were reported killed in the Sumy region, on Ukraine’s northern border with Russia, after Russian forces dropped at least six guided bombs on the village of Krasnopillia, while in the eastern Donetsk region, Russia dropped three bombs on the town of Kostiantynivka, close to the frontlines, killing one person.
Germany on Friday approved €3bn (£2.5bn) in new military aid for Ukraine, including artillery munitions and air defence systems, government officials have said. The funds were released after months of delay and come on top of €4bn in Ukraine military aid already planned in the budget for 2025. Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said the latest package would include units of the German-made Iris-T air defence systems that had yet to be built and would be delivered over the next two years.
The UK is to “accelerate the pace and scale” of its military planning to be ready to support Ukraine, with No 10 saying all options, including troops on the ground, are possible. Keir Starmer’s spokesperson said thousands of troops would be needed to support Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire and agreement to end the war with Russia, whether by “sea, on land or in the air”. “Not all the countries in the coalition will have capabilities for Ukraine but might have the capability for other deployments, which would free up other nations to deploy to Ukraine,” the prime minister’s spokesperson said.
The UK said on Friday it had frozen more than £25bn in Russian assets since the start of the war in Ukraine three years ago. In a report, the UK treasury also said it had sanctioned “2,001 individuals and entities” in the period between Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine and March 2024. The economic secretary to the treasury, Emma Reynolds, said: “Working with our allies, we have deprived [Russia] of over $400bn the equivalent to four years of Russia’s military spending.”
A Soviet-era dissident has been sentenced to 16 years in prison in Russia for his anti-war views. Alexander Skobov, 67, was sentenced on Friday over a social media post supporting Ukraine’s 2022 strike on the Crimea Bridge, as well as his alleged involvement with the foreign-based opposition group the Free Russia Forum. In a final statement before sentencing, Skobov accused the Putin regime of “waging an aggressive war [and] of committing war crimes in Ukraine”.
Ukraine accused Russia on Friday of illegally pressuring Ukrainians in occupied territory to change their legal status or leave, and said it would report the practice to the international criminal court. The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, issued a decree on Thursday saying Ukrainian citizens living “in Russia without legal grounds” should “regulate” their status by 10 September. Heorhii Tykhyi, a Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman, said Russia was conducting the “forced displacement of Ukrainian citizens from their homeland, or forcing them to acquire foreigner status”. Putin’s decree affects Ukrainians who live in the Crimean peninsula, as well as occupied parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, expressed his unwavering support for Russia’s war in Ukraine during a meeting with Russia’s security council secretary, Sergei Shoigu, in Pyongyang on Friday. North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said Kim during the meeting said his government would “invariably support Russia in the struggle for defending the national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interests”. Shoigu expressed gratitude for North Korea’s “solidarity with Russia’s position on all critical geopolitical issues, particularly on the Ukrainian issue,” according to his televised comments.
Continue reading...Topics
-
3 people killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia despite limited truce
Ukrainian officials say Russian drones have struck the city of Zaporizhzhia, killing three people and wounding 12ABC News - 1h -
At least 3 killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia despite limited truce
Ukrainian officials say Russian drones have struck the city of Zaporizhzhia, killing three people and wounding 12ABC News - 49m -
U.S. and Ukraine discuss ending war as Kyiv launches its largest drone attack on Russia
As U.S. and Ukrainian officials begin peace talks in Saudi Arabia, Kyiv carried out its largest drone attack on Russia since the war began. Russian officials claim they shot down hundreds of ...CBS News - Mar. 11 -
Ukraine war briefing: Trump ‘wants Zaporizhzhia power plant for US’
White House has ‘moved beyond’ minerals deal; Zelenskyy expects ceasefire deal to cover civilian as well as energy infrastructure. What we know on day 1,121. Europe live: latest news updates ...The Guardian - 2d -
Ukraine war briefing: Mandatory evacuations on border with Kursk as Putin mulls ceasefire
Moscow offers heavily qualified support for US-Ukraine proposal as Russia regains more of Kursk region Continue reading...The Guardian - Mar. 14 -
Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv officials to meet Trump aides in Saudi Arabia
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says ‘realistic proposals on the table’ in talks; Donald Trump hints US may be close to lifting intelligence pause. What we know on day 1,111. See all our Russia-Ukraine war ...The Guardian - Mar. 10 -
More than 1,000 people killed in two days of clashes in Syria, war monitor says
About 745 civilians among those killed in fighting in Latakia province between security forces and fighters loyal to former president Assad. More than 1,000 people, including 745 civilians, were ...The Guardian - Mar. 9 -
Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy replaces head of general staff of the armed forces
Defence minister says Ukraine ‘systematically transforming’ its military; Macron says allied security force does need Russia’s blessing. What we know on day 1,118. The Ukrainian president, ...The Guardian - 5d -
Poll: Most Americans are rooting for Ukraine. But nearly half think Trump prefers Russia.
A majority of American voters say their sympathies lie more with Ukraine than Russia in the war between the two countries.NBC News - 5d -
Ukraine war live: Zelenskyy says Russia has carried out ‘hundreds of attacks’ against Ukraine this week
Ukrainian president calls for strengthened sanctions as he highlights weapons used against his country. Local officials from Russia ’s ruling party have caused controversy by presenting mothers of ...The Guardian - Mar. 9 -
At least 20 killed in Russian missile strikes on eastern Ukraine
At least 20 people were killed when Russia's military launched a flurry of missile and drone attacks in eastern Ukraine Saturday, damaging multiple apartment buildings in the town of Dobropillya. ...CBS News - Mar. 8 -
Inside the frontlines of Russia as the war with Ukraine continues
NBC News' Keir Simmons gets a rare look inside the frontlines in Russia and talks with residents about the impact of the war with Ukraine as President Trump said he is “strongly considering” ...NBC News - Mar. 8 -
Russian strike on Ukraine kills more than 10 after Trump threatens sanctions
Russia struck the Donetsk region in Ukraine on Friday, killing at least 11 and wounding 30 people according to Ukraine’s officials, hours after President Trump threatened to impose sanctions on ...The Hill - Mar. 8 -
Russia launches devastating attack on Ukraine after Trump’s defence of Putin
Latest attacks came hours after Donald Trump said Vladimir Putin was ‘doing what anybody would do’. Russia launched a devastating attack on Ukraine on Saturday, killing at least 14 people and ...The Guardian - Mar. 8 -
Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy accuses Putin of seeking to prolong war amid buildup of forces
Ukrainian president maintains his troops are still fighting in Russia’s Kursk region and warns that Moscow is ‘doing everything’ to prevent a ceasefire. What we know on day 1,117. See all our ...The Guardian - 6d -
What Ukraine's asking for in meetings with U.S. about war with Russia
Officials from the U.S. and Ukraine are holding talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday in an effort to end Russia's war against the Ukrainians. Michael Bociurkiw, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's ...CBS News - Mar. 11 -
86 percent blame Putin for Russia-Ukraine war: Survey
Nearly all Americans blame the Kremlin’s leader Vladimir Putin for the Russia-Ukraine war rather than Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to a survey released Thursday. The new ...The Hill - 1d -
Almost half think Trump sympathizes with Russia in Ukraine war: Survey
President Trump is expected to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday about ongoing negotiations to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, despite nearly half of American voters ...The Hill - 4d -
‘No military solution’ to Ukraine war, Rubio says ahead of Saudi meetings
First official meeting of two governments since disastrous Trump-Zelenskyy encounter comes as Russia intensifies attacks. There is “no military solution” to the conflict in Ukraine, US secretary of ...The Guardian - Mar. 11 -
Russia and Ukraine swap hundreds of prisoners in one of the war's largest exchanges
Russian and Ukraine say they have each swapped 175 prisoners in one of the largest exchanges of the warABC News - 2d -
Ukraine supports 30-day ceasefire as Russia says it will consider offer
The latest talks to end Russia's war in Ukraine have brought a commitment from Ukraine's president to support a 30-day ceasefire. In return, the U.S. will restore military and intelligence support ...CBS News - Mar. 12 -
Trump says discussions have begun to divide assets between Ukraine and Russia
President Trump said negotiators have begun discussing the division of assets between Russia and Ukraine in an effort to bring to an end the war.NBC News - 4d -
Russia orders two people connected to British embassy to leave country
Kremlin accuses individuals of ‘intelligence and subversive activities’ in what appears to be latest in tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions. Two people connected to the British embassy in Moscow have ...The Guardian - Mar. 10 -
Ukraine-US talks on ending war with Russia start in Saudi Arabia as Kyiv launches huge drone attack
High-stakes talks between senior delegations from Ukraine and the United States on how to end Kyiv’s three-year war with Russia have opened in Saudi ArabiaABC News - Mar. 11 -
Trump must understand Putin ‘respects strength’ during talks over Ukraine war: Fmr. Amb. to Russia
Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul discusses the call between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin and what talks could mean for the end of the war in Ukraine.NBC News - 3d -
Russia Pushes Back Ukraine’s Offensive With Drones and North Korean Troops
Russia has retaken about two-thirds of the territory Ukraine seized last summer in the Kursk region of Russia, but at a fearful cost in lives.The New York Times - Mar. 8 -
Art of a deal: how UK and France led dogged effort to repair US-Ukraine ties – for now
Over 11 days of breakneck diplomacy, Kyiv was convinced of need to pacify Trump, but reconciliation may be all too brief. Russia-Ukraine war – latest news updates The 11 days of ...The Guardian - Mar. 12 -
For the left’s Ukraine hawks, the real war is against Trump
The liberal left has shifted from opposing muscular policies toward Russia to advocating for a robust Cold War, despite a history of opposing it and giving Russia excuses.The Hill - 3d -
Ukraine war in maps: How control has shifted in three years
How are Russia and Ukraine placed after three years of fighting and with Donald Trump suggesting talks on ending the war could begin soon?BBC News - Mar. 13 -
Wednesday Briefing: U.S. Resumes Aid to Ukraine
Plus, a tale of two Rwandas.The New York Times - Mar. 11 -
Tracking Ukraine’s battle against Russia in maps and charts
A visual guide to the warFinancial Times - 12h -
Russia attacks Ukraine hours after partial ceasefire agreed in Putin-Trump call
Shortly after call ended, about 45 drones targeted region around Kyiv with anti-aircraft fire audible across capital overnight. Russia-Ukraine war – latest news updates Russia attacked Ukraine ...The Guardian - 3d -
Rubio: Ball in Russia’s court after Ukraine backs ceasefire proposal
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it is dependent on Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine for immediate negotiations toward an end of the war to begin. Rubio made his remarks ...The Hill - Mar. 11 -
Ukraine's position on a potential 30-day ceasefire deal with Russia
Ukraine appears ready for a temporary ceasefire with Russia after losing access to U.S. aid and intelligence for its war. Mark Cancian, a senior adviser with the defense and security department at ...CBS News - Mar. 11 -
Ukraine and Russia have conditions that could affect a ceasefire. What are they willing to concede?
A ceasefire in Russia’s 3-year-old war in Ukraine hinges on Moscow accepting the U.S. proposal of a 30-day pause in fighting as a confidence-building measure for both sides to hammer out a ...ABC News - 4d -
State Department: Ukraine, Russia 'just a breath away from a full ceasefire'
A State Department spokesperson said Thursday that Ukraine and Russia are “just a breath away from a full ceasefire” after three years of war. “We are just a breath away from a full ceasefire, and ...The Hill - 1d -
Hundreds of Civilians Killed by Government Forces in Syria, War Monitors Say
More than 1,000 people have been killed in fighting between forces of the new government and remnants of the ousted regime, according to a war monitor, which said about 700 were civilians.The New York Times - Mar. 9 -
Russian officials criticised for giving meat grinders to mothers of soldiers killed in Ukraine
Members of Putin’s United Russia party in Murmansk said gifts were initiative of the women’s wing . Local officials from Russia’s ruling party have caused controversy by presenting mothers of ...The Guardian - Mar. 9 -
Ukraine bombards Russia with largest drone barrage of war, Moscow says
Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces shot down 343 Ukrainian drones overnight, in what appeared to be Kyiv's largest ever cross-border aerial attack.ABC News - Mar. 11
More from The Guardian
-
Trump makes rare admission of Musk’s conflicts of interest after Pentagon visit
President says plans for potential war with China would not be shared with billionaire due to his business interests. US politics live – latest updates Donald Trump said on Friday that plans ...The Guardian - 13h -
George Foreman, boxing champion and entrepreneur, dies aged 76
The death of the heavyweight champion boxer was announced by his family in a post on Instagram. Mike Tyson, sports stars and more pay tribute to boxing great George Foreman – a life in ...The Guardian - 6h -
Denmark and Finland urge caution for US-bound transgender people
Travel advice updated amid reports of ordeals at US border after Trump said country would only recognise two genders. Denmark and Finland have updated their US travel advice for transgender people, ...The Guardian - 13h -
Mutiny brews in French bookshops over Hachette owner’s media grip
Booksellers take stand against influence of conservative billionaire by limiting orders of his company’s books and placing them on lower shelves. A conservative Catholic billionaire and media owner ...The Guardian - 3h -
Heathrow airport reopens but ‘huge impact’ on travel expected for days – live updates
Planes begin to land at airport but airlines said the closure would continue to have a ‘huge impact’ on passengers in the coming days. Willie Walsh , the International Air Transport Association ...The Guardian - 35m
More in World
-
Trump’s Attempts to Resolve Global Conflicts Quickly Face Diplomatic Reality
Allies say the foreign policy version of “flood the zone” is working. But critics argue that the hurry-up approach in Israel, Ukraine and Iran may not lead to stable, durable solutions to conflicts ...The New York Times - 26m -
Trump’s Attempts to Resolve Global Conflicts Quickly Face Diplomatic Reality
Allies say the foreign policy version of “flood the zone” is working. But critics argue that the hurry-up approach in Israel, Ukraine and Iran may not lead to stable, durable solutions to conflicts ...The New York Times - 26m -
E.P.A. Investigations of Severe Pollution Look Increasingly at Risk
The agency will no longer shut down “any stage of energy production,” absent an imminent threat, a new memo says, and will curtail efforts to cut pollution in poorer areas.The New York Times - 26m -
E.P.A. Investigations of Severe Pollution Look Increasingly at Risk
The agency will no longer shut down “any stage of energy production,” absent an imminent threat, a new memo says, and will curtail efforts to cut pollution in poorer areas.The New York Times - 26m -
Canada’s Small Businesses Face a ‘Double Hit” in the Trade War With U.S.
A rice mill in Ontario is among many small businesses being hit by President Trump’s tariffs and also by Canada’s retaliatory levies, putting their futures in doubt.The New York Times - 26m