Ukrainian Troops

Putin to hold first face-to-face meeting with an EU leader since invasion began today

It is fitting that Ukraine is led by a Jewish comedian, says Irish comic Peter Flanagan

Heavy gunfire and explosions heard as president Zelenskiy vows to defend country

Biden says his ‘sense’ is that Russia will invade Ukraine within several days

Diplomacy struggles for traction amid Russian war games and western arms deliveries to Kyiv

Local authorities say shelling from Russian separatists may be responsible for blazes

White House approves provision of deadly ‘defensive’ weapons to Kiev

Separatists have opposed Ukraine’s suggestion to deploy UN forces in war zone

From vast queues to shellfire, travellers face grim ordeal when crossing the frontline

Claim and counter-claim over responsibility made by sides as estimates of casualties vary

Russia admits two captives were soldiers, but but says they had left military

Volunteers venture into rebel-held territory to bring remains of hundreds of servicemen home

Kiev says arrested suspects had been armed and instructed in Russia

Loss of Debaltzeve to rebels may breathe life into embattled ceasefire plan

Key sticking points include future status of separatist-held areas and size of proposed buffer zone

Officials say it is hard to imagine rebels returning to earlier positions after weeks of advance