Some 700,000 Ukrainian soldiers are now actively participating in defending the country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a televised interview on Saturday. In comparison, Russia deployed anywhere between 100,000 to 190,000 troops when it launched its invasion on 24 February, with the exact numbers of currently active units unclear. Meanwhile, the Moscow forces continued their assault in the east after claiming victory in Mariupol on Friday as the last Ukrainian defenders holed up in Azovstal laid down their arms. Read more about the day's developments in our live blog below. 05.21.2022 10:03 Saturday's key points: Russia suspended its gas delivery to Finland on Saturday morning in response to the country's NATO membership bid. The Russian military says it has fully taken over the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol after the last Ukrainian fighters gave themselves up. Earlier, Moscow said more than 1,900 Ukrainian fighters … [Read more...] about 700,000 soldiers defending Ukraine now, Zelenskyy says, as battles rage in the Donbas
Largest black hole
Ukraine: Russia claims to have full control of Luhansk region — live updates
Russia claims to have taken Lysychansk and thus entire Lugansk region Zelenskyy said his country needed "colossal investments" so people can rebuild their lives German interior minister says Ukrainian refugees face better conditions in EU than Syrians did in 2015 The article was last updated 14:55 UTC/GMT Kremlin accuses Western countries of blocking peace talks with Ukraine Moscow has accused the Western nations of preventing peace negotiations with Ukraine and thus dragging out the war. "Now is the moment when Western countries are betting everything on a continuation of the war," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told state television. Under the leadership of the United States, the West was not allowing Ukrainians "to think about peace, nor to talk about it, nor to discuss it," Peskov said, referring to statements by Western politicians who had said they did not want to pressure Ukraine into negotiations. Nevertheless, the moment for negotiations will come, he … [Read more...] about Ukraine: Russia claims to have full control of Luhansk region — live updates
‘Laying the groundwork!’ Trump weighs up announcement on 2024 amid pressure from DeSantis
The Florida Governor is the biggest threat to the former President’s run for a Republican nomination if he chooses to enter the race. The highly expected announcement is thought to happen from Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago mansion on Palm Beach, which has become a hub for a campaign launch with a council of advisors already assembled. Related articles Man dies in M4 police incident Thick black smoke billows into sky as huge fire breaks out in London The strategic decision to launch the 2024 campaign from Florida is considered to be an opportunity for Mr Trump to outshine DeSantis on his own turf. Current data from GOP voters in New Hampshire shows the two rivals are almost equal in support with De Santis at 39 percent and Trump with 37 percent. The former President’s concerns about facing his opponent were highlighted in a interview where he said: “I don’t know if Ron is running, and I don’t ask him. “It’s his prerogative. I think I would win.” … [Read more...] about ‘Laying the groundwork!’ Trump weighs up announcement on 2024 amid pressure from DeSantis
Ukraine’s military withdraws from Lysychansk as Russia claims control — as it happened
Kyiv confirms Russia has captured Lysychansk and thus entire Luhansk region Zelenskyy said his country needed "colossal investments" so people can rebuild their lives German interior minister says Ukrainian refugees face better conditions in EU than Syrians did in 2015 This live updates article is now closed. Zelenskyy: Ukrainian troops have left Lysychansk but will return Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that his forces have withdrawn from Lysychansk, the last holdout city in the eastern Luhansk region. In his nightly video address, he vowed to restore control over the area thanks to the prospect of new, improved weaponry. "If the commanders of our army withdraw people from certain points at the front, where the enemy has the greatest advantage in fire power, and this also applies to Lysychansk, it means only one thing," Zelenskyy said. "That we will return thanks to our tactics, thanks to the increase in the supply of modern weapons." Moscow … [Read more...] about Ukraine’s military withdraws from Lysychansk as Russia claims control — as it happened