Key Points
- At least 18 killed in Russian strikes across Ukraine, local officials say
- Russia's Ilsky oil refinery in the southern Krasnodar region caught fire after a drone attack
- Ukrainian strike hits oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region, about 700 kilometers from frontline - watch
- Ukrainian attacks limit fuel sales in Russia-controlled Sevastopol
- Ukraine secures deal for 20 new fighter jets partly built in UK
'Russia is losing' insists Kyiv after major blitz of Ukrainian cities
15:33 , James Reynolds
Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha says defiantly that Russia is still “losing on the battlefield”, following a major blitz on Ukrainian cities overnight.
At least 18 people have been killed after Russia launched one of the largest aerial attacks of the four-year war.
Writing on social media, Sybiha says the only reason for the attack “is that Putin is a war criminal and loser who has no cards except terror”.
“Moscow is losing on the battlefield. No number of missiles can change this. What we can change is Russia’s ability to continue terror. I urge partners to act, not only condemn. There are concrete steps that can be taken.”
He goes on to urge allies to help Ukraine buy American Patriot interceptor systems, and to ramp up pressure on Russia through sanctions, travel bans for combatants, the use of frozen assets, and isolation.
Recap: Putin unleashes major attack on Ukrainian cities
17:00 , James Reynolds
In focus: Inside Svalbard – Russia’s Arctic prize that would put London in striking distance
16:30 , James Reynolds
As Norway’s prime minister sounds the alarm over Putin possibly looking to exert force in the Arctic, Richard Williams, based in Norway, talks to locals living in fear and reports on the escalating tensions around the icy archipelago that would give Russia the power to ‘directly threaten’ the UK:
Inside Norway’s archipelago that can put the UK in Putin’s crosshairs
Update: At least 22 killed in Russian strikes across Ukraine
16:28 , James Reynolds
At least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in heavy Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, according to local authorities.
Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had fired 73 missiles and more than 600 drones in the overnight attack and urged Washington to send additional Patriot missile interceptors to replenish Kyiv's dwindling supplies.
Photographs on Tuesday showed large explosions and smoke billowing over high-rise buildings in Kyiv, where officials said six people were killed and over 80 wounded.
Sixteen people were killed overnight, including two young boys, in the southeastern city of Dnipro, local officials said. Russia attacked the city again later on Tuesday, and at least two more people were injured.
It was the third heavy assault on Kyiv in under a month, but Russia has been relentlessly attacking Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, since it invaded its smaller neighbour in 2022.
‘I’ve lost hope’: Ukraine reels after Russia launches one of war’s largest attacks
In pictures: Firefighters work to extinguish flames following Russian attacks on Kyiv
16:00 , James Reynolds
Recap: Russia's Ilsky oil refinery on fire after Ukrainian drone attack
15:30 , James Reynolds
Russia's Ilsky oil refinery in its southern Krasnodar region caught fire after an overnight Ukrainian drone attack, local authorities said on Tuesday, amid Kyiv's campaign to starve Russia's economy of oil revenues.
Kyiv has been systematically targeting Russia's energy infrastructure in an effort to limit Moscow's ability to finance its more than four-year-old war in Ukraine at a time of high global oil prices.
The Ukrainian General Staff, which has repeatedly hit the Ilsky refinery this year, confirmed it had struck it again, saying the facility produced fuel for the Russian army fighting in Ukraine.
It was not immediately clear if the export-oriented refinery's operations had been disrupted or if there were any casualties. Nor was there any immediate word on whether the fire there had been put out.
The Ilsky refinery has a capacity of around 138,000 barrels per day.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday that his forces had struck 15 Russian oil refineries in multiple attacks between January and May, creating shortages of fuel in Crimea and other Russian-held regions.
In pictures: Aftermath of Russian drone and missile strike in Kyiv
15:00 , James Reynolds
Recap: UK and France intercept suspected Russian oil tanker in Atlantic
14:30 , James Reynolds
‘I’ve lost hope’: Ukraine reels after Russia launches one of the largest attacks of the war
14:23 , James Reynolds
At least 18 people have been killed across Ukraine after Russia launched one of the largest aerial attacks of the four-year war overnight.
Russian forces launched 73 missiles and 656 attack drones at targets in Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s Air Force, which added that 40 missiles and 602 drones had been downed or intercepted.
But 30 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and 33 attack drones struck 38 locations nationwide, it added, with more than 500 emergency service workers drawn own to put out fires and rescue people trapped in flattened homes.
As it happened:
‘I’ve lost hope’: Ukraine reels after Russia launches one of war’s largest attacks
Russia hits Naftogaz facility in Ukraine's Kharkiv, company says
14:00 , James Reynolds
Russia struck one of Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz's key facilities in the northeastern Kharkiv region in two waves of attacks with drones and missiles, the company said on Tuesday.
“This is a deliberate tactic of terror,” said Naftogaz CEO Sergii Koretskyi.
“This is how the Russians are trying to inflict maximum damage not only on infrastructure, but also on people who are rescuing, repairing, and rebuilding.”
Naftogaz was reviewing and tightening its security protocols, he added.
Russian officials tell Putin war in Ukraine is unaffordable
13:30 , James Reynolds
Senior Russian officials have warned Vladimir Putin that spending on the war in Ukraine is currently unaffordable, according to a report.
People familiar with the matter and documents seen by Bloomberg News suggest officials in Russia’s finance ministry and central bank have advised the Kremlin that the current level of projected defence spending risks the budget deficit spiralling.
A letter to Putin from his finance minister earlier this year, seen by the FT last month, reportedly urged the cebinet to freeze around $40bn in planned non-war-related spending this year as the cost of the conflict bites.
Russia expects to run at least $28bn over budget on its war spending this year, the letter was reported to have warned.
Russia’s ballooning $28bn Ukraine war bill forces Putin to make spending cuts
Nato to significantly bolster eastern flank against Russia after Putin’s threats
13:00 , James Reynolds
NATO is set to significantly bolster its eastern flank, tasking the German-Netherlands Corps with the command of allied troops in Estonia and Latvia should a conflict with Russia arise.
The move, announced jointly by Germany and the Netherlands on Thursday, marks a critical step in strengthening the alliance’s defensive posture.
Currently, NATO forces across the three Baltic nations and northern Poland operate under a single multinational headquarters. Establishing a second command zone is expected to enable the alliance to deploy more troops to the Baltics, a region deemed most vulnerable to a potential Russian attack.
Nato to significantly bolster eastern flank against Russia after Putin’s threats
Hungary's Magyar eyes talks with Zelensky
12:46 , James Reynolds
Hungary’s new prime minister Peter Magyar said on Tuesday he is ready to meet with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky next week if technical talks on minority rights end this week.
The issue has long strained the relationship and proven an obstacle to Kyiv’s EU accession bid.
The move to address the rights of the Hungarian minority that lives in Ukraine signals a step towards improving relations under Magyar, who broke Viktor Orban’s long stint as PM earlier this year.
UK condemns Russian attacks on Ukraine
12:30 , James Reynolds
Britain’s defence secretary has condemned what he called the “indiscriminate attacks” on Ukraine overnight.
John Healey says the UK “will stand firm with Ukraine”.
Putin’s indiscriminate attacks on Ukraine overnight are shocking. My thoughts are with all those killed and injured.
— John Healey (@JohnHealey_MP) June 2, 2026
In his desperation, Putin is continuing his brutal onslaught as Ukraine inflicts a heavy price on Russia on the battlefield.
The UK will stand firm with Ukraine.
Russia accuses Ukraine of trying to destabilise Black Sea region
12:15 , James Reynolds
Russia's foreign ministry on Tuesday accused Ukraine of trying to destabilise the Black Sea region with sea or aerial drone attacks on civilian shipping, which it said Kyiv then falsely blamed on Russia.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova referenced what she said had been a Ukrainian sea drone attack on tankers near the Turkish coast and the Bosphorus Strait on May 28 and said Moscow was ready to work with Ankara to try to stabilise the situation.
Reuters could not independently confirm that Ukraine was responsible for the attack which was reported at the time by the shipping agency Tribeca.
Trump admin eyeing new nuclear bases near Russia’s border: report
12:00 , James Reynolds
The United States is reportedly considering the deployment of nuclear weapons to additional European NATO member states, according to a new report.
U.S. officials have indicated an openness to expanding deployments beyond the six nations currently hosting nuclear-capable bombers, The Financial Times reported Tuesday, citing three individuals briefed on the ongoing discussions.
This potential move would involve more countries hosting U.S. dual-capable aircraft (DCA), which are designed to deliver nuclear strikes. However, the newspaper cautioned that any agreement to broaden US nuclear hosting capabilities is not imminent.
Trump admin eyeing new nuclear bases near Russia’s border: report
At least 18 killed in Russian strikes across Ukraine, local officials say
11:35 , James Reynolds
At least 18 people have been killed across Ukraine after Russia launched one of the largest aerial attacks of the four-year war overnight.
Russian forces launched 73 missiles and 656 attack drones at targets in Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s Air Force, which added that 40 missiles and 602 drones had been downed or intercepted.
At least six people were killed and 64 others, including two children, were injured in the capital, Kyiv, authorities said. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said, stressing the urgent need for American Patriot interceptor systems.
A further 12 people were killed in the southeastern city of Dnipro, regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha said. He said the bodies of an eight year-old boy and a woman had been pulled from the rubble of a destroyed building. A boy aged three was also among those killed in the attack, he added.
Analysis: Forget the blitz spirit – Nato is missing something crucial as it prepares for war
11:11 , James Reynolds
Nato’s wargames on the London Tube evoke images of the blitz, but the alliance has not got the tools it needs to win, explains world affairs editor Sam Kiley:
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Forget the blitz spirit – Nato is missing something crucial as it prepares for war
Recap: UK and France intercept suspected Russian oil tanker in Atlantic, Macron says
10:40 , James Reynolds
Britain and France intercepted a sanctioned Russian oil tanker suspected of flying a false flag in a joint operation in the Atlantic this week.
The French Navy could be seen boarding the ship, named the Tagor, in a video shared by the French president on Monday.
Mr Macron said the operation was carried out “with the support of several partners including the United Kingdom” in international waters.
Here’s how it happened:
UK and France intercept suspected Russian oil tanker in Atlantic, Macron says
Recap: Fears Russia could threaten Arctic and put London within range of hypersonic missiles
10:10 , James Reynolds
Russia is threatening a strategic chokepoint in the Arctic, control of which would place it within missile range of London, Norway’s defence minister has warned.
Tore Sandvik told The Times that he was concerned Moscow could try to exert itself in the Bear Gap, a roughly 400-mile-wide stretch of water between mainland Norway and the archipelago of Svalbard, in order to gain access to the Atlantic.
Russia’s powerful Northern Fleet accounts for around two-thirds of their navy’s nuclear strike capabilities and has benefitted from large investment as it expands operations around Nato waters in the north.
Fears Russia could threaten Arctic and put London within range of hypersonic missiles
Russian strike on Ukraine's Dnipro kills 11, governor says
10:05 , James Reynolds
The death toll from a Russian strike on Ukraine's southeastern city of Dnipro overnight has risen to 11, including two children, regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha said on Tuesday.
Hanzha said the bodies of an eight-year-old boy and a woman had been pulled from the rubble of a destroyed four-storey building.
Hanzha earlier said a boy aged three was among those killed in the attack, which also wounded 37 people.
Russian attack on Ukraine kills at least 14 and traps others in damaged buildings
09:40 , James Reynolds
At least 14 people have been killed in the extensive Russian attacks on Ukraine overnight.
Authorities said that more than 100 people were injured in missile and drone attacks across the country, and some people remain trapped under the rubble of apartment buildings.
Officials said the body of a three-year-old child was pulled from debris by emergency crews in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro.
Kyiv residents had been on edge for days after Russia warned that a massive aerial attack was coming and warned foreign diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital. None appeared to heed the call.
“A large-scale attack and an explicit statement by Russia: if Ukraine is not protected from ballistic missiles and other missile strikes, those strikes will continue,” Zelensky said in response to the attack, urging more support from the US and European countries.
Four killed and 54 injured in Russia's latest attack on Kyiv
09:40 , James Reynolds
Russian officials tell Putin war in Ukraine is unaffordable
09:17 , James Reynolds
Senior Russian officials have warned Vladimir Putin that spending on the war in Ukraine is currently unaffordable, according to a report.
People familiar with the matter and documents seen by Bloomberg News suggest officials in Russia’s finance ministry and central bank have advised the Kremlin that the current level of projected defence spending risks the budget deficit spiralling.
A letter to Putin from his finance minister earlier this year, seen by the FT last month, reportedly urged the cebinet to freeze around $40bn in planned non-war-related spending this year as the cost of the conflict bites.
Russia expects to run at least $28bn over budget on its war spending this year, the letter was reported to have warned.
Russia’s ballooning $28bn Ukraine war bill forces Putin to make spending cuts
Ukraine claims strike on Russia's Ilsky oil refinery
09:10 , James Reynolds
In its latest assault on Russian energy infrastructure, Ukraine claims the attack earlier reported on Ilsky oil refinery.
Earlier today, local authorities said the refinery in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region caught fire following a drone attack.
They said there were no casualties according to preliminary information.
The Ilsky refinery, with an annual processing capacity of 6.6 million metric tons of oil, or 133,000 barrels per day, is export-oriented.
US help on ballistic missile interceptors 'definitely' needed, urges Zelensky
08:49 , James Reynolds
Volodymyr Zelensky says there are 500 emergency services personnel responding to the aftermath of Russian attacks across the country overnight.
In Kyiv, dozens of residential homes were damaged and four people were reportedly killed, while 38 remain in hospitals, he says.
The Ukrainian president says that Russia launched 656 attack drones and 73 missiles in its blistering attack. He says it delivers a clear statement from Russia: “If Ukraine is not protected from ballistic and other missile strikes, these attacks will continue.”
Zelensky concludes that Europe needs its own anti-ballistic defence, and assistance from the US in supplying Patriot systems is “absolutely necessary”.
Russia claims overnight strikes are response to Kyiv's 'terrorist acts'
08:10 , Arpan Rai
Russia has claimed its massive overnight strike on Ukraine was a response to what it called "terrorist acts" against targets inside Russia and said it had struck a range of Ukrainian military targets.
Ukraine says the strikes have killed 11 people and injured more than 100 and that residential buildings and infrastructure bore the brunt of the damage.
The Russian defence ministry statement read: "Overnight, in response to terrorist acts of the Kyiv regime, the armed forces of the Russian Federation carried out a massive strike using high-precision long-range air-, land-, and sea-based weapons.”
It said Russia had used hypersonic missiles and drones to attack seven Ukrainian regions including Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv, successfully targeting sites useful to the Ukrainian armed forces such as fuel and transport facilities and military airfields.
The Kremlin warned last week that Russia would start to carry out "systematic strikes" on targets in Kyiv in retaliation for what it said was a devastating Ukrainian drone attack on a student dormitory in Russian-held Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, which killed 21 people.
Ukraine said it had targeted a drone command centre in the area, not students.
In photos: Russia's brutal attack on Ukraine as Putin 'avenges' dormitory strike
07:43 , Arpan Rai
140,000 in Kyiv without power after major Russian attack
07:32 , Arpan Rai
An overnight Russian attack cut electricity to 140,000 residents of Ukraine's capital Kyiv, power company DTEK said this morning.
Utility workers had since restored electricity to 110,000 residents, DTEK said, adding that two of its engineers had been injured.
11 killed, 108 injured: A look at deaths and injuries from one of Russia's biggest attacks
07:19 , Arpan Rai
Overnight, Russia unleashed 73 missiles and 656 drones across Ukraine, according to the country’s air force, with the main targets including Kyiv, the central city of Dnipro, and the eastern cities of Poltava, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia.
Ukrainian air defence said its forces destroyed and suppressed 40 missiles and 602 drones. This is one of the biggest attacks Russia has launched on its smaller neighbour since the start of the full-scale invasion and war in February 2022.
They confirmed 30 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and 33 drones hit at least 38 locations. Debris from destroyed drones fell on 15 locations, the air force said.
Here’s a look at the mounting casualties so far:
Kyiv
At least four people were killed in Kyiv and 58 people were injured, including three children, Ukraine's state emergency service said in a statement on Telegram. Residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were damaged in eight of Kyiv's districts.
Dnipro
In the central Dnipropetrovsk region, at least six people were killed and 36 others injured after Russian strikes hit the city of Dnipro, according to the emergency service.
A second attack as first responders arrived at the scene killed one rescuer.
Kharkiv
Just miles away from the active frontline in Kharkiv, at least 14 people were injured and residential homes, garages and cars were damaged, local officials said.
Russia says it hit Ukraine with high-precision long-range weapons overnight
07:05 , Arpan Rai
Russian officials have confirmed they carried out a deadly attack on several Ukrainian cities overnight and used high-precision long-range weapons.
The attacks have killed at least 10 people and injured more than 100 across Ukraine.
Explosions have echoed through most of the night and into the early morning. Kyiv had been bracing for another mass attack for days, after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia was preparing a renewed assault and urged people to remain cautious and seek shelter during air raid alerts.
Russian spies are going after Western technology – they care less about being caught
06:45 , Arpan Rai
Russian intelligence agencies have grown more aggressive in their efforts to steal Western technology and defence secrets, as sanctions squeeze the country's wartime economy, three senior European intelligence officials have told The Associated Press.
“They really know what they need,” and are putting “serious effort” into acquiring advanced machine tools, factory equipment, research and dual-use technology, said Christoffer Wedelin, deputy head of operations at the Swedish Security Service.
Moscow's agents are reportedly establishing shell companies, recruiting intermediaries, and deploying cyber spies and hackers. They are gathering intelligence that could also be used to target critical infrastructure.
Four years of international sanctions have curtailed Moscow's procurement of machinery, technology, and research from Europe. The grinding war in Ukraine has simultaneously taxed key industries, pushing the country towards a potential financial crisis.
Russian spies are going after Western technology – they care less about being caught
10 killed in Ukraine as locals compare Russian attack to 'apocalypse'
06:31 , Arpan Rai
The death toll from a major overnight Russian attack has surged to 10, while almost 100 have been reported wounded.
Residents across multiple Ukrainian cities took to bomb shelters and underground metro stations, with some carrying belongings and mattresses, as the sound of defence systems repelling Russian attacks filled the air.
Large explosions and plumes of smoke were seen billowing over high-rise buildings in Kyiv, where strikes killed four people and wounded 58, including children, according to the capital's mayor Vitali Klitschko.
More explosions were heard in the capital after dawn, a witness told Reuters.
"We couldn't understand what was happening – some kind of apocalypse?" said Olha Mudra, speaking at the site of one strike, accompanied by her six-year-old daughter Natalia.
"Everything was covered (with debris), everything in smoke, you could see nothing," she added, as she stood in front of a destroyed residential building and damaged cars.
Zelensky says there are 'no safe roads left' for occupying Russian forces
06:13 , Arpan Rai
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine's military was now capable of hitting Russian logistics throughout occupied areas of Ukraine and had created shortages of fuel in Crimea and other Russian-held regions.
"Our troops are now capable of reaching Russian military logistics across virtually the entire depth of the temporarily occupied territories," Zelensky said in his nightly video address.
“In practice, there are almost no safe roads left for the occupier in the south and east of our country,” he warned.
Zelensky's top aide says peace deal by winter is 'realistic'
05:58 , Arpan Rai
A peace deal to end the war against Russia by winter is a “realistic” outcome, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov has said.
His remarks come just a day after Zelensky said Ukraine has a limited window to negotiate with Russia – till the winter – as it has the advantage of holding the strategic initiative on the battlefield against Russian forces.
Budanov said he expected a US delegation to visit Moscow and Kyiv in the near future, without giving details.
“This is the president's instruction: to try to end this war as soon as possible... preferably before winter," he told reporters at a press conference.
“In my opinion, this is absolutely correct, timely, and realistic," he said.
Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials have said the advance of Russian forces has slowed on the ground while Ukraine has intensified a campaign of long-range strikes inside Russia, targeting mainly the oil industry.
Putin claims Ukraine opened 'new page' with attacks on Luhansk and southern Kherson region
05:47 , Arpan Rai
Russian president Vladimir Putin said Ukraine had "opened a new page in a series of crimes” with its strikes on a dormitory in northeastern Luhansk region and on an apartment building in a Russian-held part of Ukraine's Kherson region.
"Consciously committing the most serious crimes against children and teenagers at the teachers college in Starobilsk, and now in Henichesk, the Kyiv leadership has decided to open a new page in the series of their crimes," he said, at a meeting to discuss the aftermath of the attack on the dormitory in Starobilsk.
The drone strike in the Russian-held town of Starobilsk killed 21 people in late May, while a drone attack on an apartment building in the Russian-held town of Henichesk on Sunday killed one child and injured 11.
Zelensky says Russia's oil refining capacity slashed by 40 per cent
05:35 , Arpan Rai
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said his country’s forces have attacked at least 15 Russian oil refineries since January this year, reducing its ability to refine fuel significantly.
“Between January and May this year, our warriors struck 15 Russian oil refineries. Russia has already imposed bans on exports of aviation fuel and gasoline, and is also considering a ban on diesel exports. As of May, nearly 40 per cent of Russia’s primary oil refining capacity is offline,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.
“For a country that until very recently was called a gas station, losing even this is a major event. A major loss,” he said.
Referring to an intelligence report from yesterday on Russia’s economic losses, Zelensky said Russia “will crash into this wall of a real crisis because of its own foolishness”.
Between January and May this year, our warriors struck 15 Russian oil refineries. Russia has already imposed bans on exports of aviation fuel and gasoline, and is also considering a ban on diesel exports. As of May, nearly 40% of Russia’s primary oil refining capacity is offline. pic.twitter.com/iIXjh6brtD
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 1, 2026
Death toll in Ukraine rises to nine as 60 injured in major Russian assault
04:58 , Arpan Rai
Russian air attacks on major Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv killed at least nine and wounded more than 60 in the early hours today, authorities said, following days of warnings that Moscow was planning a major assault.
Of these, five people were killed and 25 injured in a Russian missile and drone attack on the southeastern city of Dnipro, regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha said on his Telegram channel.
All the injured were in hospital in moderate condition, he added, posting pictures of destroyed residential buildings, burnt-out vehicles and a damaged children's playground.
At least four were killed and 51 injured, including children, across the capital of Kyiv, mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
A suspected missile strike on a 24-storey apartment building triggered a collapse, leaving people probably trapped under the rubble, Klitschko said.
In photos: Major overnight Russian attack on Ukraine turns sky orange
04:50 , Arpan Rai
Russia's Ilsky oil refinery in Krasnodar region catches fire after drone attack
04:32 , Arpan Rai
Russia's Ilsky oil refinery in the southern Krasnodar region caught fire after a drone attack, local authorities said this morning.
There were no casualties, according to preliminary information, the authorities said.
The Ilsky refinery, with an annual processing capacity of 6.6 million metric tonnes of oil, or 133,000 barrels per day, is export-oriented.
Ukrainian attacks limit fuel sales in Russia-controlled Sevastopol
04:14 , Arpan Rai
Fuel sales in Sevastopol in Russia-controlled Crimea will be limited on Tuesday and authorities are working to resume the sales as usual from Wednesday, Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian-backed governor of Sevastopol, said in a Telegram post.
Drivers in Russian-controlled Crimea were grappling with gasoline rationing this week after Ukrainian drone attacks constricted road supplies across south-eastern Ukraine, Reuters witnesses and officials said.
In Sevastopol, the largest city in Crimea and the traditional base of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, Reuters witnesses reported long queues at filling stations.
Former Ukrainian lawmaker Oleg Tsaryov, a pro-Russian figure, said that the road that connects Crimea to the mainland in the north had been attacked by Ukraine.
“Fuel in Crimea is being sold in limited quantities and via rationing coupons. The reason is Ukrainian drone attacks on fuel trucks on the 'Novorossiya' highway – a land corridor linking mainland Russia and Crimea," Tsaryov said.
Russia attacks Ukraine after Zelensky warns of major assault
04:13 , Arpan Rai
This morning's barrage of Russian drones and missiles came just hours after warnings were issued that Moscow was planning a major assault.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday reiterated warnings of a potentially major assault and urged residents to pay special attention to air raid alerts.
"Intelligence warnings regarding Russian strikes remain in effect. A massive strike is possible, they have prepared one," Zelensky said in his nightly video address.
"Our defenders are ready 24/7 to the fullest extent possible with the supplies currently available,” he said.
Russia last week warned that it intended to launch "systematic strikes" on targets in Kyiv linked to the Ukrainian military as well as decision-making centres, and urged foreigners to leave.
Ukraine secures deal for 20 new fighter jets partly built in UK
04:00 , James Reynolds
Ukraine will significantly bolster its air defence with new Gripen fighter jets from Sweden under a new deal announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
The deal, unveiled at a joint press conference on Thursday, involves Ukraine purchasing 20 advanced Gripen E models and Sweden donating 16 older C/D variants next year.
The agreement builds on a letter of intent signed last year for Sweden to potentially sell up to 150 Saab Gripen E jets to Kyiv. While Gripen E deliveries are several years away, the immediate provision of C/D models offers a crucial stopgap for Ukraine's air force, which operates a mix of Soviet-era and Western aircraft.
Ukraine secures deal for 20 new fighter jets partly built in UK
Five dead as Russia launches massive overnight attack on Ukraine
03:56 , Arpan Rai
At least five people were killed and dozens were wounded in the early hours today after Russian forces attacked major Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv, officials said.
Most casualties are being reported from Dnipro where regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha said four people were killed and 16 were injured in a brutal attack on a residential area and a children’s playground.
All those injured were hospitalised and reported to be in moderate condition, he said. The official shared photos of heavily damaged residential buildings, burnt-out vehicles and a destroyed playground for children.
In Kyiv, at least one person was killed and 29 others were injured in attacks across the capital, said Tymur Tkachenko, the head of the capital's military administration.
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said a suspected missile strike on a 24-storey apartment building triggered a collapse, with people likely trapped under the rubble.
Other buildings, including a nine-storey apartment block, caught fire from suspected missile debris, he said.
"In the Obolon district, cars are burning after being struck by falling missile debris. There are also fires at two locations in open areas, including one near a kindergarten," Klitschko said.
As of this morning, thousands of residents of Kyiv were taking refuge inside metro stations and other shelters, witnesses said, after air raid warnings that covered much of the country.
Recap: Kremlin says French seizure of tanker 'bordering on piracy' and vows response
03:00 , James Reynolds
The Kremlin said on Monday the French seizure of a Russian-linked tanker was “bordering on piracy” and vowed to respond.
French president Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that the navy had boarded the sanctioned Tagor oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean with support of international partners including the UK.
He said the operation took place “in strict compliance with the law of the sea”.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia considers the move “illegal”, warning that Russia would take measures to ensure the safety of shipping cargo in response.
In February, a Kremlin aide said Russia could deploy its navy to prevent the seizure of its vessels and may retaliate against European shipping if Russian ships are taken.
Where have peace talks been left?
01:00 , James Reynolds
Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have been on hold since February, when the United States shifted focus to its new war in the Middle East.
Moscow and Kyiv walked away from talks in Geneva no closer to a deal, as Ukraine suggested the US was unfairly demanding Kyiv alone make concessions to end the war.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said the last round of direct talks had been “difficult” and accused Russia of deliberately stalling, with the issue of territory still in dispute.
What does either side want?
Russia insists on its demands for Ukrainian territory and the withdrawal of forces from its borders.
Ukraine insists it needs clear security guarantees from allies to stop Russia reopening the conflict and says it cannot and will not give up territory sought by Russia.
The lands in the east include industry heavy regions and Ukraine’s belt of ‘fortress cities’ to protect against invasion.
Will talks start again?
Volodymyr Zelensky said late in April that he was keen to meet with Vladimir Putin, his Russian counterpart, in an effort to restart negotiations.
While Ukraine claimed a string of wins on the ground, Zelensky warned that US attention on the war with Iran was soaking up resources and leaving Ukraine with critical shortages of air defences.
But the Kremlin said Putin would only meet Zelensky in Moscow for the purpose of finalising agreements on the conflict.
Turkey said it was making efforts to restart talks and bring together the leaders, after hosting delegations in July 2025.
Zelensky told CBS on Sunday he wants to press on with talks on securing peace with Russia before the onset of winter to take account of Kyiv’s improved strategic position.
Pictured: Aftermath of a Russian drone strike in Ukraine's Odesa
Tuesday 2 June 2026 00:00 , James Reynolds
Watch: Ukrainian strike hits oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region, about 700 kilometers from frontline
Monday 1 June 2026 23:00 , James Reynolds
What we know about French interception of Russia-linked tanker
Monday 1 June 2026 22:00 , James Reynolds
French president Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that the French navy had intercepted a Russia-linked tanker in the Atlantic Ocean.
He said the operation was carried out in conjunction with international partners including the UK.
What was intercepted?
Macron said the navy had intercepted the sanctioned oil tanker ‘Tagor’, which had sailed from Russia’s Arctic port of Murmansk.
He said the ship was suspected of flying under a false flag. According to MarineTraffic, the 252-metre-long tanker was sailing under a Madagascan flag.
Why does it matter?
To try to skirt Western sanctions, Russia has relied on old vessels, known as the shadow fleet, to ship its oil and gas.
France and Britain have both vowed to obstruct such vessels as part of a European strategy to combat the oil revenues that help fund Russia's war efforts in Ukraine.
The Tagor is the fourth sanctioned tanker the French have intercepted.
Will it change anything?
Western sanctions and a small number of interceptions have had little obvious impact on the Russian 'shadow fleet' at a time oil prices pushed higher by the Iran war offer tankers a big incentive.
Instead it is the Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities that are stopping Moscow from capitalising on the spike in global fuel prices.
What has Russia said?
The Kremlin said it considered the move illegal and accused France of an act bordering on international piracy, vowing to respond.
Macron said the operation was carried out in line with maritime law.
Recap: Nato to significantly bolster eastern flank against Russia after Putin’s threats
Monday 1 June 2026 21:00 , James Reynolds
NATO is set to significantly bolster its eastern flank, tasking the German-Netherlands Corps with the command of allied troops in Estonia and Latvia should a conflict with Russia arise.
The move, announced jointly by Germany and the Netherlands on Thursday, marks a critical step in strengthening the alliance’s defensive posture.
Currently, NATO forces across the three Baltic nations and northern Poland operate under a single multinational headquarters.
Establishing a second command zone is expected to enable the alliance to deploy more troops to the Baltics, a region deemed most vulnerable to a potential Russian attack.
Nato to significantly bolster eastern flank against Russia after Putin’s threats
Recap: Fears Russia could threaten Arctic and put London within range of hypersonic missiles
Monday 1 June 2026 20:00 , James Reynolds
Russia is threatening a strategic chokepoint in the Arctic, control of which would place it within missile range of London, Norway’s defence minister has warned.
Tore Sandvik told The Times that he was concerned Moscow could try to exert itself in the Bear Gap, a roughly 400-mile-wide stretch of water between mainland Norway and the archipelago of Svalbard, in order to gain access to the Atlantic.
Russia’s powerful Northern Fleet accounts for around two-thirds of their navy’s nuclear strike capabilities and has benefitted from large investment as it expands operations around Nato waters in the north.
Fears Russia could threaten Arctic and put London within range of hypersonic missiles
The Independent View: Nato must be more willing to push back when the Kremlin goes too far
Monday 1 June 2026 19:00 , James Reynolds
Editorial: It is unacceptable that Russia, in the conduct of its war in Ukraine, has yet again violated another nation’s sovereignty.
After the drone strike on a residential tower block in Romania, the response must be more than the usual summoning of ambassadors:
Nato must be more willing to push back when the Kremlin goes too far
