Ukraine-Russia latest LIVE: Fears three British ex-special forces troops killed in Russian attack near Polish border

Three British ex-special forces troops are feared to have been killed in the Russian attack on a base close to the Polish border, according to reports.

They are said to have died after Vladimir Putin’s forces launched a series of missile blasts on the Yavoriv site on Sunday, the Daily Mirror reports.

Sources told the newspaper that the strikes may have killed over 100 people. The Standard has approached the Foreign Office for comment.

A source said: “There were many more killed within the site than has been claimed and bodies are still being found.”

It comes as a fourth round of talks between Ukraine and Russia on Monday will focus on achieving a ceasefire, troop withdrawals and security guarantees for Ukraine, a Ukrainian negotiator said.

Mykhailo Podolyak said: "Negotiations. 4th round. On peace, ceasefire, immediate withdrawal of troops & security guarantees. Hard discussion," he wrote, adding that he believed Russia "still has a delusion that 19 days of violence against (Ukrainian) peaceful cities is the right strategy."

A Russian delegate, Leonid Slutsky, was quoted by the RIA news agency saying significant progress had been made and it was possible the delegations could soon reach draft agreements.

That is the end of The Evening Standard’s live coverage of the Ukraine conflict. We will be back from 7am on Tuesday

22:16 , Barney Davis

Roman Abramovic spotted in Tel Aviv airport amid sanctions

20:51 , Barney Davis

Sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich was seen in Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport on Monday shortly before a jet linked to him took off for Istanbul, where his yacht was spotted sailing, data showed.

A photograph obtained by Reuters showed the Chelsea owner sitting in the airport’s VIP lounge with a face mask pulled down over his chin. Reuters could not verify whether he boarded the flight.

Abramovich, who also holds Israeli and Portuguese citizenship, was among seven Russian billionaires added to the British sanctions list on Thursday as part of efforts to isolate President Vladimir Putin over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

According to data from Marine Traffic website, Abramovich’s yacht, called My Solaris, was headed for Istanbul. His jet had earlier landed in Istanbul.

Protester storms Russian state news show to declare No War

20:15 , Barney Davis

Footage has been circulated on social media of a woman storming a Russian state news channel to protest the war in Ukraine.The clip shared on Twitter shows a woman, believed to be an employee of Channel 1, holding a placard behind a newsreader before the camera quickly cuts away.

In a defiant pre-recorded message Marina Ovsyannikova says her father is Ukrainian and she’s ashamed about working for Kremlin propaganda.

She has been arrested, reports say.

Ukraine’s Eurovision entry handed in on time despite war

20:02 , Barney Davis

Eurovision Executive Producer Simona Martorelli said the delegation from Ukraine had confirmed and sent in all required materials, even on time.

“This is absolutely admirable, given the situation,” Martorelli said.

Ukraine’s pick this year is the Kalush Orchestra, with the rap lullaby “Stefania”.

Sung to a mother, the song incorporates traditional Ukrainian music and includes the line: “I’ll always find my way home even if all the roads are destroyed”.

Martorelli added that the artists would try to tape a “back-up video” required by all those invited to the contest in case they cannot participate live.

“Hopefully they will be able to make it,” Martorelli said.

Eurovision’s executive board decided on February 25 - the day after Russia invaded Ukraine - to exclude Russia from this year’s contest.

Fox News journalist in hospital after Kyiv clashes

19:32 , Barney Davis

Fox News reporter Benjamin Hall has been injured in a firefight just outside of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, according to reports.

The US channel said it has “minimal details” as to how he became injured or his condition in a memo to employees.

John Kirby from the US department of defense, paid tribute to Hall saying “there are journalists from around the world trying to uncover the truth” of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Two detained after trying to breach cordon on oligarch’s mansion

18:47 , Daniel Keane

Two people have been detained after trying to breach a cordon outside a mansion belonging to a Russian oligarch, which is currently being occupied by squatters, police said.

The pair were stopped near the property, in Belgrave Square, west London, at around 6.30pm.

Pictured: A child stands next to a fence in Brussels

18:29 , Daniel Keane

Slovakia expels Russian embassy staff

17:44 , Daniel Keane

Slovakia has decided to expel three Russian embassy staff based on information from the secret service, the foreign ministry said on Monday.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs... at the same time strongly urges the Embassy of the Russian Federation that their representatives perform their activities in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” it said in a statement.

The ministry did not give any further details.

Watch: Michael Gove announces Homes For Ukraine scheme

17:25 , Daniel Keane

UK backs ICC ‘to the hilt’ in Ukraine war crimes inquiry

17:10 , Daniel Keane

The UK backs an International Criminal Court investigation into allegations of Russian war crimes in Ukraine "to the hilt", Dominic Raab has said.

“It is important to get the deterrent message out to commanders on the ground in Ukraine and in Moscow that if they commit war crimes they could end up not just in the dock of a court in The Hague but in a prison cell,” the deputy prime minister told journalists in The Hague after meeting Khan.

He added that for this to be a credible message, Britain and other countries needed to offer the ICC “extra support” to fulfil its mandate in Ukraine. He did not give specifics.

Three British ex-special forces ‘feared dead in Russian attack near Polish border’

16:55 , Daniel Keane

Three British ex-special forces troops are feared to have been killed in the Russian attack on a base close to the Polish border, according to the Daily Mirror.

They are said to have died after Vladimir Putin’s forces launched a series of missile blasts on the Yavoriv site.

Sources told the newspaper that the strikes may have killed over 100 people.

One said: “There were many more killed within the site than has been claimed and bodies are still being found.

“I do not believe the three British ex-military personnel would have known anything about it, fortunately.”

No limit to number of Ukrainians who can benefit from new Government scheme

16:32 , Daniel Keane

Communities Secretary Michael Gove told MPs there will be no limit to the number of Ukrainians who can benefit from the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

He said: "The scheme will allow Ukrainians with no family ties to the UK to be sponsored by individuals or organisations who can offer them a home. There will be no limit to the number of Ukrainians who can benefit from this scheme.

"The scheme will be open to all Ukrainian nationals and residents. They will be able to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to three years. They will have full and unrestricted access to benefits, health care, employment and other support."

Homes for Ukraine scheme goes live

16:18 , Daniel Keane

Levelling-up Secretary Michal Gove has shared a link for the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme to help refugees fleeing the Russian invasion.

You can find the link here.

Watch: Starmer says ‘I didn’t think I would see Russian tanks rolling into a European country'

16:06 , Daniel Keane

PM discusses increasing North Sea oil investment

15:43 , Daniel Keane

Boris Johnson has discussed increasing investment in North Sea oil and gas with bosses of major companies as he tries to boost supply while reducing the West's reliance on Russia.

The prime minister today hosted representatives from energy firms including Esso, Shell and BP.

A Downing Street statement said: "The Prime Minister reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to the North Sea oil and gas industry as a key asset in the UK's plans for achieving greater energy independence, in ensuring the country's smooth transition to net zero and in being part of the solutions needed for a cleaner future - which are ever more crucial as we move away from Russian hydrocarbons following Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine.

"This was welcomed and echoed by industry leaders, who made clear that the oil and gas industry are fully behind the UK's energy transition.

"The Prime Minister and CEOs discussed increasing investment in the North Sea oil and gas industry, and boosting supply of domestic gas. They agreed to work together going forwards to help accelerate this further."

Britain to provide support for International Criminal Court

15:22 , Bill Mcloughlin

Britain is to provide a package of financial and technical support to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate potential war crimes in Ukraine, Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has said.

Following a visit to the ICC in The Hague, Mr Raab said it was important the Russians knew they could be held to account for their actions in Ukraine.

He told reporters: “The commanders on the ground - those who may be receiving illegal orders as well as those in the Kremlin - need to know that right now.

“I have made clear we will provide a package of support - financial and technical support - for the ICC to deliver on its mandate.”

He added: “Right now there is a big emphasis on preservation of evidence of war crimes that may or may not have happened in the various different reports that we have seen but also in what is going to be coming down the line as Putin responds in ever more barbaric ways to the situation, stuttering and stumbling, that he has been driving on the ground in terms of his own military campaign.”

Ursula von der Leyen: Putin’s war becoming more brutal by the day

14:50 , Bill Mcloughlin

Watch: Wladimir Klitschko condemns latest attack

14:26 , Bill Mcloughlin

The former boxer and brother of Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali, condemned Russia latest attack in the city of Kyiv.

Rescuers work on Kharkiv building following airstrike

14:04 , Bill Mcloughlin

New pictures have shown the wreckage of another building in the city of Kharkiv which has been destroyed by a Russian airstrike.

UK ‘looking at’ using Russian oligarch homes for refugees, says No10

13:53 , Bill Mcloughlin

Downing Street is examining whether properties of sanctioned oligarchs could be used to house Ukrainian refugees, a No10 spokesman said.

Asked on the matter, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Certainly that’s something we are looking at.

“I think in the first instance the two visa routes that we have are how we expect people will be housed in the UK, either through family or through this sponsorship route.”

In response to squatters taking over Oleg Deripaska’s London mansion, the spokesman said: “Squatting in residential buildings is illegal.

“But we are working to identify the appropriate use for seized properties while owners are subject to sanctions.”

Shapps to take in Ukrainian refugee

13:36 , Daniel Keane

Ukrainian officials say 160 cars have left Mariupol

13:21 , Daniel Keane

The city council of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol said on Monday that 160 private cars had been able to leave the city, which is encircled by Russian troops.

They were en route to the Russian-occupied town of Berdyansk, the officials said.

"It is known that as of 1300 (1100 GMT) more than 160 private cars managed to leave," the council said in an online post.

Over the past week, repeated efforts to evacuate civilians trapped in Mariupol - a city of 400,000 in peacetime - have failed.

Watch: Drone footage shows destruction to the city of Mariupol

12:59 , Daniel Keane

PM ‘will not take refugees in No10'

12:47 , Daniel Keane

Downing Street has indicated that the Prime Minister will not be taking in any Ukrainian refugees in No 10.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said it was down to individual ministers whether they chose to give accommodation to a refugee.

"There are specific challenges around security on housing people in No 10," the spokesman said.

"Various ministers have been asked about this. Obviously it will come down to individual circumstances. This is a significant commitment."

UK considering keeping coal plant open

12:23 , Bill Mcloughlin

The UK Government is considering reversing a decision to turn to coal amid fears over the country’s energy supply, the Press Association reports.

Officials are talking to EDF, the French energy giant, to see if it could keep the West Burton A plant in Nottinghamshire going.

It had been planned to be closed by September to help the UK reach its target of not burning any coal for electricity by next October.

Gas has also become problematic in recent months. Once an affordable fuel, prices have spiked as much as 20-fold compared to two years ago.

Russia supplies a massive proportion of the gas burned in Europe.

The UK sources a lot less of its gas from Russia, but pays the same prices as those in Europe so is still impacted by the war in Ukraine.

The Government is looking for alternatives to gas that can help the continent reduce its reliance on Russian imports.

One killed after Russian missile show down

12:04 , Bill Mcloughlin

One person has been killed after a Russian missile was shot down over Kyiv on Monday.

According to Ukraine's State Emergency Service, a further six people were injured after the wreckage fell on a residential street in the city.

Squatters take over Belgravia mansion with ‘links to oligarch’

11:41 , Bill Mcloughlin

A group of squatters have occupied a Belgravia mansion they claim is owned by a Russian oligarch.

The activists broke into 5 Belgrave Square just after midnight before hanging Ukrainian flags and banners reading: “The property has been liberated” and “Putin go f*** yourself.”

Police were called to the property at 1am on Monday following reports that a group of people had gained entry.

The group said, on Monday morning, it had occupied the mansion to show “solidarity with the people of Ukraine”. It said it wanted to use the property as a refugee centre.

Read our story here.

Russia insists military operation will be completed

11:34 , Bill Mcloughlin

The Kremlin has insisted the so-called military operation in Ukraine will be completed in full and within the timeframe set out.

Russian officials also said the state has sufficient military resources to continue the war.

Despite multiple reports of attacks on civilian areas, it also stated Vladimir Putin said population centres should not be targeted during the invasion.

Fuel prices surge again

11:10 , Bill Mcloughlin

Fuel price have surged once again, with data firm Experian Catalist showing the average cost of a litre of petrol at UK forecourts on Sunday was 163.5p, while diesel was 173.4p.

A month ago, pump prices were 148p per litre for petrol and 151.6p per litre for diesel.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said the average price of petrol “appears to be on a collision course with £1.65 a litre”.

He went on: “While there will almost certainly be more rises this week, drivers should soon get some respite from pump prices jumping by several pence a litre every day as oil and wholesale prices appear to have settled.

“The price hikes seen over the weekend are still a result of the oil price rise which began at the start of the month and peaked early last week.

“As the oil price has now fallen back, we should hopefully reach the peak and start to see prices going the other way to reflect the big drop in wholesale costs seen at the end of last week, subject to no further spikes in the barrel price this week.”

‘All we can do is hope’: Kent-based woman hasn’t heard from Mariupol family for 12 days

10:41 , Bill Mcloughlin

A Ukrainian woman living in Kent has said “all we can do is hope” after not hearing from her family in the besieged port city of Mariupol for 12 days.

Last week, the Standard reported that Yuliya Campbell, 36, from Kent said it was “torture” not knowing if her family were OK.

Her family members are thought to be among tens of thousands of civilians trapped in the city, which is encircled by Russian forces.

Mrs Campbell was born and grew up in the southern Ukrainian city which is close to the border with Russia.

She is now raising awareness of the plight of the people of Mariupol and said she wants to give them a “voice”. She also wants to see an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid reach the city.

Read our story here.

Home Office reveals latest visa update

10:27 , Bill Mcloughlin

The Home Office has said 4,000 visas have been issued as of 3pm on Sunday.

Under the scheme, the visa will last for three years and from March 15, if you are outside the UK and hold a valid Ukrainian international passport, you will no longer need to provide your biometric information from overseas to apply to the Ukraine Family Scheme.

Ministry of Defence claims 2.5 million have now fled Ukraine

10:24 , Bill Mcloughlin

The Ministry of Defence said 2.5 million have fled the country in its latest situation update.

Bayer pharmaceutical suspends investment and advertising in Russia

09:20 , Bill Mcloughlin

Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Bayer AG announced it has suspended all non-essential business in the country.

Only spending relating to health and agriculture products will now be carried out in Russia and Belarus, Bayer said on Monday.

A statement added: “Our hearts ache as we see the devastation and death affecting innocent civilians, including children.

“Thousands have been killed or wounded, millions are fleeing the country, and the humanitarian situation of those who stay is deteriorating by the hour.

“We stand by the people of Ukraine who can fully count on our solidarity and support.”

The company also warned products relating to agricultural output for next year, will be kept under review.

Russia loses its first GRU military intelligence spy as toll worsens for Putin’s troops

09:15 , Bill Mcloughlin

Russia has admitted to losing its first GRU military intelligence spy in the war in Ukraine.

And two elite paratrooper intelligence officers were also revealed on Monday to have been killed as the death toll worsens for Vladimir Putin’s forces.

Captain Alexey Glushchak, 31, from Tyumen in Siberia, died in the carnage in Ukrainian port Mariupol, but the Russians have given no details of how the GRU agent was killed.

“Due to the strict secrecy of the military operation, the circumstances of the death of the Tyumen hero are not disclosed,” said a statement.

Read our story here.

Australia, Netherlands launch legal action against Russia for downing of MH17 plane

09:00 , Bill Mcloughlin

Australia and the Netherlands have begun legal action against Russia at the International Civil Aviation Organisation over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 eight years ago.

Russia was responsible under international law for the downing of the flight, and action in the United Nations aviation council was a step forward in the fight for justice for 298 victims, including 38 Australians, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement on Monday.

Australia said the incident was a clear breach of a convention to protect civilian aircraft from weapons fire.

The Dutch government said in a statement the UN Security Council had also been informed of the step.

Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra said: “The death of 298 civilians, including 196 Dutch, cannot and should not remain without consequences.”

Read our story here.

Ukraine’s position unchanged ahead of peace talks

08:49 , Bill Mcloughlin

Ukraine’s position on peace talks remains unchanged, presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said ahead of the fourth round of talks.

He said: "Negotiations. 4th round. On peace, ceasefire, immediate withdrawal of troops & security guarantees.”

He added that he believed Russia "still has a delusion that 19 days of violence against peaceful Ukrainian cities is the right strategy."

Sadiq Khan criticises UK response to refugee crisis

08:32 , Bill Mcloughlin

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the UK’s response to the Ukraine refugee crisis has been “embarrassing” compared to that of other countries.

Asked if he would be willing to host a refugee, Mr Khan told Good Morning Britain: “Personally we won’t be able to because of space and other security issues, but I admire the generosity of those Londoners, and we know our city is a very generous city.”

He said the visa system must be simplified as it is “far too complicated for those from Ukraine to come to London, and our country”.

He added: “Councils are ready to step up, hotels are ready to step up, businesses are ready to step up, Londoners are ready to step up.

“The issue now is the delay in the visas but also we need to make sure there’s the right support, the wrap-around care.

“Many of these people will be traumatised, they need medical support. The children will need spaces in schools.

“We need to make sure English is available to those who can’t speak English. We need to make sure they can work straight away, those with the skills.”

Sajid Javid considering whether he can host refugees

08:14 , Bill Mcloughlin

Sajid Javid told BBC Breakfast that he is considering whether he can house Ukrainian refugees as thousands flee the country due to the conflict.

This comes after the Government said it would offer £350 a month to those taking on Ukrainian fleeing the conflict.

Mr Javid said: “I’m starting to have a conversation with my wife on that and I think many households - as you say, and I’m pleased you brought this up - are probably thinking about this across the country.

“It’s important that anyone that becomes a host that they can fulfil the obligations of a host, that they can spend time with these families and help, but there are many ways that we can all help and whatever I do at a personal level, I will most certainly be helping.”

Video: Antonov aviation plant destroyed

07:57 , Bill Mcloughlin

In videos across social media, the Antonov aviation plant can be seen on fire with large plumes of smoke rising into the sky in the distance.

Sajid Javid: Six NHS hospitals to provide care for Ukrainian children

07:44 , Bill Mcloughlin

The Health Secretary told Sky News that six NHS hospitals will provide care for the 21 children and that while they had initially been given six-month visas in order to get them out of the country quickly, these would be extended “to at least three years”.

Mr Javid said once wider family had arrived, there would be 49 people brought to the UK in total.

“I just think it’s great that we can help in this way,” he said.

He said after the three years it would “be up to them to decide what they wish to do”.

Children with cancer brought to the UK from Ukraine for treatment can stay “as long as necessary”, Sajid Javid said.

Kyiv aircraft plant targeted by Russian forces

07:28 , Bill Mcloughlin

The Antonov aircraft plant in Kyiv has been shelled by Russian forces, the Kyiv’s city administration has said.

The Antonov aircraft manufacturing facility is located at Sviatoshyn Airfield, about 10km from Kyiv city centre.

Sajid Javid: Attacking hospitals ‘a war crime’

07:16 , Bill Mcloughlin

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said attacking hospitals is a “war crime” in an interview on Sky News.

His comments come after a woman pictured being carried away on a stretcher last week, has died. Her baby also passed away, doctors confirmed.

He said: “These are war crimes, and the Justice Secretary will be in the Hague to offer the UK’s help in putting forward a prosecution against Putin.”

Kviv residential building attacked - pictures

07:11 , Bill Mcloughlin

Pictures have emerged following a missile attack on a residential building in the capital.

Two killed after Kyiv shelling

07:04 , Bill Mcloughlin

Two people have been killed and three injured after a shell hit a residential building in the capital on Monday morning, Ukraine’s state emergency service said.

They said: “As of 07:40, the bodies of two people were found in a nine-story residential building, three people were hospitalised, nine people were treated on the spot.”

A further 15 people were rescued from the blaze which sparked at 7.30am local time.