Ukraine-Russia war latest: Moscow strikes cargo ship in Black Sea after Zelensky calls for talks to stop attacks
Moscow has claimed it has hit a cargo ship in the Black Sea hours after Ukraine called for a “diplomatic” solution to escalating strikes. Russia’s defence ministry said it had hit the vessel on Monday afternoon shortly after Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv would strengthen its air defences in the Black Sea. Ukraine has accused Vladimir Putin of scaling up strikes in the region in a bid to curb Kyiv’s export abilities. Speaking to reporters on Monday, the Ukrainian president said his forces will also strengthen air defences in the region, saying there is “no total blockade” but that there had been an attempt to cut exports off by Russia. It comes after UK prime minister Andy Burnham praised Ukraine for “keeping the flame of European freedom alive”, comparing it to Britain’s pivotal role in World War II. Burnham is set to give Ukraine blueprints for the British Storm Shadow long-range missile, a move expected to give the war-ravaged nation an advantage in striking military targets deep inside Russian territory.In pictures: Andy Burnham visits Ukraine as he pledges UK support Prime Minister Andy Burnham (C) walks past destroyed Russian vehicles displayed at Mykhailivska Square (Getty) Prime Minister Andy Burnham poses in front the Wall of Remembrance at Mykhailivska Square (Getty) Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hands over the flag of a military unit during the ceremony to mark Ukraine Independence Day in Kyiv (AP) Nicole Wootton-Cane24 August 2026 18:00Russian forces hit cargo ship in Black Sea port as strikes intensify Russian forces struck a cargo vessel in Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa on Monday, Russia's Defence Ministry said. The ministry did not identify the vessel but said it had delivered what it described as a military cargo. Nicole Wootton-Cane24 August 2026 17:45EU accelerates rollout of Ukraine loan, Costa says The EU is "accelerating" the rollout of its €90 billion ($105 billion) loan to Ukraine to support the country's air defence and energy infrastructure, EU Council President Antonio Costa said on Monday. "We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as necessary and provide Ukraine with security guarantees once this terrible war ends, so that it never happens again," Mr Costa said in a post on X following a visit to Kyiv. Nicole Wootton-Cane24 August 2026 17:00President Zelensky issues plea for 'diplomatic' solution over Black Sea strikes President Volodymyr Zelensky said there will be a "diplomatic track" with Russia as he discussed Moscow's stepped-up attacks in the Black Sea that have curbed Ukraine's export capabilities. Ukraine will also strengthen its air defences in the region, he told reporters. "There is no total blockade today, but there is an attempt at one. Nevertheless, three or four ships a day are entering and leaving Greater Odesa," he added. Volodymyr Zelensky said there would be a 'diplomatic track' with Russia (AFP/Getty) Nicole Wootton-Cane24 August 2026 16:41Russia's Perm oil refinery 'halted operations' after August 21 drone attack Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure, including oil refineries, in recent months to undermine Moscow's war efforts and cut its financial income. Last week Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine's military hit a Russian oil refinery in the city of Perm. According to preliminary estimates, the repair works could take between one and two weeks. Another primary refining unit, CDU-5, which accounts for 34% of the plant's capacity, has been idle since a July 29 drone attack, according to the sources. Sam Rkaina24 August 2026 15:33'Who started the fire?,' Burnham responds to Kremlin's threat Britain's prime minister Andy Burnham (C) gestures as he meets patients wounded in the war at the Main Military Hospital (Getty) Andy Burnham has responded to Russia’s accusation that Britain has "added fuel to the fire" with its Storm Shadow agreement with Ukraine. Asked about the Kremlin's comments, the PM said: "Who started the fire? That's the question, isn't it? Ukraine did not do that. "Russia began this illegal invasion, and that is absolutely clear, and they could stop it at any given time. "People would expect me to be out here showing our unflinching support. And that's what I'm doing." Gergana.Krasteva24 August 2026 15:00Sweden's Gripen fighter jets to be deployed to Ukraine Sweden is preparing to transfer Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, foreign minister Andrii Sybiha announced today. After a meeting with his Swedish counterpart Maria Stenergard, he announced the deal on X: “Sweden’s exceptional Gripen jets are preparing to protect Ukrainian skies, “We took stock of the implementation schedule for our leaders' agreements, as well as our ongoing work on the bilateral Drone Deal.” Gergana.Krasteva24 August 2026 14:30King Charles praises Ukraine for 'unwavering determination' during war King Charles and Queen Camilla have congratulated Ukraine on Independence Day, praising the nation for its “unwavering determination” in the war. In a statement posted by the British Embassy in Kyiv, His Majesty said: “Both my wife and I send our sincere and special wishes to you and to all Ukrainians for the possibility of peace, security and prosperity in the year ahead." Charles added that he continues to draw inspiration from the strong friendship between the two countries. Gergana.Krasteva24 August 2026 14:00Two children among 20 injured in Russian strike on apartment block At least 20 people have been wounded in a Russian attack on an apartment building in the centre of Chernihiv earlier today. Two children aged 12 and 17 are among the wounded, according to the city military administration. A fire broke out at the site of the strike and firefighters are tackling the raging flames. Footage from the scene show the plumes of smoke rising from the wreckage. "A cynical strike by Russian terrorists on a residential building in Chernihiv,” said Viacheslav Chaus, head of Chernihiv Oblast military administration. “In the middle of the day – on Independence Day." A firefighter works at the site of an apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Chernihiv (Emergency Service of Ukraine) Damaged cars at the site of an apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Chernihiv (Emergency Service of Ukraine) A firefighter works at the site of an apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Chernihiv (Emergency Service of Ukraine) Gergana.Krasteva24 August 2026 13:3010 Ukrainian soldiers captured from Donets returned in latest exchange Ten Ukrainian soldiers who were considered “missing in action” have been returned to Ukraine through Belarus on Independence Day. Sharing photos of the men draped in Ukrainian flags, Volodymyr Zelensky said: “They defended the country in the Donetsk sector. “All of them had been considered missing in action. And it is very important that we managed to bring them back.” Their return is part of the latest exchange of captured fighters between the warring sides. Gergana.Krasteva24 August 2026 13:00
