In the north a 50,000-strong Russian force is attacking Sumy, a provincial capital. Our model is detecting artillery fire and explosions along the city’s northern defensive lines. Ukraine is badly outnumbered but officials say the front is holding.

The co-sponsors of new bipartisan U.S. sanctions package targeting Russia have briefed European allies and Ukraine on the legislation.

A soldier who defected from Russia's notorious mercenary army has slammed military leaders who left troops to "rot in the fields". The Wagner soldier, named as Yevgeny, has reportedly defected to Finland after fighting as part of Russia 's new assault forces in Ukraine.

Italy said on Thursday that firms that have helped Russia fund its war on Ukraine by doing business with the country should be excluded from profiting from Ukraine's reconstruction. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said earlier that participants at a Rome conference on the economic recovery of Ukraine had pledged more than 10 billion euros ($11.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. and Russia have exchanged new ideas for Ukraine peace talks after he met with his Russian counterpart in Malaysia on Thursday.

President Donald Trump said he plans to make a "major statement" on Russia on Monday amid Vladimir Putin's continued attacks on Ukraine.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — By day, the Ukrainian capital hums with life — crowded metros, dog walkers and children on playgrounds. By night, Kyiv becomes a battleground as Russia unleashes relentless drone and missile attacks that chase much of the population underground for safety.