Latest news with #IranianShaheds
Euronews
a day ago
- Business
- Euronews
French companies to manufacture drones in Ukraine
In the campaign of attrition and position that the war in Ukraine has become, FPV drones have quickly become ubiquitous and vitally essential. Russia, initially relying mainly on Iranian Shaheds, soon put all the power of its war economy into manufacturing them itself. Ukraine, although not able to rely on the same production capacity, is not to be outdone and can rely on its inventiveness, both in the construction and development of its own models and the effectiveness of their use - as demonstrated by the recent 'Spider's Web' operation- but also in the 're-use' of swarms launched by its adversaries. Now Kyiv can count on some major support in this war at a distance: French automotive and defence companies are going to produce drones on Ukrainian soil. Announcing the initiative on LCI, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu spoke of a "win-win" partnership with Ukraine. "We're going to embark on a completely unprecedented partnership where a major company producing French cars - I'm not giving the name because it's up to it to announce it - is going to join forces with a French defence SME to arm production lines in Ukraine to be able to produce drones", the minister announced. These drones, the type of which he did not specify, will be intended for the Ukrainians, " but we are also going to make them available to our own French armies so that we can have permanent tactical and operational training that reflects the reality " of the conflict. As far as expertise and manpower are concerned, production will rest on the Ukrainians' shoulders: they "are better than we are at devising drones and, above all, developing the doctrine that goes with them", Lecornu admitted. " There's also no need to ask French citizens" to go and work on the production line in Ukraine. The announcement follows the discussions that took place on 5 June in Brussels between the Ukrainian and French defence ministers on the joint production of weapons for Ukrainian defence needs. "We are ready to offer this opportunity to the best manufacturers. Ukraine has combat experience and France has a solid industrial base. This is a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership", Ukrainian Miniser of Defence Rustem Umarierov emphasised, thanking Lecornu for his support. At the 28th Ramstein meeting at NATO headquarters, Ukraine and its partners also decided to set up an armaments production mechanism. Several European partners have recently invested in drone production in Ukraine Finland has set up a drone manufacturing plant in cooperation with Ukrainian partners to produce drones for Ukraine and the EU, with mass production scheduled to begin in 2025. The Netherlands has announced a €700m ($798m) investment to advance drone technology and support Ukraine's defence industry. The UK is also investing hundreds of millions of dollars to increase drone production for Ukraine in 2025. Norway has redirected its funds to support Ukrainian drone production. According to Jean-Paul Perruche, Lieutenant General and former Director General of the European Union Military Staff, quoted by LCI, France was until then "insufficiently prepared" for this upheaval in warfare practices: "I worked in the research department of the army staff, and we were already talking about drones at the end of the 1980s. But the context at the time was far from high-intensity. I think we fell behind on drones at a time when countries like the United States and others like China were forging ahead. While the French army has a few thousand drones (3,000 for the army), Ukraine intends to use more than 4.5 million drones by 2025, which are responsible for 70% of the destruction of enemy equipment on the front line. Both Poland and Portugal marked the beginning of pride month with parades held on Saturday afternoon. The month of June is celebrated as pride month across the world, with festivals, demonstrations, parades, and other events bringing light to LGBTQ+ issues. In Poland, Pride marches were held in the cities of Gdańsk and Wrocław, just one week after the election of conservative-nationalist Karol Nawrocki, who was endorsed by the Law and Justice party. This was the 17th Pride Parade in Wrocław, and the 10th to take place in Gdańsk. In Wrocław, demonstrators set of from Freedom Square at 14:00, while the "Tri-City Equality March" encompassing the coastal cities of Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot took off at 16:00. Both marches aimed to showcase the cities as inclusive towards all of their residents. Several political leaders confirmed their participation in the marches, including Minister of Family, Labor and Social Policy Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, Minister of Equality Katarzyna Kotula, Mayor of Gdańsk Agnieszka Dulkiewicz and Mayor of Sopot Magdalena Czarzyńska-Jachim. City councilor and president of the Tolerado Association for LGBTQ+ rights, Marta Magott said in an interview with the official website of Gdańsk that the annual march is a "reminder of freedom, solidarity, and equality". The event was significant in Poland, which still ranks as the second-worst country in the EU for LGBTQ+ people, after Romania, according to the advocacy group ILGA-Europe, which publishes an annual "Rainbow Map" ranking the countries based on political and social factors. Poland had occupied the top spot in the rankings for six years, and made marginal progress since the election of the coalition government in 2023, according to the organization. Portugal, on the other hand, is in 11th place. A Pride March will also take place on June 14 in Warsaw. At the 26th LGBTQI+ Pride March in Lisbon on Saturday, thousands of people lined the avenues of the capital's downtown to defend human rights, equality and non-discrimination. The march left Praça do Marquês de Pombal at 16:30 with one of this year's mottoes being "Resist and not just Exist", according to a joint manifesto published by one of the organising movements on social media. At a time when the far-right is closer to political power and institutions in Portugal and Europe, hate speech and discrimination against LGBTQ+ minorities are resurfacing in national society, after more than 50 years of achievements in Portugal for equality and non-discrimination rights. "The political forces that deny our rights are gaining institutional space, marching is reaffirming that we don't back down, that we exist, that we resist," says the Associação ILGA Portugal - Intervenção Lésbica, Gay, Bissexual, Trans e Intersexo (ILGA) on its Facebook account. "Hate speech is trying to become normalised," adds ILGA, and "we cannot ignore the fact that freedom and democracy are under attack," warns. The group recalled that during the 48 years of dictatorship, the fascist regime denied the existence of homosexuals and lesbians, who were persecuted. Portugal lived under a dictatorship for almost 48 years. Founded in 1995, ILGA Portugal is the oldest association defending LGBTQ+ people and their families against discrimination. It is part of ILGA World and the Platform for Fundamental Rights of the European Union Agency. "We are marching for the right to live with dignity, for all the people who came before us, for those who are here and for those who are yet to come." "This is a right that has been won over the years in Portugal, and today it is under threat," said Mariana Mortágua, coordinator of the Left Bloc party, participating in the parade. 'Nowadays, it's difficult to demonstrate for human rights without being threatened by extreme right-wing forces and without the government doing something about it', Mortágua added in statements to Portuguese national television, RTP. "We have to keep fighting for rights," said Hélder Bértolo of the March's organising committee, "it's important to be here, to raise our voices," he added regarding the threat of acquired rights being broken in the face of the rise of the radical right. Bértolo said these rights "have faded", especially in countries like Hungary. "Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and other European countries are also moving in this direction", the spokesperson told reporters. The 2025 edition also saw the participation of the Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality (CIG), which joined the 18 associations and groups with political intervention in defence of the LGBTQ+ community.
Scottish Sun
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Putin snubs Trump's crystal clear plea to ‘STOP' & launches MORE civilian strikes after Don claimed tyrant ‘wants peace'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MAD Vladimir Putin blatantly ignored Donald Trump's desperate plea to "STOP" and launched more deadly strikes after the Republican claimed the tyrant wants peace. The dictator used lethal kamikaze drones to strike Ukraine's second largest city Kharkiv overnight, triggering deadly explosions and fires as he showed clear defiance to the US president's demand. 14 Putin staged new strikes on Ukraine, here seen hitting Kharkiv with Shahed drones Credit: East2West 14 Ukrainian rescuers evacuate a woman from a burning residential building while another rescuer works to extinguish a fire following a drone attack in Pavlograd Credit: AFP 14 The strikes come after Trump said he 'believed' Putin wants peace Credit: Splash 14 Apocalyptic scenes were captured across the city after Iranian Shaheds were launched - just one day after a dozen civilians were killed and more than 90 wounded in a barbaric onslaught on Kyiv. Meanwhile in central east Pavlohrad, three people were killed - including a child and a 76-year-old woman. Eight more were wounded in the horror onslaught, with six hospitalised, after an apartment building was cruelly hit. Another four died and six were wounded in Russian shelling of Donetsk and Kherson regions. The latest bloodshed came hours after Trump condemned the Russian dictator after the massive missile blitz on Kyiv, demanding: "Vladimir, STOP!" The White House leader was asked if he thought Putin would listen to his demand, to which he responded: "I'm confident." But he also insisted that the tyrant's savage blitzing of the Ukrainian capital didn't mean the Kremlin dictator was against peace. Don added: "We are putting a lot of pressure on Russia, and Russia knows it. It takes two to tango, just like it takes two to make a deal. "Stopping the war, stopping from taking the whole country [Ukraine], pretty big concession." Just days ago the Republican also labelled brave Volodymyr Zelensky as the key obstacle to a Ukraine peace deal. 14 The strike on Kharkiv chillingly seen through a residents' window Credit: East2West 14 A factory on the outskirts of Kharkiv, Ukraine, burns after being hit by multiple drones Credit: Alamy 14 The latest bloodshed came hours after Trump condemned the Russian dictator Credit: East2West JD Vance had issued a final ultimatum to both Kyiv and Moscow - warning they must accept the terms of a proposed US peace plan or risk Washington walking away for good. Trump told reporters on Wednesday: "I think Russia is ready and a lot of people said Russia wanted to go for the whole thing. "And I think we have a deal with Russia - we have to get a deal with Zelensky.' He added: 'I think we have a deal with both. I hope they do it. You would never have had that war if I was president.' Don then went on to blast Zelensky's refusal to negotiate over Crimea in a fiery Truth Social post. He insisted that a peace deal was 'very close' - but only if Zelensky stops 'boasting' and finally 'gets it done.' The president ramped up pressure on the Ukrainian leader, warning that Kyiv's refusal to compromise on Crimea risks prolonging the war and pushing Ukraine closer to collapse. 'We are very close to a Deal, but the man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE,' Trump wrote. Trump's seven-point peace plan THE US has drafted up a seven-point plan which, it hopes, will draw a path to peace between Ukraine and Russia. A source with knowledge of the plan revealed the content of the main points, reports The Telegraph: Immediate ceasefire in Ukraine Direct talks between Ukraine and Russia Ukraine to be barred from joining Nato US to formally recognise Russian sovereignty over Crimea US to give de-facto recognition of four Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia along current lines of control Ukraine to sign minerals deal to share profits on natural resources with the US All US sanctions lifted on Russia and both countries co-operate on energy 'He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.' The majority of the lengthy post targeted Zelensky's recent statement to the Wall Street Journal that Ukraine 'will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea.' And in February, DOn reportedly said that he trusted the tyrant "wants peace," adding: "I think he would tell me if he didn't." The latest heinous attack comes as Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko admitted Ukraine may need to succumb to Putin's evil territory demands to stop the bloody war. Speaking on Thursday after the attack on Ukraine's capital, the former world heavyweight boxing champion said: "One of the scenarios is [...] to give up territory. "It's not fair. But for the peace, temporary peace, maybe it can be a solution." Klitschko's comments admitting that the war-torn country may have to give up land are the first from a senior Ukrainian politician since negotiations led by the US began in February. Brave Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky hinted in November that he could be willing to relinquish territory temporarily, but on the condition that the rest of his country were given Nato protection. Meanwhile inside Russia, wooden churches and chapels known as New Jerusalem burned to rubble following what authorities said was the dropping of explosives devices from a Ukrainian drone. One Russian report said: 'The Ukrainian Armed Forces did not allow rescuers to extinguish the building, constantly attacking it with drones." Two Russian servicemen were killed and five more wounded in the village of Kryukovo, Belgorod region, reports claim. 14 Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko visits the site where an apartment building damaged during a Russian missile strike in 2023 Credit: Reuters 14 Apocalyptic scenes were captured across the city of Kharkiv Credit: East2West 14 There were fears of dead and wounded after a Russian strike hit an ordinary apartment block in Pavlohrad Credit: East2West 14 Plumes of smoke were captured emerging from the block Credit: East2West Ukrainian drones overnight also attacked two airfields in Crimea in a massive kamikaze swarm. The damage was not yet clear but Russia said it had shot down 59 drones. Ukraine also struck Shuya in Ivanovo region, where the 112th missile brigade is located, for the third time as of recent. The horror overnight blitz comes as Putin is to hold more talks in Moscow with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who has arrived in the Russian capital. It will be the fourth meeting the pair have within three months. Putin's leading TV propagandist Vladimir Solovyov said the new warm relations between Moscow and Washington should chillingly see the two leaders gang up on the European 'idiots'. The Putin puppet said: "As expected, Zelensky actually disrupted the [Ukraine peace deal] meeting in London. "Although we realise that, of course, it was not Zelensky at all. He was following the instructions of the Europeans. 'The British are behind all this. But another thing is important. 'It is important that while they are united against America, maybe we should unite with America - and hit Europe so hard that it will not be a big deal? Zelensky 'cornered' by Trump's fury after Putin's barbaric Kyiv attack 'That would put the idiots in their place.' Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said a ceasefire could be in place by as soon as summer - but he warned Trump that it mustn't be imposed on war-torn Ukraine by the US. Reports say Western diplomats are 'extremely alarmed' by Trump's draft deal, which apparently shows to Putin among other dictators that illegal conquest 'can be rewarded'. But Britain is pulling back from putting troops on the ground in Ukraine as part of a 'coalition of the willing', according to The Times. Britain and France would instead focus on air and sea defence, and training Ukrainians, according to this scenario. One source revealed: 'The risks are too high, and there are not enough forces to carry out such a task." It comes as The Telegraph reported on a seven-point peace plan being drawn up by the US, which could allow Russia to keep various land seized from Ukraine. According to the plan, Putin would stay close to the territory his cannon fodder troops have seized from Zelensky, as outlined in an unconfirmed seven-point plan to end the war. It would leave Ukraine with no clear US security guarantee. And includes the US offering formal recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea while implying de facto recognition of other occupied territories. 14 Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky gestures as unseen South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks at a joint press conference on Thursday Credit: AFP 14 A damaged building in Borova, a rural settlement in the Izium district, Kharkiv region, northeastern Ukraine Credit: EPA
The Sun
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Putin snubs Trump's crystal clear plea to ‘STOP' & launches MORE civilian strikes after Don claimed tyrant ‘wants peace'
MAD Vladimir Putin blatantly ignored Donald Trump's desperate plea to "STOP" and launched more deadly strikes after the US President claimed the tyrant wants peace. The dictator used lethal kamikaze drones to strike Ukraine's second largest city Kharkiv overnight, triggering deadly explosions and fires as he showed clear defiance to the US president's demand. 13 13 13 Apocalyptic scenes were captured across the city after Iranian Shaheds were launched - just one day after a dozen civilians were killed and more than 90 wounded in a barbaric onslaught on Kyiv. Meanwhile in central east Pavlohrad, three people were killed - including a child and a 76-year-old woman. Eight more were wounded in the horror onslaught, with six hospitalised, after an apartment building was cruelly hit. Another four died and six were wounded in Russian shelling of Donetsk and Kherson regions. The latest bloodshed came hours after Trump condemned the Russian dictator after the massive missile blitz on Kyiv, demanding: "Vladimir, STOP!" The White House leader was asked if he thought Putin would listen to his demand, to which he responded: "I'm confident." But he also insisted that the tyrant's savage blitzing of the Ukrainian capital didn't mean the Kremlin dictator was against peace. Don added: "We are putting a lot of pressure on Russia, and Russia knows it. It takes two to tango, just like it takes two to make a deal. "Stopping the war, stopping from taking the whole country [Ukraine], pretty big concession." Just days ago the Republican also labelled brave Volodymyr Zelensky as the key obstacle to a Ukraine peace deal. 13 13 13 JD Vance had issued a final ultimatum to both Kyiv and Moscow - warning they must accept the terms of a proposed US peace plan or risk Washington walking away for good. Trump told reporters on Wednesday: "I think Russia is ready and a lot of people said Russia wanted to go for the whole thing. "And I think we have a deal with Russia - we have to get a deal with Zelensky.' He added: 'I think we have a deal with both. I hope they do it. You would never have had that war if I was president.' Don then went on to blast Zelensky's refusal to negotiate over Crimea in a fiery Truth Social post. He insisted that a peace deal was 'very close' - but only if Zelensky stops 'boasting' and finally 'gets it done.' The president ramped up pressure on the Ukrainian leader, warning that Kyiv's refusal to compromise on Crimea risks prolonging the war and pushing Ukraine closer to collapse. 'We are very close to a Deal, but the man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE,' Trump wrote. 'He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.' The majority of the lengthy post targeted Zelensky's recent statement to the Wall Street Journal that Ukraine 'will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea.' And in February, DOn reportedly said that he trusted the tyrant "wants peace," adding: "I think he would tell me if he didn't." The latest heinous attack comes as Kyiv 's mayor Vitali Klitschko admitted Ukraine may need to succumb to Putin's evil territory demands to stop the bloody war. Speaking on Thursday after the attack on Ukraine's capital, the former world heavyweight boxing champion said: "One of the scenarios is [...] to give up territory. "It's not fair. But for the peace, temporary peace, maybe it can be a solution." Klitschko's comments admitting that the war-torn country may have to give up land are the first from a senior Ukrainian politician since negotiations led by the US began in February. Brave Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky hinted in November that he could be willing to relinquish territory temporarily, but on the condition that the rest of his country were given Nato protection. Meanwhile inside Russia, wooden churches and chapels known as New Jerusalem burned to rubble following what authorities said was the dropping of explosives devices from a Ukrainian drone. One Russian report said: 'The Ukrainian Armed Forces did not allow rescuers to extinguish the building, constantly attacking it with drones." Two Russian servicemen were killed and five more wounded in the village of Kryukovo, Belgorod region, reports claim. 13 13 13 Ukrainian drones overnight also attacked two airfields in Crimea in a massive kamikaze swarm. The damage was not yet clear but Russia said it had shot down 59 drones. Ukraine also struck Shuya in Ivanovo region, where the 112th missile brigade is located, for the third time as of recent. The horror overnight blitz comes as Putin is to hold more talks in Moscow with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who has arrived in the Russian capital. It will be the fourth meeting the pair have within three months. Putin's leading TV propagandist Vladimir Solovyov said the new warm relations between Moscow and Washington should chillingly see the two leaders gang up on the European 'idiots'. The Putin puppet said: "As expected, Zelensky actually disrupted the [Ukraine peace deal] meeting in London. "Although we realise that, of course, it was not Zelensky at all. He was following the instructions of the Europeans. 'The British are behind all this. But another thing is important. 'It is important that while they are united against America, maybe we should unite with America - and hit Europe so hard that it will not be a big deal? Zelensky 'cornered' by Trump's fury after Putin's barbaric Kyiv attack 'That would put the idiots in their place.' Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said a ceasefire could be in place by as soon as summer - but he warned Trump that it mustn't be imposed on war-torn Ukraine by the US. Reports say Western diplomats are 'extremely alarmed' by Trump's draft deal, which apparently shows to Putin among other dictators that illegal conquest 'can be rewarded'. But Britain is pulling back from putting troops on the ground in Ukraine as part of a 'coalition of the willing', according to The Times. Britain and France would instead focus on air and sea defence, and training Ukrainians, according to this scenario. One source revealed: 'The risks are too high, and there are not enough forces to carry out such a task." It comes as The Telegraph reported on a seven-point peace plan being drawn up by the US, which could allow Russia to keep various land seized from Ukraine. According to the plan, Putin would stay close to the territory his cannon fodder troops have seized from Zelensky, as outlined in an unconfirmed seven-point plan to end the war. It would leave Ukraine with no clear US security guarantee. And includes the US offering formal recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea while implying de facto recognition of other occupied territories. 13 13 13
The Irish Sun
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Putin snubs Trump's crystal clear plea to ‘STOP' & launches MORE civilian strikes after Don claimed tyrant ‘wants peace'
MAD Vladimir Putin blatantly ignored Donald Trump's desperate plea to "STOP" and launched more deadly strikes after the Republican claimed the tyrant wants peace. The dictator used lethal kamikaze drones to strike Ukraine's second largest city Kharkiv overnight, triggering deadly explosions and fires as he showed 14 Putin staged new strikes on Ukraine, here seen hitting Kharkiv with Shahed drones Credit: East2West 14 Ukrainian rescuers evacuate a woman from a burning residential building while another rescuer works to extinguish a fire following a drone attack in Pavlograd Credit: AFP 14 The strikes come after Trump said he 'believed' Putin wants peace Credit: Splash 14 Apocalyptic scenes were captured across the city after Iranian Shaheds were launched - just Meanwhile in central east Pavlohrad, three people were killed - including a child and a 76-year-old woman. Eight more were wounded in the horror onslaught, with six hospitalised, after an apartment building was cruelly hit. Another four died and six were wounded in Russian shelling of Donetsk and Kherson regions. read more news The latest bloodshed came hours after Trump condemned the Russian dictator after the massive missile blitz on Kyiv, demanding: The White House leader was asked if he thought Putin would listen to his demand, to which he responded: "I'm confident." But he also insisted that the tyrant's savage blitzing of the Ukrainian capital didn't mean the Kremlin dictator was against peace. Don added: "We are putting a lot of pressure on Russia, and Russia knows it. It takes two to tango, just like it takes two to make a deal. Most read in The Sun "Stopping the war, stopping from taking the whole country [Ukraine], pretty big concession." Just days ago the Republican also 14 The strike on Kharkiv chillingly seen through a residents' window Credit: East2West 14 A factory on the outskirts of Kharkiv, Ukraine, burns after being hit by multiple drones Credit: Alamy 14 The latest bloodshed came hours after Trump condemned the Russian dictator Credit: East2West JD Vance had and Moscow - warning they must accept the terms of a proposed US peace plan or risk Washington walking away for good. Trump told reporters on Wednesday: "I think Russia is ready and a lot of people said Russia wanted to go for the whole thing. "And I think we have a deal with Russia - we have to get a deal with Zelensky.' He added: 'I think we have a deal with both. I hope they do it. You would never have had that war if I was president.' Don then went on to blast He insisted that a peace deal was 'very close' - but only if Zelensky stops 'boasting' and finally 'gets it done.' The president ramped up pressure on the Ukrainian leader, warning that Kyiv's refusal to compromise on Crimea risks prolonging the war and pushing Ukraine closer to collapse. 'We are very close to a Deal, but the man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE,' Trump wrote. Trump's seven-point peace plan THE US has drafted up a seven-point plan which, it hopes, will draw a path to peace between Ukraine and Russia. A source with knowledge of the plan revealed the content of the main points, reports Immediate ceasefire in Ukraine Direct talks between Ukraine and Russia Ukraine to be barred from joining Nato US to formally recognise Russian sovereignty over Crimea US to give de-facto recognition of four Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia along current lines of control Ukraine to sign minerals deal to share profits on natural resources with the US All US sanctions lifted on Russia and both countries co-operate on energy 'He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.' The majority of the lengthy post targeted Zelensky's recent statement to the Wall Street Journal that Ukraine 'will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea.' And in February, DOn reportedly said that he trusted the tyrant "wants peace," adding: "I think he would tell me if he didn't." The latest heinous attack comes as Kyiv 's mayor admitted Ukraine may need to succumb to Putin's evil territory demands to stop the bloody war. Speaking on Thursday after the attack on Ukraine's capital, the former world heavyweight boxing champion said: "One of the scenarios is [...] to give up territory. "It's not fair. But for the peace, temporary peace, maybe it can be a solution." Klitschko's comments admitting that the war-torn country may have to give up land are the first from a senior Ukrainian politician since Brave Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky hinted in November that he could be willing to relinquish territory temporarily, but on the condition that the rest of his country were given Nato protection. Meanwhile inside Russia, wooden churches and chapels known as New Jerusalem burned to rubble following what authorities said was the dropping of explosives devices from a Ukrainian drone. One Russian report said: 'The Ukrainian Armed Forces did not allow rescuers to extinguish the building, constantly attacking it with drones." Two Russian servicemen were killed and five more wounded in the village of Kryukovo, Belgorod region, reports claim. 14 Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko visits the site where an apartment building damaged during a Russian missile strike in 2023 Credit: Reuters 14 Apocalyptic scenes were captured across the city of Kharkiv Credit: East2West 14 There were fears of dead and wounded after a Russian strike hit an ordinary apartment block in Pavlohrad Credit: East2West 14 Plumes of smoke were captured emerging from the block Credit: East2West Ukrainian drones overnight also attacked two airfields in Crimea in a massive kamikaze swarm. The damage was not yet clear but Russia said it had shot down 59 drones. Ukraine also struck Shuya in Ivanovo region, where the 112th missile brigade is located, for the third time as of recent. The horror overnight blitz comes as Putin is to hold more talks in Moscow with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who has arrived in the Russian capital. It will be the fourth meeting the pair have within three months. Putin's leading TV propagandist Vladimir Solovyov said the new warm relations between Moscow and Washington should chillingly see the two leaders gang up on the European 'idiots'. The Putin puppet said: "As expected, Zelensky actually disrupted the [Ukraine peace deal] meeting in London. "Although we realise that, of course, it was not Zelensky at all. He was following the instructions of the Europeans. 'The British are behind all this. But another thing is important. 'It is important that while they are united against America, maybe we should unite with America - and hit Europe so hard that it will not be a big deal? Zelensky 'cornered' by Trump's fury after Putin's barbaric Kyiv attack 'That would put the idiots in their place.' Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said a ceasefire could be in place by as soon as summer - but he warned Trump that it mustn't be imposed on war-torn Ukraine by the US. Reports say Western diplomats are 'extremely alarmed' by Trump's draft deal, which apparently shows to Putin among other dictators that illegal conquest 'can be rewarded'. But Britain is pulling back from putting troops on the ground in Ukraine as part of a 'coalition of the willing', according to Britain and France would instead focus on air and sea defence, and training Ukrainians, according to this scenario. One source revealed: 'The risks are too high, and there are not enough forces to carry out such a task." It comes as According to the plan, Putin would stay close to the territory his It would leave Ukraine with no clear US security guarantee. And includes the US offering formal recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea while implying de facto recognition of other occupied territories. 14 Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky gestures as unseen South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks at a joint press conference on Thursday Credit: AFP 14 A damaged building in Borova, a rural settlement in the Izium district, Kharkiv region, northeastern Ukraine Credit: EPA 14 Damaged buildings in Borova, a rural settlement in the Izium district, Kharkiv region Credit: EPA
