Putin ally warns Moscow will launch preventative strikes against the west ‘if necessary’ - Russian air defence units destroyed 122 Ukrainian drones overnight that targeted the capital Moscow, official

In St Petersburg, operations at Pulkovo Airport were temporarily suspended around 5am, delaying at least ten flights, according to Rosaviatsiya.

Officials have warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that a demographic crisis could mean the country he leads will be short millions of workers by the end of the decade.

Even as Nato chief Mark Rutte has warned India, China, and Brazil about the purchase of Russian oil, the fact remains that European nations —29 of 32 Nato members are from Europe— have given more money for energy imports than they have given Ukraine in aid.

A Russian official says American Daniel Martindale has been rewarded with citizenship for spying on Ukraine, "by decree of our President Vladimir Putin."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russia's nuclear doctrine "remains in effect" on Wednesday, two days after President Donald Trump announced that the United States and NATO allies will supply advanced weapons to Ukraine.

Donald Trump has again warned Russia that it will face "secondary tariffs" and other sanctions if it does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, but claimed he is "not on anybody's side" in the conflict

Ukraine war this week, announcing a deal to send weapons to Ukraine via NATO and giving Vladimir Putin an ultimatum to make peace. Charles Kupchan, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, speaks with John Dickerson about the president's new stance.