Multiple explosions in Ukrainian capital Kyiv

At least two blasts were heard in central Kyiv shortly after 08:00 local time (06:00 BST)This is the first time Kyiv has been hit for many months and the explosions also appear to be much more central than Russian strikes earlier in the war.

The apparent strikes on the city come two days after the only bridge linking Russia with occupied Crimea was damaged in a blastRussia’s President Putin is due to chair a meeting of his security council today to discuss the explosion on the Crimean bridge.

Ukrainian officials say a number of people have been wounded in further missile attacks on Zaporizhzhia overnightRussian forces under pressure – UK

This morning’s strikes reported across Ukraine come amid “pressure on Russian forces” in north-eastern and southern regions, according to the latest update from the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Moscow has been giving “high priority” to its operations near the eastern town of Bakhmut, the UK adds – saying the Kremlin’s troops have advanced 2km (1.2 miles) towards the town on two axes over the past week.

It’s alleged that recruits from Russian prisons may be involved.This “grinding” campaign “highlights the imperative to deliver operational success”, the MoD adds.