Russian president Vladimir Putin has issued a presidential decree to allow the Russian state to take control of private critical infrastructure if they are not protected from Ukrainian drone attacks.
Putin’s order covers online retail warehouses that have increasingly been targeted by Kyiv, as well as energy, industrial and transport facilities deemed critical to the stability of the nation.
It comes as Ukraine has expanded its aerial assault on Russian infrastructure, repeatedly targeting logistics centres belonging to shopping websites Wildberries and now Ozon. Ukraine has accused these facilities of providing support to Russia’s armed forces.
Earlier, Britain and France pledged to provide Ukraine with access to classified technology and faster deliveries of air defence missiles during a meeting of allies to mark Kyiv's Independence Day celebrations.
Andy Burnham offered Ukraine the UK’s unwavering support “despite Russia’s outrageous threats to my country”.
“This is the moment to keep up the pressure on Russia. The moment to squeeze their ability to fund this illegal war," Burnham said, calling for further economic sanctions.
Key Points
- Putin allows Russia to take control of infrastructure vulnerable to drone attacks
- Ukraine targets Ozon in widening attacks on Russian online retailers
- North Korea deploys drone unit among 8,500 troops fighting Ukraine war, says Kyiv
- ‘Who started the fire?’ Burnham challenges Putin on first trip to Ukraine
- PM Burnham will head to US to lobby Trump on Ukraine needs next month
First British national killed fighting for Putin in Ukraine ‘dies in drone attack’
06:12 , Arpan Rai
A British man has died fighting for Russia after being killed in a drone attack in Ukraine, according to a report.
Bradley Townsend, 33, from Barnsley in South Yorkshire, is reported to be the first UK national killed fighting for President Vladimir Putin.
According to LBC, the former fisherman travelled to Moscow in April where he met other British pro-Russian fighters Aiden Minnis and Ben Stimson who are thought to have recruited him online.
He was killed in a “storm operation” on 10 June, according to a Russia-linked social media account seen by LBC.
Townsend was described as a “warrior in a holy war” who had “sacrificed his life for the cause” by the account.
First British national killed fighting for Putin in Ukraine ‘dies in drone attack’
Ukraine targets Ozon in widening attacks on Russian online retailers
05:56 , Arpan Rai
Ukraine has targeted four logistics hubs owned by Russia's second-largest online retailer Ozon, widening a campaign of drone strikes on Russian e-commerce companies intended to inflict more damage on the war-battered economy.
Ozon's shares tumbled after it reported the strikes in southern Russia, which brought to six the number of its facilities targeted in the last three days.
Kyiv had until last week focused on Ozon's rival, Wildberries, in attacks on the e-commerce sector — one of the fastest-growing parts of the Russian economy.
Ozon said in a statement that a logistics hub in Makhachkala in Dagestan was on fire and had halted operations after a drone attack, adding: “According to preliminary information, several people were injured.”
A fire also broke out at an Ozon logistics hub in the town of Enem on the outskirts of the city of Krasnodar, and workers were evacuated from warehouses in Adygeysk, in the Adygeya region, and in Nevinnomyssk in the Stavropol region although neither facility was damaged, it said.
North Korea deploys drone unit among 8,500 troops fighting Ukraine war, says Kyiv
05:36 , Arpan Rai
North Korea deploys drone unit among 8,500 troops fighting Ukraine war, says Kyiv
North Korea has sent at least 8,500 troops to Russia, including a drone attack unit to survey and hit targets inside Ukraine, according to Ukrainian intelligence.
The deputy head of Ukraine’s defence intelligence, Major General Vadym Skibitskiy, said that the North Korean forces are mostly spread in Russia’s Kursk region and around a thousand of them are engineers and deminers.
At least 400 more are believed to be drone operators, marking the first time North Korea has deployed an official drone warfare unit in the Ukraine war on behalf of Russia, the official said. Many of them have received direct or indirect experience from previous North Korean deployments.
Mr Skibitskiy said Russian president Vladimir Putin could ask his North Korean ally Kim Jong Un to deploy another 50,000 forces if they meet in September as part of Moscow and Pyongyang’s continuing military cooperation.
Putin allows Russia to take control of infrastructure deemed vulnerable to drone attacks
05:15 , Arpan Rai
Russian president Vladimir Putin has handed the Russian state the power to take control of critically important infrastructure if it is deemed to be poorly protected from Ukrainian drone attacks and other threats.
The special powers, set out in a presidential decree, will allow the state to take over temporary administration of such facilities at a time when Ukraine has stepped up drone attacks on oil refineries and retail warehouses.
The state will be able to take control of physical and financial assets and formal ownership rights if entities responsible for such facilities are judged to have failed in their duty to protect them and are too slow to repair them after any attack, according to the decree.
It applies to fuel, energy, industrial, communications, transport and logistics facilities and other objects regarded as critically-important for ensuring the security and economic stability of the state and the population.
First deputy prime minister Denis Manturov said the measure should not be viewed as a precursor to nationalisation and would not be used on a broad scale.
Russia's Afipsky oil refinery afire after drone attack
04:40 , Arpan Rai
The Afipsky oil refinery in Russia's southern Krasnodar region was on fire following a drone attack, regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev said this morning.
He added that two people were killed and two others were injured due to falling drone debris in the area.
Britain and France pledge stronger support on Ukraine's Independence Day
04:10 , Arpan Rai
Leaders of Britain and France pledged to provide Ukraine with stronger military support — including access to classified technology and faster deliveries of air defence missiles — at a meeting of allies to mark Kyiv's Independence Day celebrations.
PM Andy Burnham, in Kyiv on his first foreign visit since taking office last month, urged the gathering of the "Coalition of the Willing" to "do everything we can" to bolster Ukraine's defences against Russian air strikes.
“This is the moment to keep up the pressure on Russia. The moment to squeeze their ability to fund this illegal war,” Burnham said, calling for further economic sanctions.
Britain announced on Monday it would allow Kyiv access to classified technology to start its own production of Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles, capable of carrying out strikes deep within Russia. France has already given its assent to license the technology for the European missile.
French president Emmanuel Macron, co-chairing the coalition meeting via video link, said that a string of deadly attacks on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks had shown that allies needed to step up the deliveries of interceptors and France would do its part.
“I think it's very important that all of us accelerate in terms of delivery,” Macron told the meeting, urging countries not to back down in the face of Russian intimidation.
“The bottom line is, for me, very clear: keep calm and carry on.”
Zelensky told the meeting that Ukraine's war effort was complicated by a $27bn defence funding gap this year and appealed for additional financial support.
He suggested that Russia's frozen overseas assets could be used to finance the deficit.
PM Burnham will head to US to lobby Trump on Ukraine needs next month – report
03:50 , Arpan Rai
Prime minister Andy Burnham is planning to head to the US next month to speak with US president Donald Trump about Ukraine's needs, reported Bloomberg.
“I am looking forward to going to New York in September,” the PM said, referring to the UN General Assembly gathering.
While the details are not “fully confirmed”, Burnham said it is “likely” he will go.
“Leaving today, I'm quite clear what I need to do in the next few weeks," he said as he wrapped up his first official visit to Ukraine, where he vowed to use pressure on Russia to end the war.
The White House is yet to issue a comment on a likely meeting between Trump and Burnham.
Recap: Moscow withdraws UK ambassador as tensions between Britain and Russia mount
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Moscow has withdrawn its UK ambassador as relations between Britain and Russia continue to deteriorate amid Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.
Andrey Kelin, who had been in the role for more than seven years, left his post on 21 July.
According to The Times, Russia is yet to submit another candidate to the Foreign Office and there is reportedly no indication of when a replacement may be appointed.
You can read more below:
Moscow withdraws UK ambassador as tensions between Britain and Russia mount
Watch: Andy Burnham compares Ukraine's battle with Russia to Britain’s fight with Nazi Germany
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
In depth: The grandmothers of Odesa caring for Ukraine’s stray animals
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
In southern Ukraine, two elderly women look after dozens of animals through nights of heavy shelling and power loss. Bryony Gooch speaks to the brave people caring for the cats among the debris.
‘They won’t survive without us’: The grandmothers caring for Ukraine’s stray animals
Russians ‘withdraw billions from banks over fears Putin will seize deposits for war’
Tuesday 25 August 2026 00:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Russian citizens are withdrawing billions of roubles from the country’s banks over fears that the Kremlin could seize deposits to fund the war in Ukraine.
Analysts say fears that the Kremlin could confiscate private savings to bankroll the conflict have triggered widespread panic, with more than 286.4bn roubles (£2.5bn) pulled from Russian banks during the first two weeks of August alone.
A staggering £5.3bn was reported to have been withdrawn in July on top of a further £3.32bn in June, according to Central Bank data.
You can read more below:
Russians ‘withdraw billions from banks over fears Putin will seize deposits for war’
Here’s why the UK-Ukraine drone partnership is worth risking Putin’s wrath
Monday 24 August 2026 23:01 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
I’m a conflict expert. Here’s why Ukraine is worth the UK risking Putin’s wrath
In focus: ‘Putin has repeatedly threatened the UK and Nato over Ukraine – but he is too weak to follow through’
Monday 24 August 2026 22:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Putin’s posturing is a poor attempt to scare off broader Western support for Kyiv, say experts. Suha Kidwai reports.
‘Putin may threaten the UK and Nato over Ukraine – but is too weak to follow through’
Watch: Andy Burnham arrives in Ukraine for independence day
Monday 24 August 2026 21:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Recap: Zelensky vows revenge after Russian double-tap strike on shopping mall in his hometown kills 16
Monday 24 August 2026 20:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to retaliate after a double-tap drone strike on his hometown killed 16 people.
Rescuers are still searching for survivors in the wreckage of a shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih, which was hit twice by Russia on Friday.
More than 130 people were wounded in the daytime attack carried out in two waves, with the second strike targeting emergency workers at the scene of the first.
Zelensky called the attacks an “act of barbarism”, claiming the “absolutely cynical and despicable” second strike was a deliberate attempt to target emergency services.
You can read more below:
Zelensky vows revenge after Russian attack on shopping mall in his hometown kills 16
Former Pussy Riot member reveals she was recruited by Russia’s security service to spy on activists
Monday 24 August 2026 19:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
A former member of Russian protest group Pussy Riot has revealed she was recruited to join Russia’s security service to inform on other activists.
Margarita Konovalova, one of the 15 women who started the feminist collective in 2011, was jailed in 2020 for staging an anti-police brutality protest near the Kremlin. The group became known for their criticism of Vladimir Putin and wearing colourful balaclavas during stunts.
But Konovalova has now admitted she spent the last three years passing information on artists and anti-war activists to the FSB security service, fearing that her relatives would be killed otherwise, The Insider reported.
She was required to gather information about persons of interest - their social circles, relatives, habits, and vulnerabilities, including drug use, infidelity, and mental state to be used as blackmail - but she claimed that she tried to sabotage the cases.
You can read more below:
Ex Pussy Riot member was recruited by Russia’s security service to spy on activists
‘Who started the fire?’ Burnham challenges Putin on first trip to Ukraine as UK-Russia tensions grow
Monday 24 August 2026 19:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Prime minister Andy Burnham has hit out at President Vladimir Putin during his first state visit to Kyiv, amid mounting tensions between Russia and the UK.
The British leader chaired his first meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing to emphasise Britain’s continued support for Ukraine through the provision of long-range missile blueprints.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the move would add “fuel to the fire” and “prevent any progress in the peace process”.
“Who started the fire? That’s the question isn’t it?” Burnham hit back in an address to Ukraine’s European allies on Monday.
You can read the full report below:
Burnham challenges Putin on first trip to Ukraine as UK-Russia tensions grow
In pictures: Andy Burnham visits Ukraine as he pledges UK support
Monday 24 August 2026 18:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Russian forces hit cargo ship in Black Sea port as strikes intensify
Monday 24 August 2026 17:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
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.
Reuters could not independently verify the claim.
EU accelerates rollout of Ukraine loan, Costa says
Monday 24 August 2026 17:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
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.
President Zelensky issues plea for 'diplomatic' solution over Black Sea strikes
Monday 24 August 2026 16:41 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
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.
Russia's Perm oil refinery 'halted operations' after August 21 drone attack
Monday 24 August 2026 15:33 , Sam Rkaina
Russia's seventh-largest oil processing plant stopped operations following a Ukrainian drone attack on Friday, two industry sources have told Reuters..
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.
Sources told Reuters the primary CDU-4 unit, which accounts for almost 40% of the plant's capacity, was halted on August 21. It is able to process 14,000 metric tons of oil per day.
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.
'Who started the fire?,' Burnham responds to Kremlin's threat
Monday 24 August 2026 15:00 , Gergana.Krasteva
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."
Sweden's Gripen fighter jets to be deployed to Ukraine
Monday 24 August 2026 14:30 , Gergana.Krasteva
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.”
Welcome to Kyiv on our Independence Day, dear @MariaStenergard 🇺🇦🇸🇪 !
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) August 24, 2026
Grateful for Sweden’s unwavering support and our meaningful talks today.
Right now, there is no greater task than defending against Russian ballistic terror, and our conversation centered on the concrete… pic.twitter.com/ynW7cW13TJ
King Charles praises Ukraine for 'unwavering determination' during war
Monday 24 August 2026 14:00 , Gergana.Krasteva
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.
Two children among 20 injured in Russian strike on apartment block
Monday 24 August 2026 13:30 , Gergana.Krasteva
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."
