Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky en route to UK for surprise visit

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, is heading to the UK to visit Ukrainian troops being trained in the country and to meet Rishi Sunak at Downing Street.

The Prime Minister is expected to announce an expanded training programme for Ukrainian forces, as well as the delivery of longer range weapons to Kyiv.

It is the first time the Ukrainian leader has visited Britain since the start of Russia's invasion almost a year ago.

Mr Zelensky will address Parliament on Wednesday, before travelling on to Brussels.

08:57 AM

Ministry of Defence daily intelligence update

The MoD has published its daily intelligence update, describing ongoing skirmishes over key islands along the Dnipro river.

08:52 AM

Britain to train Ukrainians to become fighter pilots

Downing Street has announced plans to expand training for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to sea and air - including fighter jet pilots and marines - and accelerate the supply of military equipment.

The training would ensure pilots are able to fly sophisticated Nato-standard fighter jets in the future, it said in a statement.

Calls to send Ukraine Western-made fighter jets like the F-16 have intensified in recent weeks, after Ukraine's pleas for main battle tanks were answered.

08:45 AM

Zelensky's visit 'a testament to his country's courage', says Sunak

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, has hailed Volodmyr Zelensky's surprise trip the UK.

“President Zelensky’s visit to the UK is a testament to his country’s courage, determination and fight, and a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries," he said in a statement.

“Since 2014, the UK has provided vital training to Ukrainian forces, allowing them to defend their country, protect their sovereignty and fight for their territory.

“I am proud that today we will expand that training from soldiers to marines and fighter jet pilots, ensuring Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests well into the future. It also underlines our commitment to not just provide military equipment for the short term, but a long-term pledge to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for years to come.”

08:41 AM

Zelensky to meet UK defence chiefs

During his visit to the UK, Mr Zelensky will also meet British defence and security chiefs to discuss details of the expanded training programme.

The Prime Minister is expected to announce that Britain will begin training Ukrainian marines immediately.

That training will be in addition to the existing programme which has seen 10,000 Ukrainian troops trained for battle in the last six months.

08:36 AM

Volodymyr Zelensky heading to Britain for surprise visit

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, is travelling to the UK for the first time since Russia's invasion began.

The Ukrainian leader will address parliament and meet Rishi Sunak at Downing Street.

The Prime Minister is expected to announce that Britain will send Ukraine longer-range weapons.

Mr Sunak will also unveil an expanded training programme for Ukrainian troops, including training Ukrainians to become fighter pilots.

08:21 AM

Biden promises steadfast support for Ukraine

Joe Biden has promised that the United States will support Ukraine for as long as it takes to fight off the Russian invasion.

"We're going to stand with you, as long as it takes. Our nation is working for more freedom, more dignity, more peace - not just in Europe, but everywhere," Mr Biden said, addressing Ukraine's ambassador to Washington, Oksana Markarova, who was in attendance at the president's State of the Union speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday.