INVASION OF UKRAINE Developments

RUSSIANS ATTACK KHARKIV

Russian troops enter Ukraine's second city Kharkiv in the east of the country, with Ukraine saying its forces are "eliminating the enemy" in street fighting after some Russian light vehicles slip through defences. , The regional governor said on his social media yesterday that Ukraine has full control over Kharkiv.

KYIV HOLDS OUT

Ukraine says it is holding the line around Kyiv but was fighting Russian "sabotage groups" that had infiltrated the city. President Zelensky hails the assistance Ukraine was receiving from its international allies as Russia's invading forces pressed on with an assault.

RUSSIA'S BIG PUSH

As the West tries to rush weapons to Ukraine, Russia orders an advance "from all directions" and pounds the Ukrainian military with cruise missiles. But it offers talks if Kyiv surrenders its arms.

TWO CITIES BESIEGED

Moscow says its forces have "entirely" besieged the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson and Berdyansk in the southeast on the Sea of Azov.

BANK BAN TO CRIPPLE RUSSIAN TRADE

As fighting goes on across the north, east and southeast of Ukraine, the West says it will freeze the assets of Russia's central bank and remove some of its banks from the SWIFT interbank system, crippling part of its global trade.

TRUMP PRAISES PUTIN

Former US president Donald Trump praises Russian leader Vladimir Putin as "smart", claiming "this horrific disaster would never have happened if our election was not rigged." Trump had earlier described Putin's invasion plan as a "genius" move.

MUSK ACTIVATES STARLINK FOR UKRAINE

Elon Musk orders his SpaceX's Starlink satellite service to supply broadband to Ukraine after a government minister pleads for help after Russia blocked internet coverage.

US, EUROPE MILITARY AID

The United States says it is providing Ukraine with $350 million in additional military assistance to fight off the Russian invasion. Germany is sending 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 "Stinger" surface-to-air missiles to help Ukraine. France is also rushing military equipment and fuel there with Prague supplying small arms and ammunition.

GERMANY BOWS TO SWIFT BAN

Germany says it is working on excluding Russia from the SWIFT interbank system after coming under severe criticism from Poland for resisting EU efforts to impose the sanction that would cripple Moscow's trade.

WORLDWIDE 'RUSSIA OUT!' PROTESTS

Pro-Ukraine protests erupt across the world as thousands take to the streets from London to Athens and Argentina to Canada to denounce Russia's assault on its neighbour. Meanwhile, more than 3,000 Russians have been arrested since Thursday for protesting against the invasion.