The Ukrainian security service claimed a new strike on the Belbek Airfield in Crimea had destroyed hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Russian military equipment, including a MiG-31 fighter jet loaded with weapons,

The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russia was preparing for contacts with the United States to get details about U.S. talks with European powers and Ukraine on a possible peace settlement to end the Ukraine conflict.

Putin said at an annual meeting with top military officers that Moscow will move to expand a “buffer security zone” along the border.

The meeting on Thursday is seen as a critical test of the group’s strength in the wake of President Donald Trump calling them weak.

The continent’s leaders are discussing a contentious deal to back Ukraine and its war effort. The final decision will signal the extent of Europe’s ability to face down Moscow.

We’ve examined satellite imagery of Novorossiysk, where Ukraine says it carried out an undersea drone attack on a Russian submarine on Monday. Imagery from 11 December, days before the attack, shows three submarines docked inside a quay, surrounded by several warships.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told ABC News during an exclusive interview in Moscow on Monday that he believes the warring parties are close to a deal.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declares Russia's Ukraine war goals will be achieved through negotiations or military force as diplomatic efforts.

Former British soldier Hayden Davies, labelled a mercenary by Russia, will be sent to a maximum-security prison.