For the first time since the Krelim launched a military operation in Ukraine nearly three months ago; US defense secretary Lloyd Austin and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu spoke over the phone on Friday.

Putin says anti-Moscow sanctions imposed by the West over Ukraine conflict have backfired.

"All plans are being fulfilled. A result will be achieved - on that account there is no doubt," the Russian leader was quoted as saying.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has defended Moscow's military operation in Ukraine, saying it was necessary as the West was preparing to invade Russia. 

Israel is considering expanding its military aid to Ukraine following a request made by the Biden administration, a report said.

A US-based political commentator and journalist says Washington is seeking to prolong the war in Ukraine in a bid to “weaken” its arch-foe Russia.

Russia says it struck at weapons supplied to Ukraine by the West as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi meets President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev during an unannounced visit.