The Russian army said it had taken "more advantageous lines and positions" after "offensive operations" in Zaporizhzhia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says the situation in four former regions of Ukraine that recently voted to join the Russian union is "extremely complicated", urging the country’s security agencies to remain vigilant.

Russia's Defense Ministry said, "Not a single strike was made on targets within the city of Kiev."

Russian special services have thwarted a “terrorist attack” by Ukraine on Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, a senior Russian official says.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday declared martial law in the former Ukrainian regions that recently joined the Russian Federation amid reports that Ukraine is gearing up for a large-scale offensive in the Kherson region.

Russia’s Constitutional Court has approved the accession treaties signed by President Vladimir Putin allowing four former Ukrainian regions to become part of the Russian Federation after referendums.

Ukraine has formally applied for NATO membership under an accelerated procedure.