NATO was forced to scramble fighter jets after the Russian forces launched one of the biggest attacks on Ukraine. Moscow bombed the country with 653 drones and 53 hypersonic and ballistic missiles

After being blindsided by President Donald Trump’s 28-point plan last month, some Europeans have expressed extreme disquiet at being apparently sidelined in talks.

Kairos had been under tow by a Turkish vessel, Timur Bey, but the rescue mission was abruptly abandoned in a move that maritime officials said was ‘deeply mysterious’. Without power, Kairos drifted across the Black Sea like a ghost ship – and straight into Nato waters.

Rhetoric between Russia and Europe has ramped up after talks between Donald Trump’s envoy and Vladimir Putin failed to reach an agreement

On the eve of his visit to India, Vladimir Putin gave an extensive 100-minute interview to India Today Group TV channels at the Kremlin. The 73-year-old Russian president deftly fielded every question put to him.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was expected to miss Wednesday's meeting, which will unfold during high-stakes negotiations in Moscow and in Europe about Ukraine’s future.

EXCLUSIVE: Vladimir Putin has chosen the path of war despite Donald Trump's best efforts - now NATO must prepare to take action

President Vladimir Putin said in an interview published on Thursday that Russia would take full control of Ukraine's Donbas region by force unless Ukrainian forces withdraw, something Kyiv has flatly rejected.