Vladimir Putin has claimed that Britain was behind an alleged Ukrainian plot to sabotage a nuclear power station in Russia.
The Russian president said Ukrainian “saboteurs” were intercepted by Russia’s FSB security service, and admitted under interrogation that they had been trained by British instructors.
The comments came at an economic conference in Vladivostok in Russia’s far east, where he is expected to host a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un either today or tomorrow.
Putin also claimed Ukraine had lost 71,000 troops and hundreds of tanks while its counteroffensive had failed to show any results.
However, a Kremlin-installed Ukrainian official said today that Kyiv was having “tactical success” as it advances on the eastern city of Bakhmut.
Kim Jong-un arrives in Russia to meet Putin
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has crossed the border into Russia where he is set to meet with Vladimir Putin and discuss a potential arms deal.
Russian state news agency Ria Novosti confirmed Kim’s train had entered the Primorsky region early on Tuesday, with images showing an armoured train with dark green carriages being pulled along a track by a Russian Railways locomotive.
Kim will meet Putin in the Far East later this week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Mr Peskov said the meeting would include a lunch in Kim’s honour.
“It will be a full-fledged visit,” Mr Peskov said. “There will be negotiations between two delegations, and after that, if necessary, the leaders will continue their communication in a one-on-one format.”
Russia expands military bases along Finland border
Russia has started expanding military bases along its border with Finland, according to new satellite imagery, as it seeks to reinforce supply lines of tanks and heavy artillery for its war in Ukraine, Joe Barnes writes.
Three large buildings have been constructed at the Alakurtti military base, around 31 miles from the frontier, in the first signs of development at the site for years.
Satellite images, published by Finland’s national broadcaster, appeared to show the construction of another military storage site at a tank and artillery depot in Petrozavodsk, some 108 miles from the border.
12 Russian artillery pieces 'destroyed in air strikes'
Ukraine has destroyed a dozen pieces of Russian artillery in the last day, according to a statement from its military media centre.
It said in a statement on Telegram: “The air force of the defence forces carried out seven strikes on areas where the enemy’s personnel, weapons and military equipment are concentrated.
“Units of missile troops and artillery hit 12 artillery means, one area of concentration of personnel, weapons and military equipment, one control point and one ammunition warehouse.”
'Ukraine has not retaken Opytne', says Kremlin
Russia’s defence ministry has denied claims that Ukraine has managed to gain a foothold in the eastern village of Opytne, according to state media.