Ukraine war briefing: Russia claim control of new region as Kyiv strikes back | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIndependent ReportersFriday 27 March 2026 16:32 GMTUkrainian firefighters tackle blazes after deadly Russian strike on ZaporizhzhiaRussia claimed control of Sheviakivka in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, while Ukraine reported retaking Berezove in Dnipropetrovsk; meanwhile, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban faces a potential election loss that could impact EU policies on Ukraine aid.Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked oligarchs to donate to the country's budget to stabilise finances and fund the war, stating Russia will continue fighting until it captures the remaining areas of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region.The UK has committed an additional £100 million for air defence support to Ukraine, bringing its total contribution to £600 million over the last two months, while a US president suggested diverting weapons from Ukraine to the Middle East.Ukraine is seeking security agreements with countries like the UAE and Qatar, and its foreign minister hopes to involve China in peace efforts; President Zelensky also stated Ukraine is ready to sell surplus defence systems to finance its industry.The Russian embassy in London threatened an 'asymmetric' response to the UK's plan to detain Russian 'shadow fleet' vessels, as reports suggest Russia is recruiting recovering alcohol addicts for its forces.In fullUkraine-Russia war latest: Cash-strapped Putin ‘calls on oligarchs to prop up Russian economy’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in