Live updates: Russia's war in Ukraine<br />Britain's new defense secretary Grant Shapps met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on a surprise visit to Ukraine.<br />Zelensky expressed gratitude for the strong financial, defense, and humanitarian support from the UK.<br />They discussed cooperation in the military sphere, particularly in enhancing the capabilities of Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield.<br />Russia launched a drone attack on the southern Odesa region in Ukraine.<br />Fortunately, there were no casualties or significant damage reported.<br />Ukrainian forces retaliated by destroying 34 of the 44 Shahed drones launched by Russian forces overnight.<br />Here's what you need to know]<br />Ukrainian officials revealed that former Wagner fighters have returned to the eastern front.<br />While there are several hundred of them in different areas, Russian forces are currently short-staffed, so any additional manpower is beneficial for them.<br />Additionally, a Russian navy commander, whom Ukraine claimed died in a strike on occupied Crimea, appeared in a video, casting doubt on Kyiv's claim.<br />Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov appointed three new deputies following a mass dismissal of personnel.<br />The changes are expected to bring notable improvements to the Ukrainian soldiers.<br />The recent shake-up in defense officials came after President Zelensky fired his defense minister, citing the need for new approaches.<br />Former Wagner fighters have returned to the battlefield in eastern Ukraine, now working for the Russian Ministry of Defense or its affiliated structures.<br />While their return is acknowledged, Ukrainian officials downplay their significance, stating that Russian forces are currently short-staffed and will accept any additional manpower.<br />Russian forces are constructing a new railway that will connect the occupied cities of Mariupol, Volnovakha, and Donetsk to southern Russia.<br />This railway would allow Russia to transport military and civilian supplies to the occupied territory without relying on the Crimea bridge, which has been under attack by Ukrainian forces.<br />Ukraine opposes Russia's bid to rejoin the UN Human Rights Council until it is held accountable for its crimes.<br />Russia's invasion of Ukraine and numerous human rights abuses disqualify it from membership in international bodies.<br />The US spokesperson called Russia's bid "preposterous."<br />The Russian admiral, whom Ukraine claimed died in a strike on occupied Crimea, appeared in a video interview, casting doubt on Kyiv's claim.<br />This is the second video released in as many days that challenges Ukraine's assertion.<br />#latestnews #news #cnn
