Russian forces struck a cargo ⁠vessel in Ukraine’s Black Sea ⁠port ​of ⁠Odesa on Monday, ⁠Russia’s ​Defence Ministry said.

The ⁠ministry ‌did not identify the ‌vessel but ‌said it had delivered ⁠what it described as a military cargo.

Reuters could not ‌independently ​verify ‌the ⁠claim.

​The EU is “accelerating” the rollout of its €90 billion ($105 ⁠billion) loan to Ukraine to support the country’s ⁠air ​defence ⁠and energy infrastructure, EU ⁠Council President Antonio ​Costa ⁠said on ‌Monday.

“We will continue to support ‌Ukraine for ‌as long as necessary and provide ⁠Ukraine with security guarantees once this terrible war ends, so that it never ‌happens again,” ​Mr Costa said in ‌a ⁠post on X ⁠following a ‌visit ​to Kyiv.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said there ⁠will be a “diplomatic track” with Russia as he discussed Moscow’s ⁠stepped-up ​attacks ⁠in the Black Sea ⁠that have curbed ​Ukraine’s ⁠export capabilities.

Ukraine ‌will also strengthen its air ‌defences in ‌the region, he told reporters.

“There is ⁠no total blockade today, but there is an attempt at one. Nevertheless, three ‌or four ​ships a ‌day ⁠are entering and leaving ⁠Greater Odesa,” ‌he ​added.

Russia’s seventh-largest oil processing plant stopped operations following a Ukrainian drone attack on Friday, two industry sources have told Reuters..

Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, including oil refineries, in recent months to undermine Moscow’s war efforts and cut its financial income.

Last week Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine’s military hit a Russian oil refinery in the city of Perm.

Sources told Reuters the primary CDU-4 unit, which accounts for almost 40% of the plant’s capacity, was halted on August 21. It is able to process 14,000 metric tons of oil per day.

According to preliminary estimates, the repair works could take between one and two weeks.

Another primary refining unit, CDU-5, which accounts for 34% of the plant’s capacity, has been idle since a July 29 drone attack, according to the sources.

Andy Burnham has responded to Russia’s accusation that Britain has “added fuel to the fire” with its Storm Shadow agreement with Ukraine.

Asked about the Kremlin’s comments, the PM said: “Who started the fire? That’s the question, isn’t it? Ukraine did not do that.

“Russia began this illegal invasion, and that is absolutely clear, and they could stop it at any given time.

“People would expect me to be out here showing our unflinching support. And that’s what I’m doing.”

Sweden is preparing to transfer Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, foreign minister Andrii Sybiha announced today.

After a meeting with his Swedish counterpart Maria Stenergard, he announced the deal on X: “Sweden’s exceptional Gripen jets are preparing to protect Ukrainian skies,

“We took stock of the implementation schedule for our leaders’ agreements, as well as our ongoing work on the bilateral Drone Deal.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla have congratulated Ukraine on Independence Day, praising the nation for its “unwavering determination” in the war.

In a statement posted by the British Embassy in Kyiv, His Majesty said: “Both my wife and I send our sincere and special wishes to you and to all Ukrainians for the possibility of peace, security and prosperity in the year ahead.”

Charles added that he continues to draw inspiration from the strong friendship between the two countries.

At least 20 people have been wounded in a Russian attack on an apartment building in the centre of Chernihiv earlier today.

Two children aged 12 and 17 are among the wounded, according to the city military administration.

A fire broke out at the site of the strike and firefighters are tackling the raging flames.

Footage from the scene show the plumes of smoke rising from the wreckage.

“A cynical strike by Russian terrorists on a residential building in Chernihiv,” said Viacheslav Chaus, head of Chernihiv Oblast military administration.

“In the middle of the day – on Independence Day.”

Ten Ukrainian soldiers who were considered “missing in action” have been returned to Ukraine through Belarus on Independence Day.

Sharing photos of the men draped in Ukrainian flags, Volodymyr Zelensky said: “They defended the country in the Donetsk sector.

“All of them had been considered missing in action. And it is very important that we managed to bring them back.”

Their return is part of the latest exchange of captured fighters between the warring sides.