Ukraine’s defence minister says Russia is preparing a major new offensive, and warned that it could begin as early as the 24th of February.

Oleksi Reznikov said Moscow had amassed thousands of troops and could make a big push to mark the anniversary of the initial invasion last year.

The attack, if carried out, would also mark Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day on the 23rd of February, a day which celebrates the army.

Meanwhile, three people have died in an attack on the city of Kramatorsk with eight others wounded – after a Russian missile struck a residential building.

The toll is expected to rise as rescuers comb through the wreckage.

Ukraine had recently renewed calls for fighter jets to help protect itself from air attacks after Germany, the US and the UK agreed to send tanks