King Charles praises 'determination and strength' of Ukrainian people
Buckingham PalaceCopyright: Buckingham Palace
King Charles III has praised the "determination and strength" of the Ukrainian people in a message marking the second anniversary of the Russian invasion.
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the King says he was "greatly encouraged" by the UK's efforts to support Ukraine and commended their "true valour".
He adds:
Quote Message: Despite the tremendous hardship and pain inflicted upon them, Ukrainians continue to show the heroism with which the world associates them so closely.
Despite the tremendous hardship and pain inflicted upon them, Ukrainians continue to show the heroism with which the world associates them so closely.
Quote Message: Theirs is true valour, in the face of indescribable aggression. I have felt this personally in the many meetings I have had with Ukrainians since the start of the war, from President Zelensky and Mrs Zelenska, to new army recruits training here in the United Kingdom.
Theirs is true valour, in the face of indescribable aggression. I have felt this personally in the many meetings I have had with Ukrainians since the start of the war, from President Zelensky and Mrs Zelenska, to new army recruits training here in the United Kingdom.
Quote Message: My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers."
My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers."
US targets Russia with more than 500 new sanctions
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, Zelensky has been focused on keeping the world's attention on Ukraine.
On Friday, the US on Friday announced more than 500 new sanctions against Russia - both over its invasion of Ukraine and the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
These include measures against Russia's main card payment system, financial and military institutions, and officials involved in Navalny's imprisonment.
The EU has also announced new sanctions on access to military technology.
The measures mark a week since Navalny suddenly died in an Arctic Circle jail.
US President Joe Biden, who met Navalny's widow and daughter in San Francisco on Thursday, has said there can be "no doubt" the Russian president was to blame for his death.
The newly-announced US measures also include nearly 100 firms and individuals which will also face export restrictions.
At least one person has been killed and three others injured in the southern port city.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
EPA-EFECopyright: EPA-EFE
EPA-EFECopyright: EPA-EFE
'Kyiv stood strong': World leaders pay tribute at Hostomel
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
World leaders drew on the symbolic power of their setting at
Hostomel Airport while paying tribute to Ukraine at a press conference
alongside President Zelensky.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the airfield
as a symbol of Moscow’s failure and Ukrainian pride.
“Heroic gestures by a few men changed the course of history.
One of them took place here on 24 February two years ago," she added.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “Putin was sure
he could easily take strategic targets like this airport.
"Russian forces tried
to make quick work of Hostomel Airport…Standing here today, you can see that he
was wrong.”
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the Ukrainian troops who defended
the country in the early days of the invasion and confounded expectations about
their ability to withhold Russia’s invasion force.
She said: “Kyiv stood strong. Your courage stood in Putin’s way. You
did not flee or flinch. A small contingent of Ukrainian heroes held back the
invader, fighting until your last bullet and last breath.
“You managed to stop Russia’s attack to the heart of
Ukraine. You saved your country, you saved all of Europe.”
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo recognised the “devastation,
loss of life…trauma and pain” of the law two years, but said Ukraine’s allies
stood “shoulder to shoulder” with its government.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Hostomel Airport north of Kyiv saw some of the heaviest fighting during the early stages of the 24 February invasion when Russian forces unsuccessfully attempted to take itImage caption: Hostomel Airport north of Kyiv saw some of the heaviest fighting during the early stages of the 24 February invasion when Russian forces unsuccessfully attempted to take it
Zelensky: We are 730 days closer to victory
President of UkraineCopyright: President of Ukraine
Let's bring you the words of Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Ukrainian president spoke a short while ago from Hostomel, the site of the first major battle of the war.
He has been reflecting on the two years that have passed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Zelensky says that two years ago "we met hostile landing with fire here", but two years later "we welcome our friends and partners here".
"We have become 730 days closer to victory," he says, and tells Ukrainians to "keep fighting – you are sure to win!"
"You can burn the plane, but you cannot destroy our dream. The dream with which each one of us has been falling asleep and waking up for 730 days.
"None of us will allow our Ukraine to end," Zelensky says, and adds that in future, "next to the word Ukraine, the word 'independent' will always stand".
Former Ukraine PM: 'We are on the brink'
BBCCopyright: BBC
Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukraine’s former prime minister, says victory
against Russia is about saving the entire western civilisation, “the free world”.
Speaking to the BBC's Lyse Doucet, he says “words matter, but
action is needed” if Ukraine, and its allies, are to prevail.
“This
war is not just about Ukraine and Russia. This is the war that war criminal [Vladimir]
Putin waged against Nato, the western civilisation and against humanity. So, we
are desperate in trying to get this support from our partners,” he adds.
Yatsenyuk says that just 10 minutes ago, he spoke to a friend
on the front line near Bakhmut, which fell to Russian forces after a
hard-fought, nine-month long battle.
“It
is my duty to send him a strong signal that, ‘folks, we will prevail’. The mood
is quite gloomy, frankly speaking.”
He
continues: “We - the entire western world, the free world - are not allowed to
lose this war. We can win, because this is a righteous fight.
“But we desperately need ammunition, we desperately
need support from our western allies.”
He says he also spoke to Americans friends, and told them it could take two months. He says he told them: "Folks, we are on the brink."
Quote Message: We don't have to be over-optimistic, like last year. But neither do we have to be pessimistic. We have to be realistic: We can win this war, we will win this war if we stand united." from Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukraine’s former prime minister
We don't have to be over-optimistic, like last year. But neither do we have to be pessimistic. We have to be realistic: We can win this war, we will win this war if we stand united."
In pictures: Western leaders meet Zelensky in Kyiv
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
As we reported earlier, several Western leaders travelled to Ukraine together on Saturday to show solidarity with Volodymyr Zelensky.
Here are the latest photos we've seen of Ukraine's President Zelensky with the four leaders - Italy's Giorgia Meloni, Canada’s Justin Trudeau and Belgium’s Alexander De Croo, as well as President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Two years of change and constants
James Waterhouse
Ukraine correspondent, in Kyiv
XCopyright: X
The arrival of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made Kyiv feel slightly 2022, but this
is a different war now.
The former leader has arrived along with the current prime ministers of
Italy, Canada and Belgium, as well as President of the European Commission
Ursula Von De Leyen.
Ukrainian President Zelensky’s diplomatic treadmill has never stopped, but he’s
having to work harder than ever to keep the world’s eyes on Russia’s invasion.
There are some glaring omissions,
however. There are no senior US
representatives present, unlike when President Biden visited last year.
What’s
being felt more is the $60bn military aid package
which is blocked in Congress.
It’s mostly why, unlike last year, there is no talk of an upcoming
counter-offensive. The diplomatic dialogue is now focusing on bigger questions
of what it would mean if Ukraine lost.
That’s an unbearable prospect for most Ukrainians - for a Russian win would be to cease to exist.
There is no perceived middle ground either.
A lack of trust means Kyiv
sees any ceasefire as not being worth the paper it’s written on.
War of attrition will continue, with no clear path to victory
James Landale
Diplomatic correspondent
There have been statements of support for Ukraine at the United Nations, promises of military aid to come and further sanctions on Russia.
But none of that can hide the fact this war, for now at least, seems to be moving Moscow's way.
Ukrainian troops are tired, they don't have enough ammunition, their political masters are beginning to squabble.
Western governments, distracted by events elsewhere, hesitate before giving Kyiv the military support it needs.
All the while, Russian troops inch forward, their country's economy firmly on a war footing.
Two years on, this conflict also poses broader questions about America's reliability as an ally, Europe's ability to defend itself - and what some see as their double standards towards Ukraine and Gaza.
And yet, for all that, Russian losses are mounting, especially in the Black Sea, and Ukrainian defensive resolve remains undimmed.
So, for now, this war of attrition will continue at great cost in blood and treasure, with for both sides no clear path to victory, let alone political settlement.
In pictures: Russia's defence chief inspects captured military gear
Meanwhile, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has been visiting troops on the frontline in the Russian-occupied Ukraine.
According to AFP, he told the troops "in terms of the ratio of forces, the advantage is on our side".
Russian Defence Ministry said Shoigu visited a military command centre, with pictures appearing to show him inspecting what Russia said was military equipment captured by Russian troops.
Klitschko: Support for Ukraine important for democratic world
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv and Ukraine’s former world heavyweight boxing champion, has been speaking to BBC Radio 4 about the mood in the Ukrainian capital two years since the Russian full-scale invasion began.
"It's been a long, long time," he tells the Today programme. "Sometimes in Kyiv we have the illusion of peaceful times. But any second we can hear air alarms and everyone has to go immediately into shelters.
"No one has the guarantee of safety in Ukraine."
Recalling the early days of the Russian invasion, Klitschko says the "whole world was surprised by the spirit of Ukrainian soldiers".
"Experts at the beginning of the war gave us a couple of days, maybe a couple of weeks, to [hold out] against one of the biggest armies in the world. But we have already successfully for two years defended our homeland."
Klitschko turns to the matter of Western aid and military support, saying Ukraine needs "much, much more" - "we have a deficit of ammunition," he adds.
Asked if Ukraine risks losing the war if the US doesn't step up its aid contributions, he replies: "We have to fight to defend our homes, our families."
He adds that support for Kyiv is "not just important for Ukraine, but for the democratic world".
UK reaffirms Ukraine support on war anniversary
James Gregory
Live reporter
NO 10 DOWNING STREETCopyright: NO 10 DOWNING STREET
Rishi Sunak said the UK would do "whatever it takes" for Ukraine to achieve victoryImage caption: Rishi Sunak said the UK would do "whatever it takes" for Ukraine to achieve victory
Political leaders in the UK have reaffirmed their support for Ukraine on the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said Britain was prepared to do "whatever it takes" and has pledged almost £250m towards producing artillery shells.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said President Vladimir Putin's "cowardice and barbarity" would not prevail.
It comes a day after the UK announced further sanctions against Russia.
There will be more burning Russian planes - Ukrainian armed forces chief
Ukrainian Presidential Press ServiceCopyright: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service
The commander in chief of Ukraine's armed forces, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, has shared his gratitude to the people defending his country, on messaging app Telegram.
"Every shell, every tank, every armoured vehicle is primarily about preserving the life of a Ukrainian soldier," he says.
Syrskyi says he believes in the near future Ukraine will give an "asymmetric response to the Russian occupier in the air" and adds "there will be even more burning Russian planes".
He concludes by saying "unity is our victory" and "light always overcomes darkness".
Analysis
The loss of an A-50 plane is a massive blow for Russian forces
Abdujalil Abdurasulov
Reporting from Kyiv
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
An A-50 aircraft during a military parade (file photo)Image caption: An A-50 aircraft during a military parade (file photo)
Yesterday Russian media said that “an unidentified
aircraft has crashed in the Krasnodar region” but didn’t specify the type of
the plane and causes of the crash.
Ukrainian military intelligence agency GUR
has provided an audio of what they claim is the conversation of a Su-35 crew
that was accompanying the A-50 in order to shield it from attacks.
In the
alleged intercepted call, the pilot says that he was watching the work of the
air defence while “Bayan (the code name of the A-50 plane) was away [from me]
and then explosions [occurred]. After that I had to manoeuvre…” The BBC
cannot verify the authenticity of the audio.
Russian military bloggers,
however, claim that the plane crashed because of “friendly fire”, that
Russian air defence systems shot down that plane by mistake.
Interestingly, they made the same claim last month when Russia lost another A-50 plane along with an airborne command centre Il-22.
The loss of
an A-50 plane is a massive blow for Russian forces. Its purpose is to detect
airborne targets at long distances and coordinate aerial attacks and air
defence operations.
According to the Military Balance 2022 report, Russia had
six A-50U planes and three more planes of an older make.
Those three planes are
reportedly not fit for combat and therefore not used in the war in Ukraine.
In
2023, Belarusian activists severely damaged one of such planes stationed at an air
base near Minsk. And this year alone Russia appears to have lost two more.
It
means that they probably have only three operational A-50 planes left now.
Russian forces using glide bombs to devastating effect
Andrew Harding
Reporting from Kupyansk
An artillery commander near
the town of Kupyansk says Russian forces are now using glide bombs – dropped
from jets far behind the frontlines – to devastating effect.
“These air bombs are our main
problem. They’re hitting us constantly. We were trying to move positions… and
about ten bombs hit us. This happens almost every day,” said Oleksandr, 26, a
senior lieutenant commanding an artillery battery in Ukraine’s 57th
Brigade.
Kupyansk, towards the
northern end of Ukraine’s frontlines, was seized by Russia and then liberated
in 2022. It is one of several areas now being targeted aggressively by the
Kremlin’s forces as they probe Ukraine’s defensive positions for weaknesses.
“At this stage we are
managing to hold them back,” said Oleksandr. Unlike many other artillery units,
he had enough ammunition at present, but acknowledged “problems” with personnel
and recruitment.
“A quarter of our soldiers
are aged fifty or older. And we just don’t have enough people,” he said.
Russia ignores will of global majority - Ukraine's FM
EPA-EFE/Copyright: EPA-EFE/
On the eve of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion, Ukraine's foreign minister accused Russia of ignoring the will of the world.
Speaking at the UN Security Council in New York on Friday, Dmytro Kuleba said global security had "only deteriorated" over the last two years.
"One of the reasons for this is the bleeding wound in the heart of Europe," he added.
He continued by saying "unfortunately, Russia ignores the will of the global majority".
Russia "continues its aggression and throws more and more men into the flames of war," he said.
In a show of unity, Kuleba also delivered a joint statement with his fellow foreign ministers from countries including the UK, Spain, France, Canada, the Netherlands and Slovenia.
REUTERS/Mike SegarCopyright: REUTERS/Mike Segar
Grant Shapps: Britain will stand by Ukrainians to the end
.Copyright: .
The UK's Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has been speaking to BBC Breakfast this morning.
He says Britain will "stand by Ukrainians to the end" and adds it's important to send the message that a country that invades another's territory "cannot be successful".
However, Shapps also says he's "concerned about the money from the United States".
But it still faces an uphill battle in the House of Representatives, where members of the Republican Party are divided on the measure.
Shapps says it is in America's "self interest" to continue helping Ukraine with financial support, adding that "others are watching - a more assertive China is watching".
Ukraine launched a drone attack overnight on a steel plant belonging to Russia's Novolipetsk RAO.
The attack was a joint operation by the GUR military intelligence
agency and SBU security service, a Ukrainian source has said, according to Reuters.
There has been a major fire at the plant in Lipetsk, which is located approximately 400 kilometres (250 miles) from the Russia-Ukraine border, Staff have been evacuated, the source adds.
We'll bring you more on this as we get it.
Ursula von der Leyen: More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine
TwitterCopyright: Twitter
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has posted a photo showing her arrival in Kyiv on X, formerly known as Twitter.
She says she's in Ukraine's capital to "mark the anniversary of the 2nd year of Russia’s war on Ukraine".
"More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine. Financially, economically, militarily, morally", von der Leyen says, adding "until the country is finally free".
Ukraine's goals shift from liberation, to not losing
James Waterhouse
Ukraine correspondent, in Kyiv
It was on this morning two years ago that Ukrainians woke up to more than 150,000 advancing Russian forces, air raid sirens and missile attacks.
The world had changed and Ukraine was fighting for its survival.
In many ways, little has changed since.
Odesa has bore the brunt of a drone attack overnight, where a person was killed.
What also hasn't stopped is President Volodymyr Zelensky's diplomatic treadmill as he tries to convince Western allies that his country is worth supporting in this fight. Today, he hosts leaders including European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
What has changed, though, is this conflict. Russia is making its size count - and Ukrainian goals have shifted from liberation, to not losing.
Ukraine's war-time leader is looking for new reserves and strength, as well as a new strategy, to try to change the tide for his country.
Live Reporting
Edited by Lauren Turner and Nadia Ragozhina
All times stated are UK
King Charles praises 'determination and strength' of Ukrainian people
King Charles III has praised the "determination and strength" of the Ukrainian people in a message marking the second anniversary of the Russian invasion.
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the King says he was "greatly encouraged" by the UK's efforts to support Ukraine and commended their "true valour".
He adds:
US targets Russia with more than 500 new sanctions
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, Zelensky has been focused on keeping the world's attention on Ukraine.
On Friday, the US on Friday announced more than 500 new sanctions against Russia - both over its invasion of Ukraine and the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
These include measures against Russia's main card payment system, financial and military institutions, and officials involved in Navalny's imprisonment.
The EU has also announced new sanctions on access to military technology.
The measures mark a week since Navalny suddenly died in an Arctic Circle jail.
US President Joe Biden, who met Navalny's widow and daughter in San Francisco on Thursday, has said there can be "no doubt" the Russian president was to blame for his death.
The newly-announced US measures also include nearly 100 firms and individuals which will also face export restrictions.
In pictures: Damage in Odesa
We've just received some more pictures from the overnight drone attack in Odesa.
At least one person has been killed and three others injured in the southern port city.
'Kyiv stood strong': World leaders pay tribute at Hostomel
World leaders drew on the symbolic power of their setting at Hostomel Airport while paying tribute to Ukraine at a press conference alongside President Zelensky.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the airfield as a symbol of Moscow’s failure and Ukrainian pride.
“Heroic gestures by a few men changed the course of history. One of them took place here on 24 February two years ago," she added.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “Putin was sure he could easily take strategic targets like this airport.
"Russian forces tried to make quick work of Hostomel Airport…Standing here today, you can see that he was wrong.”
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the Ukrainian troops who defended the country in the early days of the invasion and confounded expectations about their ability to withhold Russia’s invasion force.
She said: “Kyiv stood strong. Your courage stood in Putin’s way. You did not flee or flinch. A small contingent of Ukrainian heroes held back the invader, fighting until your last bullet and last breath.
“You managed to stop Russia’s attack to the heart of Ukraine. You saved your country, you saved all of Europe.”
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo recognised the “devastation, loss of life…trauma and pain” of the law two years, but said Ukraine’s allies stood “shoulder to shoulder” with its government.
Zelensky: We are 730 days closer to victory
Let's bring you the words of Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Ukrainian president spoke a short while ago from Hostomel, the site of the first major battle of the war.
He has been reflecting on the two years that have passed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Zelensky says that two years ago "we met hostile landing with fire here", but two years later "we welcome our friends and partners here".
"We have become 730 days closer to victory," he says, and tells Ukrainians to "keep fighting – you are sure to win!"
"You can burn the plane, but you cannot destroy our dream. The dream with which each one of us has been falling asleep and waking up for 730 days.
"None of us will allow our Ukraine to end," Zelensky says, and adds that in future, "next to the word Ukraine, the word 'independent' will always stand".
Former Ukraine PM: 'We are on the brink'
Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukraine’s former prime minister, says victory against Russia is about saving the entire western civilisation, “the free world”.
Speaking to the BBC's Lyse Doucet, he says “words matter, but action is needed” if Ukraine, and its allies, are to prevail.
“This war is not just about Ukraine and Russia. This is the war that war criminal [Vladimir] Putin waged against Nato, the western civilisation and against humanity. So, we are desperate in trying to get this support from our partners,” he adds.
Yatsenyuk says that just 10 minutes ago, he spoke to a friend on the front line near Bakhmut, which fell to Russian forces after a hard-fought, nine-month long battle.
“It is my duty to send him a strong signal that, ‘folks, we will prevail’. The mood is quite gloomy, frankly speaking.”
He continues: “We - the entire western world, the free world - are not allowed to lose this war. We can win, because this is a righteous fight.
“But we desperately need ammunition, we desperately need support from our western allies.”
He says he also spoke to Americans friends, and told them it could take two months. He says he told them: "Folks, we are on the brink."
In pictures: Western leaders meet Zelensky in Kyiv
As we reported earlier, several Western leaders travelled to Ukraine together on Saturday to show solidarity with Volodymyr Zelensky.
Here are the latest photos we've seen of Ukraine's President Zelensky with the four leaders - Italy's Giorgia Meloni, Canada’s Justin Trudeau and Belgium’s Alexander De Croo, as well as President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
Two years of change and constants
James Waterhouse
Ukraine correspondent, in Kyiv
The arrival of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made Kyiv feel slightly 2022, but this is a different war now.
The former leader has arrived along with the current prime ministers of Italy, Canada and Belgium, as well as President of the European Commission Ursula Von De Leyen.
Ukrainian President Zelensky’s diplomatic treadmill has never stopped, but he’s having to work harder than ever to keep the world’s eyes on Russia’s invasion.
There are some glaring omissions, however. There are no senior US representatives present, unlike when President Biden visited last year.
What’s being felt more is the $60bn military aid package which is blocked in Congress.
It’s mostly why, unlike last year, there is no talk of an upcoming counter-offensive. The diplomatic dialogue is now focusing on bigger questions of what it would mean if Ukraine lost.
That’s an unbearable prospect for most Ukrainians - for a Russian win would be to cease to exist.
There is no perceived middle ground either.
A lack of trust means Kyiv sees any ceasefire as not being worth the paper it’s written on.
War of attrition will continue, with no clear path to victory
James Landale
Diplomatic correspondent
There have been statements of support for Ukraine at the United Nations, promises of military aid to come and further sanctions on Russia.
But none of that can hide the fact this war, for now at least, seems to be moving Moscow's way.
Ukrainian troops are tired, they don't have enough ammunition, their political masters are beginning to squabble.
Western governments, distracted by events elsewhere, hesitate before giving Kyiv the military support it needs.
All the while, Russian troops inch forward, their country's economy firmly on a war footing.
Two years on, this conflict also poses broader questions about America's reliability as an ally, Europe's ability to defend itself - and what some see as their double standards towards Ukraine and Gaza.
And yet, for all that, Russian losses are mounting, especially in the Black Sea, and Ukrainian defensive resolve remains undimmed.
So, for now, this war of attrition will continue at great cost in blood and treasure, with for both sides no clear path to victory, let alone political settlement.
In pictures: Russia's defence chief inspects captured military gear
Meanwhile, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has been visiting troops on the frontline in the Russian-occupied Ukraine.
According to AFP, he told the troops "in terms of the ratio of forces, the advantage is on our side".
He was also briefed on Russian troops "continuing their advance" after taking Avdiivka.
Russian Defence Ministry said Shoigu visited a military command centre, with pictures appearing to show him inspecting what Russia said was military equipment captured by Russian troops.
Klitschko: Support for Ukraine important for democratic world
Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv and Ukraine’s former world heavyweight boxing champion, has been speaking to BBC Radio 4 about the mood in the Ukrainian capital two years since the Russian full-scale invasion began.
"It's been a long, long time," he tells the Today programme. "Sometimes in Kyiv we have the illusion of peaceful times. But any second we can hear air alarms and everyone has to go immediately into shelters.
"No one has the guarantee of safety in Ukraine."
Recalling the early days of the Russian invasion, Klitschko says the "whole world was surprised by the spirit of Ukrainian soldiers".
"Experts at the beginning of the war gave us a couple of days, maybe a couple of weeks, to [hold out] against one of the biggest armies in the world. But we have already successfully for two years defended our homeland."
Klitschko turns to the matter of Western aid and military support, saying Ukraine needs "much, much more" - "we have a deficit of ammunition," he adds.
Asked if Ukraine risks losing the war if the US doesn't step up its aid contributions, he replies: "We have to fight to defend our homes, our families."
He adds that support for Kyiv is "not just important for Ukraine, but for the democratic world".
UK reaffirms Ukraine support on war anniversary
James Gregory
Live reporter
Political leaders in the UK have reaffirmed their support for Ukraine on the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said Britain was prepared to do "whatever it takes" and has pledged almost £250m towards producing artillery shells.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said President Vladimir Putin's "cowardice and barbarity" would not prevail.
It comes a day after the UK announced further sanctions against Russia.
Sunak, who visited Kyiv last month to sign a new security agreement and announce £2.5bn of military aid to Ukraine over the coming year, has said "we must renew our determination" on this "grim anniversary".
Read more on this story.
There will be more burning Russian planes - Ukrainian armed forces chief
The commander in chief of Ukraine's armed forces, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, has shared his gratitude to the people defending his country, on messaging app Telegram.
"Every shell, every tank, every armoured vehicle is primarily about preserving the life of a Ukrainian soldier," he says.
Syrskyi says he believes in the near future Ukraine will give an "asymmetric response to the Russian occupier in the air" and adds "there will be even more burning Russian planes".
He concludes by saying "unity is our victory" and "light always overcomes darkness".
The loss of an A-50 plane is a massive blow for Russian forces
Abdujalil Abdurasulov
Reporting from Kyiv
There has been no official reaction from Moscow to the claims that Ukraine has shot down a Russian A-50 spy plane.
Yesterday Russian media said that “an unidentified aircraft has crashed in the Krasnodar region” but didn’t specify the type of the plane and causes of the crash.
Ukrainian military intelligence agency GUR has provided an audio of what they claim is the conversation of a Su-35 crew that was accompanying the A-50 in order to shield it from attacks.
In the alleged intercepted call, the pilot says that he was watching the work of the air defence while “Bayan (the code name of the A-50 plane) was away [from me] and then explosions [occurred]. After that I had to manoeuvre…” The BBC cannot verify the authenticity of the audio.
Russian military bloggers, however, claim that the plane crashed because of “friendly fire”, that Russian air defence systems shot down that plane by mistake.
Interestingly, they made the same claim last month when Russia lost another A-50 plane along with an airborne command centre Il-22.
The loss of an A-50 plane is a massive blow for Russian forces. Its purpose is to detect airborne targets at long distances and coordinate aerial attacks and air defence operations.
According to the Military Balance 2022 report, Russia had six A-50U planes and three more planes of an older make.
Those three planes are reportedly not fit for combat and therefore not used in the war in Ukraine.
In 2023, Belarusian activists severely damaged one of such planes stationed at an air base near Minsk. And this year alone Russia appears to have lost two more.
It means that they probably have only three operational A-50 planes left now.
Russian forces using glide bombs to devastating effect
Andrew Harding
Reporting from Kupyansk
An artillery commander near the town of Kupyansk says Russian forces are now using glide bombs – dropped from jets far behind the frontlines – to devastating effect.
“These air bombs are our main problem. They’re hitting us constantly. We were trying to move positions… and about ten bombs hit us. This happens almost every day,” said Oleksandr, 26, a senior lieutenant commanding an artillery battery in Ukraine’s 57th Brigade.
Kupyansk, towards the northern end of Ukraine’s frontlines, was seized by Russia and then liberated in 2022. It is one of several areas now being targeted aggressively by the Kremlin’s forces as they probe Ukraine’s defensive positions for weaknesses.
“At this stage we are managing to hold them back,” said Oleksandr. Unlike many other artillery units, he had enough ammunition at present, but acknowledged “problems” with personnel and recruitment.
“A quarter of our soldiers are aged fifty or older. And we just don’t have enough people,” he said.
Russia ignores will of global majority - Ukraine's FM
On the eve of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion, Ukraine's foreign minister accused Russia of ignoring the will of the world.
Speaking at the UN Security Council in New York on Friday, Dmytro Kuleba said global security had "only deteriorated" over the last two years.
"One of the reasons for this is the bleeding wound in the heart of Europe," he added.
He continued by saying "unfortunately, Russia ignores the will of the global majority".
Russia "continues its aggression and throws more and more men into the flames of war," he said.
In a show of unity, Kuleba also delivered a joint statement with his fellow foreign ministers from countries including the UK, Spain, France, Canada, the Netherlands and Slovenia.
Grant Shapps: Britain will stand by Ukrainians to the end
The UK's Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has been speaking to BBC Breakfast this morning.
He says Britain will "stand by Ukrainians to the end" and adds it's important to send the message that a country that invades another's territory "cannot be successful".
However, Shapps also says he's "concerned about the money from the United States".
Earlier this week, the US Senate approved a $95bn (£75bn) foreign aid package - which includes $60bn for Ukraine - after months of political wrangling.
But it still faces an uphill battle in the House of Representatives, where members of the Republican Party are divided on the measure.
Shapps says it is in America's "self interest" to continue helping Ukraine with financial support, adding that "others are watching - a more assertive China is watching".
Russian steel plant attacked overnight - Ukrainian source
Ukraine launched a drone attack overnight on a steel plant belonging to Russia's Novolipetsk RAO.
The attack was a joint operation by the GUR military intelligence agency and SBU security service, a Ukrainian source has said, according to Reuters.
There has been a major fire at the plant in Lipetsk, which is located approximately 400 kilometres (250 miles) from the Russia-Ukraine border, Staff have been evacuated, the source adds.
We'll bring you more on this as we get it.
Ursula von der Leyen: More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has posted a photo showing her arrival in Kyiv on X, formerly known as Twitter.
She says she's in Ukraine's capital to "mark the anniversary of the 2nd year of Russia’s war on Ukraine".
"More than ever, we stand firmly by Ukraine. Financially, economically, militarily, morally", von der Leyen says, adding "until the country is finally free".
Ukraine's goals shift from liberation, to not losing
James Waterhouse
Ukraine correspondent, in Kyiv
It was on this morning two years ago that Ukrainians woke up to more than 150,000 advancing Russian forces, air raid sirens and missile attacks.
The world had changed and Ukraine was fighting for its survival.
In many ways, little has changed since.
Odesa has bore the brunt of a drone attack overnight, where a person was killed.
What also hasn't stopped is President Volodymyr Zelensky's diplomatic treadmill as he tries to convince Western allies that his country is worth supporting in this fight. Today, he hosts leaders including European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
What has changed, though, is this conflict. Russia is making its size count - and Ukrainian goals have shifted from liberation, to not losing.
Ukraine's war-time leader is looking for new reserves and strength, as well as a new strategy, to try to change the tide for his country.