Ukraine LIVE: US and Russia issue veiled nuclear threats as WW3 tensions explode

Russia is reportedly ready to test its new nuclear-armed, nuclear-powered cruse missile ahead of Vladimir Putin's meeting with Donald Trump on Friday.

Jeffrey Lewis, of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, analysed recent images from commercial satellite firm Planet Labs.

Separately, Decker Eveleth of the CNA research and analysis organisation did the same.

They both said there was significant activity at the Pankovo test site, such as increased personnel, equipment, ships, and aircraft associated with tests of the 9M730 Burevestnik (Storm Petrel).

Lewis said: “We can see all of the activity at the test site, which is both huge amounts of supplies coming in to support operations and movement at the place where they actually launch the missile.”

An oil refinery in Russia's Volgograd region is reportedly on fire after debris fell from Ukrainian drones.

Governor Andrey Bocharov said: "Firefighters quickly began extinguishing the fire. According to preliminary data, there were no casualties."

Air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 44 drones overnight, including nine over Volgograd, the defence ministry said.

Sir Keir Starmer threatened Vladimir Putin with further economic sanctions should he fail to engage with peace negotiations.

The UK is already working on its next package of measures targeting Russia, he added.

The PM said: “We’re ready to support this, including from the plans we’ve already drawn up to deploy a reassurance force once hostilities have ceased.

“It is important to remind colleagues that we do stand ready also to increase pressure on Russia, particularly the economy, with sanctions and wider measures as may be necessary.”

Volodymyr Zelensky is due to meet with Sir Keir Starmer this morning before Donald Trump's summit with Vladimir Putin on Friday.

Sir Keir and European leaders have repeatedly said discussions about Ukraine should not happen without it, amid concerns the country is being sidelined in negotiations about its own future.

Asked if it was his decision to not invite Mr Zelensky to the meeting, Mr Trump said "no just the opposite", before adding that a second meeting with the Ukrainian president could take place afterwards.

We'll be bringing you all the latest updates after Downing Street confirmed Zelensky will meet the PM today. More to follow.