Kyiv orders troops to pull out of Sievierodonetsk – as it happened

This live blog is now closed. We will be returning in a few hours to bring you all the latest developments

Ukraine’s main domestic security agency said on Friday it had uncovered a Russian spy network involving Ukrainian lawmaker Andriy Derkach who was previously accused by the United States of being a Russian agent.The State Security Service said Derkach, whose whereabouts were not made clear, set up a network of private security firms to use them to ease and support the entry of Russian units into cities during Moscow’s Feb. 24 invasion.

Kolykhayev said Derkach’s security firms “had to ensure the passage of vehicles, get into armoured vehicles with Russian flags, and thus ensure peaceful entry into the city.”Derkach was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in September 2020 for what it said were attempts to influence the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

GuardianAus /  🏆 1. in AU

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Albanese visiting Kyiv would be a ‘matter of symbolism’
Read more »

Albanese should send Putin a message by visiting KyivAustralia has a vital diplomatic role to play as one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters outside Europe and North America. Albanese can send an important diplomatic signal our country stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in its struggle.
Read more »

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskiy hails EU decision; Russian forces encircle troops in Lysychansk, Kyiv officials say – live newsVolodymyr Zelenskiy says ‘Ukraine’s future is in the EU;’ all of eastern city of Lysychansk within reach of Russian fire, Luhansk governor says
Read more »

Russia-Ukraine war: EU leaders to decide on Kyiv bid; Russia aims to turn Donbas cities into a Mariupol, Zelenskiy says – live newsVolodymyr Zelenskiy describes pending decision at Brussels summit a ‘crucial moment’ and motivator for Ukraine; calls for parity on the Donbas battlefield in plea for heavy weapons
Read more »

Ukrainian forces to withdraw from Sievierodonetsk as city is 'smashed to pieces'The last Ukrainian troops holding out in a desperate battle for the city of Sievierodonetsk are ordered to withdraw, but analysts say it is not a major strategic victory for Moscow.
Read more »

Last Ukrainian forces in Sievierodonetsk ordered to withdrawNeighbouring city of Lysychansk could fall within days as Russia continues slow advance in Donbas
Read more »