Russia advances in Ukraine but suffers losses, rows with Western powers

Alla, 64, a local resident who received help from the Insulate Ukraine charity after she faced the consequences of a Russian military attack in the town of Mykolaivka, Donetsk [Alina Smutko/Reuters]

A war of words over Ukraine took centre-stage in the past week, as the European Union sought to bolster its defence readiness, NATO celebrated its 75th birthday and Russia issued threats and promises.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament she would pursue a defence union if re-elected for another five years, which she ultimately was.