The Latest Breaking News from John Kirby

Power blackouts are crippling Ukrainian economy; head of Ukraine’s armed forces expects renewed Russian attempt to capture Kyiv

The comments come as US finalises plans to send the missile systems to intercept barrage of Russian missiles.

Trump and his allies accused Biden of ignoring the imprisoned Marine after securing Brittney Griner’s release from Russia. But officials and Whelan’s family members say Trump didn’t want to take up his case

After Russia turned down a ‘very serious’ proposal, US officials say Joe Biden’s administration is committed to securing former Marine’s release

The U.S. special envoy who helped secure WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release from Russian custody said he spoke to detained American Paul Whelan and assured him “we’re coming to get you.”

Washington (AFP) - US efforts to negotiate the freedom of a former Marine held in Russia as part of the swap involving basketball star Brittney Griner were thwarted by Moscow's demand for the release of a convicted murderer held in Germany, according to a top US official and media reports.

"This business of getting wrongfully detained Americans home, there's nothing easy about it."

Iran is now likely the top military backer of Russia, the UK said, as the Kremlin looks to expand its missile strikes against Ukraine’s national infrastructure. The Biden administration is accusing Russia of moving to provide advanced military assistance to Iran, including air defense systems, helicopters and fighter jets, part…

The United States on Friday expressed alarm over a "full-scale defense partnership" between Moscow and Tehran, describing it as "harmful" to Ukraine, Iran's neighbors and the world. Iran stands accused by Western powers of supplying drones to Russia -- which rejected the US allegations -- as Moscow batters Ukraine's energy…