Russia-Ukraine war – live: Putin suffers ‘mass casualties’ as China ‘in secret talks over tunnel to Crimea’

Ukraine’s long-range precision strikes are inflicting mass casualties among Vladimir Putin’s forces “well behind the frontline”, the UK’s Ministry of Defence has claimed. The dire lack of rotation among frontline troops is leaving Russia’s commanders with “an acute dilemma” of whether to keep soldiers safely dispersed or gather them in groups to boost morale, the ministry claimed – pointing to two recent strikes which likely caused dozens of casualties in Russian-held territory. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military claimed to be inflicting major losses as Russia seeks to try and encircle the key strategic city of Avdiivka in the east, with Kyiv insisting its soldiers are “standing their ground” and “steadfastly holding the defence”. It came as the Washington Post reported that Ukraine’s security service had intercepted emails showing Chinese business executives were potentially open to helping Russia construct a vast underwater tunnel linking the mainland to annexed Crimea. While the project would likely take years to complete, retaining the annexed peninsula is a priority for Vladimir Putin, whose prized 11-mile bridge over the Kerch Strait is under sustained Ukrainian attacks. Read More Putin G20 speech: What Russian leader said in virtual address about Ukraine war ‘tragedy’ Ukraine says at least three dead in Russian airstrike on hospital Putin may start sourcing ballistic missiles from Iran, warns White House Finland erects barriers at border with Russia to control influx of migrants. The Kremlin objects