Vladimir Putin warns diplomats to evacuate Kyiv in preparation for mass Russian attack

Vladimir Putin has warned diplomats to evacuate Kyiv ahead of a potential Russian "mass attack".

On Monday, Russia's Defence Ministry said it would recognise a truce in Ukraine for Friday and Saturday ahead of Victory Day on May 9, celebrated in Britain as VE Day.

But amid fears of a Ukrainian drone blitz during the parade - and the subsequent Russian retaliation, Mr Putin's Foreign Ministry has issued a grave warning.

Kremlin bosses told diplomatic missions from all countries to evacuate their staff in Kyiv in the event of a mass strike by Moscow.

"We believe that human life is of incomparably greater value than the 'celebration' of any anniversary," Mr Zelensky said.

Traditionally, Moscow commemorates the day with a miliary parade featuring tanks, missiles, and other equipment - but Saturday's celebrations will be a rather more pared-back affair.

At Armenia's gathering of European leaders and in response to Moscow's announcement, Mr Zelensky prodded: "They cannot afford military equipment - and they fear drones may buzz over Red Square."

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the Ukrainian premier had made "aggressive and threatening statements" about disrupting the parade.

She said: "The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly urges the authorities of your country... to treat this statement with the utmost responsibility and ensure the timely evacuation from the city of Kyiv of the personnel of diplomatic and other representations in connection with the inevitability of a retaliatory strike on Kyiv by Russia's Armed Forces."

In response to Russia's truce offer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a ceasefire to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mr Zelensky said Russia had struck Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Kramatorsk on Tuesday - in violation of his proposal.

"We can confirm that the Russian side has derailed the ceasefire regime," the Ukrainian President said in a statement on social media, opening the door for possible strikes at Victory Day.

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Russia was accused of violating the ceasefire a total of 1,820 times by 10am alone.

Ihor Klymenko, Ukraine’s Interior Minister, said 28 people had been killed and at least 120 injured as a result of the strikes on Tueday.

According to the Russian-backed leader of Crimea, Ukraine's drone strikes killed five people in the region.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday after the strikes.

"The two discussed the US-Russia relationship, the Russia-Ukraine war, and Iran," a spokesman for the Department of State said.

Mr Rubio confirmed the call and said the pair had discussed the "schedule of bilateral contacts", but did not elaborate any further.

At the Armenian meeting, Sir Keir Starmer said Britain would start talks to access the European Union's £78billion loan to Ukraine in a move that would strengthen relations with the European bloc.

Mr Zelensky exchanged remarks with Sir Keir, telling the Prime Minister to pass his "best regards and thanks" to King Charles III for his support of Ukraine during his state visit to the US.

Sir Keir told the Ukrainian President the UK was "ready to do the necessary work" with allies to support Ukraine and "make sure that we get a just and lasting peace" with Russia.