‘Barbaric’ Poltava attack kills 51 amid major political shake up in Ukraine – live

Ukraine’s government is undergoing a significant shake-up, with at least six ministers resigning and a presidential aide fired.

The changes come as president Volodymyr Zelensky prepares for a critical period in the war against Russian forces. The ministers who resigned include deputy prime minister Olha Stefanishyna, the justice, environment, and reintegration ministers, and the head of Ukraine’s State Property Fund.

About a third of the cabinet positions are now vacant.

Mr Zelensky signalled the reshuffle last week, citing the need for change, and is expected to outline his “victory plan” to Joe Biden during an upcoming visit to the US.

The Taoiseach, Simon Harris, will announce £36m in aid to Ukraine, made up of a new allocation of £30m to partner organisations through its development body Irish Aid, and £6m to European Investment Bank projects which had been previously flagged.

The Irish government said the £30m package will provide essential humanitarian assistance, support rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction, and contribute to Ukraine’s longer-term goals, including peace, stability and political aspirations.

Mr Harris said: “Two and a half years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to face immense challenges.

“We have seen the remarkable resilience shown by the people of Ukraine in the face of these challenges.

“That same determination and resolve will be needed to rebuild their country, with support from international partners including Ireland.

“We have been unequivocal and steadfast in our support for the people of Ukraine and this additional funding continues to demonstrate that commitment.”

Irish premier Simon Harris is to meet Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv as Ireland prepares to announce millions in new funding for Ukraine.

The visit on Wednesday comes the day after at least 50 people were killed and 200 injured when two Russian ballistic missiles struck a military training facility and hospital in Poltava, 200 miles south east of Kyiv.

Mr Harris and Mr Zelensky will sign a joint Agreement on Support and Co-operation during a bilateral meeting in the Ukrainian capital.

The Irish leader will visit areas bombed by Russia and also meet Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal.

Mr Harris said: “I want to see first hand and with my own eyes the impact of war on the continent of Europe.”

Russia launched a missile attack on the capital Kyiv and a drone attack on the western city of Lviv, not far from the border with Nato-member Poland, Ukraine military officials said on Wednesday, with air defence units engaged in repelling the attacks.

Reuters witnesses heard several blasts on the outskirts of Kyiv in what sounded like air defence systems in operation.

The whole of Ukraine was under air raid alerts, Ukraine’s air force said on the Telegram messaging app.

Polish aircraft were activated early on Wednesday for the third time in eight days to ensure the safety of Polish airspace after Russia launched strikes on Ukraine, the Operational Command of the Polish armed forces said.

“This is another very busy night for the entire air defence system in Poland due to the observed activity of the long-range aviation of the Russian Federation carrying out strikes,” the Command said on X.