Bulk of Russian forces now 25km from Kyiv - UK

In its latest intelligence update, the UK's Ministry of Defence says the "bulk" of Russian forces are now 25km (15 miles) from Kyiv's city centre, the BBC reports.

It says the large Russian column north of the capital has dispersed - "likely to support a Russian attempt to encircle the city".

"It could also be an attempt by Russia to reduce its vulnerability to Ukrainian counter-attacks, which have taken a significant toll on Russian forces," the MoD says.

Elsewhere, the cities of Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol and Sumy are encircled and facing heavy shelling, it adds.