Russia-Ukraine updates: US sanctions Russian military shipbuilder, diamond miner

Gen. Tod Wolters, the top U.S. military commander in Europe, met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill Tuesday, telling them he expects he’ll need more U.S. troops and it’s possible they may become a permanent force in the country.

With U.S. troop levels in Europe now at 100,000 from 60,000 just a few months ago, Wolters said it’s very likely that the number of troops could continue to rise depending on the situation in Ukraine.

“My suspicion is we're going to still need more,” Wolters said. "And obviously, there's always a mix between the requirement of permanent versus rotational and there are pluses and minuses of each one. We'll have to continue to examine the European contributions to make a smart decision about where to go in the future."

Wolters praised Ukraine’s military and its ability to stall Russian military operations through the weapons systems provided by the U.S. military.

When asked if the U.S. had overestimated the Russians and underestimated Ukraine’s defensive capability, Wolters said in part, "When this crisis is over with we will accomplish a comprehensive after-action review in all domains and in all departments and find out where our weak areas. Where it makes sure that we can find ways to improve and this could be one of those areas."

-ABC News' Luis Martinez

The United Kingdom's National Crime Agency said it's seized a superyacht owned by a Russian national -- worth around $49.92 million -- in Canary Wharf in London.

The National Crime Agency's statement doesn't identify the Russian national but says the owner deliberately registered the ship to a company based in Saint Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. The agency also said the ship carried Maltese flags, allegedly to hide its origins.

British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the seizure "turned an icon of Russia’s power and wealth into a clear and stark warning to Putin and his cronies." Shapps said the seizure proves "we can and will take the strongest possible action against those seeking to benefit from Russian connections."

-ABC News' Christine Theodorou

Belgium announced Tuesday its decision to expel 21 Russian intelligence officers.

The officers were working for the Russian embassy and consulate in Brussels and were allegedly involved "in espionage and influence operations threatening national security," Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes said in a statement on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands said it has expelled 17 Russian intelligence officers. The officers were in The Netherlands under diplomatic cover, Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra said in a statement on Twitter.

Ireland confirmed it has asked four senior Russian officials to leave the country.

"This is because their activities have not been in accordance with international standards of diplomatic behaviour," Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said in a statement posted to Twitter. "The Government continues to believe that diplomatic channels between Ireland and the Russian Federation should remain open."

The Czech Republic also announced its decision to expel one Russian diplomat from the Russian embassy in Prague. The individual was requested to leave the country within 72 hours.

"Together with our Allies, we are reducing the Russian intelligence presence in the EU," the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Twitter.

-ABC News' Christine Theodorou

Tuesday's talks in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia have concluded.

Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky told reporters the talks were "constructive."

Meanwhile, Alexander Chaly of the Ukrainian delegation told reporters that talks will continue, and in two weeks they plan to involve other countries in the negotiation process.

Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia said he believes enough has been covered to now involve the presidents of Ukraine and Russia in the talks.

Medinsky noted, "As a result of today's substantive conversation, we have approved and offer a solution, according to which a meeting between the heads of state is possible simultaneously with the initialing of the agreement."

"The proposed format is like this: first an agreement will be drafted, then the agreement will be approved by the negotiators and signed by the foreign ministers at a meeting, and then the possibility of a meeting between the heads of state will be discussed in order to sign this agreement," Medinsky said.

Ukrainian officials said a military alliance of other countries -- including the U.S. -- needs to be created to provide security protections to Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed skepticism about the talks, saying he would leave it to the Ukrainians to characterize any progress.