Russia-Ukraine updates: Putin says war was ‘unleashed’ on Russia
The Russian president delivered his annual Victory Day speech.
More than a year after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the countries are fighting for control of areas in eastern and southern Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's forces are readying a spring counteroffensive, but Putin appears to be preparing for a long and bloody war.
For previous coverage, please click here.
Latest headlines:
Key events in the year since Russia invaded Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Feb. 21, 2022, that he had recognized two Russian-backed separatist areas in eastern Ukraine, Donetsk and Luhansk, as independent states.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy followed the announcement by saying that Ukraine had cut diplomatic ties with Russia. Putin then gave a speech on Feb. 24, 2022, announcing he would launch a "special military operation" in Ukraine.
Minutes after the announcement, explosions could be heard in Kyiv. What followed was a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with thousands of troops crossing the country's borders. Here are the key events that occurred in the year since then.
-ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab
White House says Iran's support for Russia is expanding
The White House is now warning that Iran’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine is "expanding" with the country sending additional military aid in November with the expectation that more will be obtained.
"In November, Iran shipped artillery and tank rounds to Russia for use in Ukraine," White House spokesperson John Kirby said Friday. "Russia is planning to cooperate with Iran to obtain more military equipment."
In return, Kirby said that Russia “has been offering Iran unprecedented defense cooperation, including on missiles, electronics and air defense.”
“We believe that Russia might provide Iran with fighter jets. Iran is also seeking to purchase additional military equipment from Russia including attack helicopters, radars and combat trainer aircraft. In total, Iran is seeking billions of dollars of military equipment from Russia," Kirby said.
-ABC News' Justin Gomez