Russian troops are expanding their invasion towards the west of Ukraine, with formerly safe cities of Lutsk and Ivano-Frankivsk hit with missile strikes in the last day.
While satellite images appear to show forces making a determined push towards the capital Kyiv.
Gunfire and shelling have been heard on the outskirts of the city this morning.
In his latest video address Ukraine's President has condemned Russian forces for trapping people in the southern city of Mariupol.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also claimed the mayor of another city has been kidnapped
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A bus bound for the Ukrainian border is accepting donations at Blackpool Shopping centre today from 10am to 5pm.
Cronin's Coaches in partnership with Dennehy Transport will be delivering aid to Ukrainian refugees and will be returning to Ireland with 40 women and children who were forced to leave their country due to the Russian invasion.
Three drivers will be making the 2,500 kilometre journey on Tuesday and will be returning on the following Monday.
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Taoiseach Micheál Martin will meet the British Prime Minister this afternoon as part of his St Patrick's Day trip to the UK.
The two leaders will meet at Twickenham stadium before Ireland and England play each other in the Six Nations.
Brexit and the response to the war in Ukraine will be high on the agenda.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin says he wants to use the next week to build on relations with the UK and US
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Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow rain warning for Cork and 11 other counties from 3pm today.
Heavy rain and strong winds are expected throughout Munster along with Wicklow, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford and Galway
There's also a yellow wind warning coming into force at the same time for the South and East of the country.
