Russia has recalled its ambassador to the United Kingdom amid worsening diplomatic relations with London over Britain's continued support for Ukraine. The departure of Andrey Kelin, who served as Moscow's ambassador in London for more than seven years, has left the Russian diplomatic mission without a permanent ambassador as tensions between the two countries continue to deepen.

Kelin left Britain on July 21, but Moscow has not nominated a successor to the UK Foreign Office. The Russian embassy in London said the post is currently being handled by a chargé d'affaires and indicated that a more constructive relationship could resume if Britain changes its approach towards Russia.

Moscow keeps ambassador post vacant

A spokesperson for the Russian embassy confirmed that the Kremlin had not submitted a candidate to replace Kelin. The embassy is therefore continuing its diplomatic work under a chargé d'affaires, without a permanent ambassador in London.

Kelin's departure comes against the backdrop of a sharp deterioration in UK-Russia relations since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly criticised Western countries for their military, political and economic support for Kyiv and has warned of consequences in response to what it considers hostile policies.

Britain maintains support for Ukraine

The latest development comes as Britain continues to strongly support Ukraine despite repeated warnings from Moscow.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said Britain will continue to support Ukraine fully. His remarks followed Russian warnings over the reported use of British-made drones in attacks on targets deep inside Russian territory.

The Russian embassy in London has previously raised concerns about Britain's alleged involvement in such attacks, while the UK has continued to provide military and political backing to Kyiv.

Putin warns of retaliation

The diplomatic dispute is also unfolding alongside an escalation in attacks targeting Russian economic infrastructure.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting parts of Russia's economy and warned that Moscow would respond by hitting what he described as Ukraine's most sensitive economic sectors.

Ukraine has increasingly used drones against Russian oil refineries and other infrastructure linked to Moscow's war effort. Kyiv has argued that such operations are intended to disrupt Russia's ability to finance and sustain the war.

Diplomatic divide widens

Moscow's decision not to immediately appoint a replacement for Kelin highlights the increasingly limited space for diplomatic engagement between Russia and Britain.

The relationship has deteriorated substantially since the Ukraine war began, with sanctions, military assistance to Kyiv and accusations over attacks on Russian territory becoming major points of contention.

Russia has previously warned that diplomatic relations with Western countries could be downgraded in response to what it calls unfriendly actions. Moscow has also taken similar steps involving several European countries since the start of the conflict.

Ukraine remains central to tensions

Britain's continued commitment to Ukraine and Russia's increasingly aggressive response to Ukrainian strikes are likely to remain central to the relationship between Moscow and London.

For now, Russia's embassy in London will operate under a chargé d'affaires, while no timetable has been given for the appointment of a new ambassador. The vacant post reflects the broader diplomatic freeze between the two countries as the Ukraine conflict continues.

The Embassy of India in Ukraine has said it is giving the "highest priority" to the safety and well-being of Indian seafarers stranded in the war-hit country after a merchant vessel carrying Indian crew members docked at a Ukrainian port following damage.

The statement comes after the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) reported that 13 Indian sailors are stranded aboard MV Amir 1, which is currently anchored at Chornomorsk Port in Ukraine amid continuing drone and missile attacks in the surrounding region.

Embassy Monitoring Situation Closely

In an official statement, the Indian Embassy said it is fully aware of the situation and is maintaining continuous coordination with all concerned stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of the Indian nationals onboard.

The embassy emphasized that the welfare of Indian citizens remains its highest priority and that it is actively monitoring developments.

13 Indians Among 15 Crew Members

According to the Forward Seamen's Union of India, MV Amir 1 has a crew of 15 seafarers, including 13 Indian nationals. The vessel reportedly suffered damage before reaching the Ukrainian port, where it remains stranded.

The union has expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation around the port, stating that repeated drone and missile strikes have been reported in nearby areas, placing the crew at considerable risk.

Black Sea Remains High-Risk Zone

The incident comes amid escalating risks for merchant vessels operating in the Black Sea as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues.

This month alone, five Indian seafarers have lost their lives in separate incidents linked to the conflict. Four Indian crew members were killed after a Russian strike targeted a cargo vessel, while another Indian sailor died following a Ukrainian strike on a ship in Russian-controlled waters.

The repeated attacks have raised serious concerns over the safety of civilian shipping operating in the region.

India Previously Raised Concerns

Following the death of an Indian sailor earlier this month, India summoned Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk to convey its concerns.

Earlier, after four Indian crew members were killed in a Russian attack on another merchant vessel, the Ministry of External Affairs had also summoned Russian Charge d’Affaires Vladimir Ladanov.

The diplomatic engagements underscored India's concern over the increasing vulnerability of Indian seafarers caught in the conflict while serving on international commercial vessels.

Merchant Ships Increasingly Caught in Conflict

Several commercial ships from third countries have become unintended victims of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

In one of the recent incidents, Ukrainian authorities said they targeted multiple vessels that they alleged were part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet." According to reports, the strikes involved dry cargo ships, an oil tanker, a gas carrier, a tugboat and floating cranes operating in the Black Sea.

The latest situation involving MV Amir 1 highlights the continuing risks faced by civilian maritime crews navigating one of the world's most volatile conflict zones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine is "ready for everything" after Iran warned of retaliation over a recent attack on an Iran-bound cargo vessel, amid rising tensions between Kyiv and Tehran.

In an interview with Sky News, Zelenskyy said Iran has already played a role in the war against Ukraine by supplying weapons to Russia, adding that Kyiv remains prepared for any further escalation.

"Iran has already attacked us by supplying weapons to Russia," Zelenskyy said. "We have to be cautious. We have to do everything not to open a new front. But we have to be honest—Iranians and North Koreans have already attacked us."

Tensions Escalate Over Cargo Vessel Attack

The latest diplomatic row follows Ukraine's reported strike on a Russian cargo vessel believed to be headed for Iran in the Caspian Sea.

The incident came shortly after Zelenskyy alleged that Russia had provided Iran with satellite intelligence to assist attacks on US military bases in West Asia.

Following the cargo vessel attack, Tehran vowed to respond, accusing Ukraine of targeting an Iranian commercial ship.

Iran Condemns Attack

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the strike as a violation of international law and alleged that Ukraine acted at the behest of Israel.

In a statement shared on social media, Araghchi claimed the attack killed one sailor and injured another aboard the vessel.

"The attack on an Iranian commercial vessel cannot go unanswered," he said, while offering no evidence to support allegations that Israel was involved.

Iran's Foreign Ministry also summoned Ukraine's chargé d'affaires in Tehran to formally protest the incident, reiterating that Iran has not directly participated in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Zelenskyy Warns Against Further Escalation

Despite Iran's warning, Zelenskyy maintained that Ukraine would remain vigilant without seeking to widen the conflict.

"I hope they will not increase these attacks, but we have to be ready for everything," he said, adding that Ukraine cannot ignore Iran's military cooperation with Russia.

The Ukrainian leader also reiterated his government's longstanding accusation that Iran has supplied drones and other military equipment used by Russian forces during the war.

Regional Tensions Continue

The dispute comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving Russia, Iran, Ukraine and Western allies.

During separate conversations with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Araghchi reiterated Iran's condemnation of the attack.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov conveyed condolences over the casualties and thanked Russian authorities in the Astrakhan region for assisting the vessel's crew following the incident.

The latest exchange signals another potential flashpoint in the broader conflict, with both Ukraine and Iran adopting increasingly confrontational positions while international efforts to prevent further escalation continue.

Germany has approved funding for the purchase of 50,000 attack drones for Ukraine under a contract valued at approximately $103 million (€90 million), marking one of the largest known drone procurement packages financed by a Western government since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The drones are expected to strengthen Ukraine's precision strike capabilities as Kyiv continues to rely heavily on unmanned aerial systems to target Russian military positions, logistics hubs and strategic infrastructure.

The latest assistance underscores Germany's continued military support for Ukraine amid the prolonged conflict with Russia.

FPV Drones to Boost Battlefield Capability

According to reports, the order includes Shrike first-person-view (FPV) drones manufactured by Ukrainian defence company SkyFall.

The drones are integrated with software developed by US defence technology firm Auterion, enabling them to autonomously identify, track and strike moving targets during the final phase of flight.

Ukraine has increasingly incorporated FPV drones into its military operations because of their relatively low cost and ability to conduct highly accurate attacks against enemy positions.

Deliveries Already Underway

Auterion Chief Executive Officer Lorenz Meier confirmed that the contract is worth around €90 million ($103 million) and is being financed by a European country. SkyFall later identified Germany as the funding partner while declining to provide additional details.

According to Meier, a portion of the drones has already been delivered to the Ukrainian government, with the remaining units scheduled for delivery later this year.

Germany's Defence Ministry declined to comment on the programme, citing operational security. Ukraine's Defence Ministry has also not issued an official statement regarding the procurement.

Western Drone Support Expands

Auterion said it is helping supply a total of 100,000 drones to Ukraine during 2026 through partnerships with multiple manufacturers under contracts funded by several Western governments.

The company also highlighted a separate $50 million Pentagon contract under which 33,000 drones have already been delivered.

The expanding drone support reflects the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare, particularly in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Drones Central to Ukraine's Defence Strategy

Since the outbreak of the war, Ukraine has significantly expanded domestic drone production and now deploys thousands of unmanned aerial vehicles every day along the front line and for long-range operations inside Russian territory.

The Shrike platform has also gained international recognition. A variant known as the Shrike 10-F, jointly developed by SkyFall and British company Skycutter, recently emerged as the top performer in the first phase of a Pentagon programme worth $1.1 billion aimed at acquiring large numbers of one-way attack drones.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has also increased military assistance, announcing plans to provide 150,000 drones to Ukraine this year under a broader £752 million ($1.01 billion) defence support package.

Long-Range Operations Intensify

Ukraine has continued expanding its long-range drone campaign against Russia, targeting military installations and strategic infrastructure far beyond the battlefield.

Recent Ukrainian operations have reportedly included strikes on the Dubna Satellite Communications Centre, a facility Kyiv says supports Russian military communications and intelligence operations.

Ukraine has also claimed responsibility for attacks targeting maritime logistics and infrastructure around the Sea of Azov, highlighting the growing role of drone warfare as Western military assistance continues to evolve.

Trump Tells Putin US Ready to Help End Ukraine War During 90-Minute Phone Conversation

US President Donald Trump has offered American assistance in finding a political solution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war during a 90-minute telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the Kremlin.

The call, which took place on Saturday as Putin extended Independence Day greetings to Trump, also included discussions on the upcoming NATO summit scheduled to be held in Ankara, Turkey, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said while briefing reporters on Sunday.

According to Ushakov, Trump reiterated his willingness to work towards bringing an end to the conflict in Ukraine and expressed readiness to support efforts aimed at achieving a negotiated settlement.

"The American president once again confirmed his readiness to work towards a rapid end to the fighting and find solutions to overcome the crisis," Ushakov said, describing the conversation as "business-like and quite constructive."

He added that Russia continued to favour what it called a "political-diplomatic resolution" of the conflict, provided any settlement takes into account Moscow's core strategic interests.

The latest conversation comes amid renewed diplomatic activity surrounding the Ukraine conflict and ahead of the NATO summit, where the war is expected to remain one of the alliance's principal agenda items.

Ushakov said the two leaders also exchanged views regarding Trump's expected participation in the summit in Ankara next week, though no additional details of those discussions were disclosed.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he had also spoken with Trump, although the Ukrainian presidency did not immediately provide details of their conversation.

The Kremlin briefing also included fresh accusations against Ukraine and its European partners. Ushakov alleged that Kyiv and its Western allies were seeking to prolong and escalate the conflict through continued military operations.

He specifically referred to Ukraine's long-range drone strikes targeting Russian oil infrastructure, which Moscow claims have disrupted fuel supplies in several regions.

According to Ushakov, Putin used the conversation to present what he described as the "real situation" on the battlefield, asserting that Russian forces were continuing to make territorial gains in eastern Ukraine.

Russian military commanders had informed Putin on Friday that Russian troops had captured the strategically significant city of Kostiantynivka in Ukraine's Donetsk region.

However, Ukraine has rejected that claim. On Saturday, both President Zelenskyy and Ukraine's General Staff stated that Ukrainian forces remained in control of the city and continued to defend their positions.

The differing battlefield narratives underscore the continuing information war accompanying the military conflict, with both Moscow and Kyiv issuing conflicting accounts of developments on the ground.

Russia has consistently maintained that any future peace agreement must recognise its control over the Donbas region, including territories currently occupied by Russian forces. Ukraine has firmly rejected those demands, insisting that its internationally recognised borders remain non-negotiable.

Last month, Zelenskyy publicly invited Putin to hold direct face-to-face talks in an effort to explore possible avenues for ending the conflict. The Kremlin, however, declined the proposal, indicating that such a meeting was not under consideration.

Trump has repeatedly stated that he wants to see the war brought to an end through negotiations and has emphasised the need for renewed diplomatic engagement between the two sides.

The latest phone call signals continued high-level contacts between Washington and Moscow even as fighting persists on the battlefield. Whether Trump's latest outreach results in renewed peace efforts remains uncertain, with both Russia and Ukraine continuing to maintain sharply different positions on the conditions required for a negotiated settlement.