Ukraine-Russia war – live: Putin’s navy has suffered ‘functional defeat’ in Black Sea, says UK

Houses destroyed in Russian missile strike

Russian navy ships have been forced to disperse to ports where they “cannot have an effect on Ukraine”, a UK defence minister has said in what he described as a “functional defeat” for the Kremlin.

James Heappey, speaking at a security event in Warsaw, said the Russian navy had been forced to disperse to ports from which “it cannot have an effect on Ukraine”.

He added that, despite the disappointment among Ukraine’s Western allies about the pace of Kyiv’s land offensive, the naval success was “every bit as important” as the land breakthrough in Kharkiv Oblast region.

Earlier it was reported that Russian soldiers “caught with alcohol on their breath” were being sent to the frontline to die in punishment squads.

Drunk and mutinous troops are being used in ‘Storm-Z’ human shield squads in the most ferocious battles against Ukraine troops.

As punishment for their bad behaviour, they are often forced over the trenches before other soldiers and heavy armoury, a soldier told Reuters.