Russia Ukraine News Live: Ukraine moves to ban Orthodox church over alleged ties to Moscow

The Ukrainian government has declared that a branch of the Orthodox Church could soon be banned after determining it failed to sever its long-standing ties with the pro-war church in Moscow, as per a report in AP. The potential ban targets the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC-MP), one of two rival Orthodox branches in the country, and underscores the role of religion as a cultural and spiritual battleground in the war. This move is part of Ukraine's wider de-Russification efforts, as the government scrutinizes institutions perceived as maintaining Russian influence.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested that a postwar Ukraine could adopt a 'South Korea model' for its security and development, but warned this would only be possible with robust, long-term support from the United States, according to a report in Politico. The proposal frames a future for Ukraine with a strong bilateral security treaty with the US, similar to the one that has guaranteed South Korea's security for decades, as a potential alternative to immediate full NATO membership. Zelenskyy's statement serves as a strategic appeal for sustained American military and financial aid, linking the viability of Ukraine's long-term stability and sovereignty directly to a continued US commitment.

A Ukrainian official reported that a Russian missile strike resulted in two deaths and impacted a team from the Danish Refugee Council, according to a report in The New York Times. The international humanitarian organization, which is involved in demining operations in Ukraine, confirmed that one of its teams had been affected by the attack and stated that it is investigating the incident.

Ukraine has successfully attacked Russian oil refineries, reducing the country's refining capacity by one-fifth, while retaliatory Russian strikes have killed dozens of people in Kyiv, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The Ukrainian attacks are part of a strategic effort to disrupt Russia's war economy by targeting its energy infrastructure, aiming to reduce both its fuel supply and revenue from exports. The deadly missile and drone strikes on the Ukrainian capital are reported as a direct response to Ukraine's military actions against Russian territory.

US President Donald Trump urged European leaders to stop purchasing Russian oil and to apply pressure on China as a way to undermine Moscow's war in Ukraine, The Hill says in a report. Trump made the remarks during a virtual call on Thursday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and approximately 20 other world leaders. The meeting, which also included an in-person discussion between Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron in France, was focused on coordinating efforts to support Ukraine.

Germany is leading a significant military exercise in the Baltic region, which centers on the logistics of moving troops and equipment to Lithuania, the Washington Times said in a report. The operation is taking place amid heightened tensions with Russia along NATO's eastern border, serving as a practical test of the alliance's ability to rapidly reinforce its members. This exercise is a direct consequence of the changed security landscape in Europe following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.