Fears are increasing that Putin's army may use a 'dirty bomb' and blame it on Kyiv.

'Dirty bomb' claims heighten fears of a fresh escalation in nine-month war.

Forces bombarded Russian positions in the illegally annexed southern Kherson region.

Bitter court case unfolding to determine the fate of a little Afghan girl.

Conor Kennedy reveals he went to fight in Ukraine as part of its International Legion.

Environmentalists say destroying the dam would release an 'atomic bomb' of water.

Moscow focuses on power stations to cripple the country.

Russian evacuation raises fears Kherson will be 'wiped from the earth'.

Drones are cementing their reputation as a potent, cost-effective weapon.

Ukraine and Russia are fighting intensely to try to gain the advantage in annexed regions.

Claims service which helps Kyiv's troops communicate will cost him $100m+ "by year's end".

Pasifika coastwatchers are finally set to be officially recognised for their service.

Putin says Ukraine "actions are correct and timely” and army reservists ready for combat.

Explosive-packed Shahed-136 drones knock out infrastructure near Makariv.

Fresh humiliation for Putin and Russia after more successful Ukrainian attacks.

Pacific Island coastwatchers during WWII will finally be recognised for their service.

After Russian strikes on the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, rescue workers free a family from under the rubble of their destroyed home. Video / AP

Zelenskyy urges G-7 leaders to hit Russia's energy sector with tougher sanctions.

High-rise residential building collapses under barrage of six Russian missiles.

Putin prepares to step up Ukraine response as theories emerge.

Vladimir Putin is running out of options. His best chance of survival is an unlikely route

A massive explosion has downed a key bridge connecting Russia and Crimea.

The setbacks have badly dented the image of a powerful Russian military.

Taking territory annexed by Putin in 2014 is now a 'very real possibility', official says.

A security guard at the nuclear plant survived an attack at his home by Russian forces.

Damaged Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was shut down due to radiation fears.

Kyiv makes gains in one of the four regions illegally annexed by Moscow last week.

Based on accounts of survivors and police, AP journalists located 10 torture sites in the town and gained access to five of them. Video / AP

How torture became arbitrary, widespread and routine in captured Ukraine settlement.

Historical links to the Forest Rangers and Gustavus von Tempsky cause NZSAS discomfort.