Michael Velychko's work is being celebrated in Essex, but the artist is unable to travel.

As Kyiv fights on home soil and in Russia, Nick Beake speaks to recruits being sent to the battlefield.

The regional head accused Moscow of targeting civilians after a supermarket and sports complex were hit.

Russia is poised to assault Pokrovsk, a crucial supply and reinforcement hub for Ukraine's frontline troops.

The move came four days after an F-16 fighter jet from Nato allies went down during a Russian barrage.

The strikes, which left at least six others dead, also hit a 12-storey building in the north-eastern city.

Moscow says it has "no worries" about the visit, which is expected to happen next week.

The Russian mercenaries were helping Burkina Faso fight Islamist insurgents, who recently staged a huge attack.