Russia-Ukraine updates: Putin says war was ‘unleashed’ on Russia

The Russian president delivered his annual Victory Day speech.

More than a year after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the countries are fighting for control of areas in eastern and southern Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's forces are readying a spring counteroffensive, but Putin appears to be preparing for a long and bloody war.

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Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Feb 27, 2023, 1:44 PM EST

Ukrainian forces shoot down 11 drones as Russia launches overnight attacks

Air raid sirens blared for more than five hours in several locations across Ukraine starting late Sunday and lasting until the early morning hours.

Ukrainian air forces shot down 11 out of 14 that Russia launched from the north last night, according to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Over the past 24 hours, Russians have launched five missiles and 13 air strikes, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

An MLRS, Multiple Launch Rocket System, based on the BM-21 "Grad" fires a rocket, near the frontline, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Donetsk region, Ukraine, Feb. 27, 2023.
Lisi Niesner/Reuters

The Russian troops also launched more than 50 rocket attacks primarily in Kherson and Donetsk regions, which led to "dead and wounded civilians, destroyed civilian houses and damaged civilian infrastructure," according to Ukrainian officials.

Shelling from Russian forces was recorded in more than 25 settlements in the Kharkiv and Luhansk regions, Ukrainian officials said.

-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman

Feb 27, 2023, 1:43 PM EST

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen makes surprise visit to Kyiv

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visited Kyiv Monday and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reaffirm the U.S.'s financial support to Ukraine.

Yellen announced $1.25 billion in economic and budgetary assistance, which helps the Ukrainian government continue to run, funds payroll for soldiers on the front lines and shores up critical infrastructure, according to the Treasury Department.

Yellen said the money is part of the $45 billion Congress approved for Ukraine in December.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomes U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Feb. 27, 2023.
Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters

"I bring to Kyiv a clear message from President Biden and the American people: We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes," Yellen said in her remarks during her sitdown with Zelenskyy.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen attends a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Feb. 27, 2023.
Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters

Yellen told Zelenskyy that the U.S. will provide over $8 billion in this type of assistance "over the coming months," according to the Treasury Department. A readout of the meeting stated the U.S. will provide $9.9 billion total during the first three quarters of 2023.

-ABC News' Sarah Kolinovsky

Feb 25, 2023, 2:27 PM EST

Russian strike damages clinic, injuring 1: Ukrainian official

One person was injured after a Russian missile hit a medical clinic in the town of Krasnotorka, Ukraine, in the eastern Donetsk oblast, Ukrainian regional military chief Pavlo Kyrylenko said in a Facebook post.

-ABC News' Max Uzol

Feb 24, 2023, 6:20 PM EST

Zelenskyy says he's open to meet with Chinese president

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a press conference in Kyiv on Friday he would like to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Zelenskyy said he’d like to talk about the Chinese government's offer to discuss a peace agreement in detail, "because it’s about our country." However, the president noted that the Chinese government hasn't directly talked to Ukrainian's government.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during his press conference on the occasion of the Russia Ukraine war one year anniversary in Kyiv, Ukraine, Feb. 24, 2023.
Efrem Lukatsky/AP

"The first point of their plan is 'recognition of national sovereignty and territorial integrity,' but they didn’t even mention the country. I hope they meant us, Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said. "If it’s us, everybody understands that territorial integrity can be achieved by withdrawal of Russian troops from all occupied territories."

Zelenskyy said it is "priority number one" for him to prevent China from providing Russia with weapons for the ongoing conflict.

"I believe China is going to side with the idea of fair peace, peace and fairness which is our side," he added.

-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman

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