Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskiy visits Bakhmut as Putin admits situation in parts of Ukraine ‘extremely difficult’ – as it happened

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The Biden administration has crossed a new line in its support for Ukraine, by indicating its willingness to send Patriot air and missile defence systems to aid in the war against Russia.

The system - which includes powerful missile interceptors and radar - is likely to prove highly effective for Ukraine, and marks a significant step forward in the scope and complexity of the US's support. But the gift of such prestige systems will present longer-term challenges for Nato.