Russia-Ukraine war live updates: US rushing $200 million in weapons for Ukraine's defence

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday he had spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and discussed the prospects for peace talks to end the conflict with Russia: Reuters

The UN nuclear watchdog said the Ukrainian regulator had also informed it that efforts to repair damaged power lines at the Chernobyl nuclear plant were continuing and that diesel generators were providing back-up power to systems relevant for safety. (Reuters)

International Atomic Energy Agency says Ukraine informed it Saturday that Russia plans to take full and permanent control of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant; Russia later denied the same: Reuters

Around 13,000 people were evacuated from a number of Ukrainian cities on Saturday, said deputy prime minister Iryna Vereshchuk, almost twice the number who managed to get out the previous day: Reuters

US rushing $200 million worth of weapons for Ukraine's defense against Russia

The United States on Saturday said it would rush up to $200 million in additional small arms, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons to Ukraine, as Ukrainian officials pleaded for more equipment to defend against heavy shelling by Russian forces. US President Joe Biden on Saturday authorized the additional security assistance, the White House said, paving the way for the "immediate" shipment of fresh military equipment to Ukraine, a senior administration official said. (Reuters)

Russian troops have encircled several Ukrainian cities and eyewitnesses report heavy shelling. Ukraine has complained repeatedly that Russian forces do not always respect ceasefires so civilians can leave through evacuation corridors. (Reuters)

Russian defence ministry says humanitarian situation in Ukraine continues to decline rapidly, and in some cities has reached catastrophic proportions: Reuters

Russian defence ministry says Ukraine once again refused to open up humanitarian corridors to Russia: Reuters

Peace talks between Ukraine, Russia continue via video conference. Among the top priorities is expanding and setting up humanitarian corridors, especially for the city of Mariupol: ANI quoting The Kyiv Independent

Ukraine intelligence service says seven civilians dead after Russia fired at evacuation convoy in Kyiv region

In a media briefing, Zelenskyy said that the approach was in contrast to earlier talks at which Moscow only "issued ultimatums" and that he was "happy to have a signal from Russia" after President Vladimir Putin said he saw "some positive shifts" in their dialogue.

Russian President Vladimir Putin did not show a willingness to end a war with Ukraine during a call on Saturday with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a French presidency official said.

In Macron, Scholz call, Putin showed not ready to end war: Elysee

Macron, Scholz urge Putin to end siege of Mariupol: French presidency

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict during a 75-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, a German government spokesperson said.

The funds would cover weapons as well as military services, education and training as Ukrainians seek to repel a Russian invasion.