Ukraine-Russia LIVE updates as Kyiv devastated by 'relentless blasts' overnight

Air raid sirens have rung out in key Ukrainian cities overnight as Russia's assault on the country continues.

Kyiv has been reportedly hit by devastating blasts in the early hours of the morning as the city remains under fire.

Christopher Miller, a Buzzfeed journalist on the ground in Kyiv, tweeted at 4am UK time: "Loud series of explosions heard from Kyiv and surrounding area right now.

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"Kyiv city just put out another siren alert to seek shelter immediately. The explosions have been incessant for three minutes."

However, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) says Russian forces are failing to make key breakthroughs in the city.

An update this morning (March 9) from the MoD said: "Fighting north-west of Kyiv remains ongoing with Russian forces failing to make any significant breakthroughs.

"The cities of Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Sumy and Mariupol remain encircled by Russian forces and continue to suffer heavy Russian shelling.

"Ukrainian air defences appear to have enjoyed considerable success against Russia’s modern combat aircraft, probably preventing them achieving any degree of control of the air."

A ceasefire is expected to take place again throughout the day, to allow people to escape the cities of Kyiv, Chernihev, Sumy, Kharkiv and Mariupol.

That follows a successful humanitarian corridor being opened up in Sumy on Tuesday, where authorities say around 5,000 people were able to escape the under-fire city.

Russia and Ukraine will continue peace talks today, while the UK has announced further sanctions which give power to detain Russian aircraft.

This is a live event. Follow the latest updates below.

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