Ukraine war live updates: Moscow admits flagship 'seriously damaged' amid claims it was sunk

It is day 50 of the war in Ukraine, as Russian forces are expected to begin a new big offensive in the east of the country after their retreat from the Kyiv region and other parts of the country revealed growing evidence of human rights atrocities.

Despite Moscow's blanket denials, horrific discoveries of civilian murders, torture and other barbaric acts continue coming to light, with Ukrainian authorities claiming tens of thousands of civilian casualties in Mariupol alone.

Kyiv forces continue to prepare for the renewed assault, while Western nations keep tightening sanctions against Moscow and NATO and condemnations of Vladimir Putin's actions continue to grow.

Follow Thursday's events as they unfold in our blog below, or watch TV coverage in the video player above.

The Kremlin admitted its Black Sea Fleet flagship, Moskva, was "heavily damaged" after Odesa region's governor said the ship was hit by Ukrainian rockets and most likely sunk.

Mariupol's mayor claims Russian planes dropped chemical agent on the outskirts of the southern port city on 11 April.

Leaders of Poland and the Baltic trio met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Wednesday, but Germany's president was not with them as planned after being told he wouldn't be welcome.

Joe Biden accused Vladimir Putin of "genocide", stating that the Russian leader is trying to "wipe out" Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin vows Russia's goals in Ukraine will be achieved as they press on with military action. He said the negotiations were now in a deadlock.

At least 720 civilians were killed in Bucha and other Kyiv suburbs, with another 200 missing, Ukrainian authorities said on Wednesday.

More than 4.6 million refugees have fled Ukraine since Russia's invasion, with millions being displaced