Ukraine news latest — Kyiv issues fierce message to Putin as it warns Ukrainian forces readying for spring offensive

UKRAINE has sent a defiant message to Russia’s Vladimir Putin as it near readiness for its much-anticipated spring counteroffensive. Ukraine’s soldiers are nearing the end of their months-long preparations for the upcoming spring offensive, the country’s defence minister has said. Oleksii Reznikov said: “As soon as there is God’s will, the weather and a decision by commanders, we will do it,” reports Reuters. He added: “Globally speaking, we are to a high percentage ready.” This comes as Russia continues to bombard Ukrainian civilian centres, with a Kremlin strike killing at least 16 people, including a 10-year-old, in Uman today. Read our Ukraine war blog below for the latest news…