A former business partner from the Ukrainian president's days in the entertainment sector was hit with economic sanctions amid a corruption probe.

Russia is preparing for a “big war” in Europe as soon as 2029, Volodymyr Zelensky warned in an urgent message to Ukraine’s allies. Posting on X, the Ukrainian president called for the international community to double-down on sanctions on the Russian economy and weapons to “decrease their capabilities”.

Two of Volodymyr Zelensky's close allies have stood down amid a multi-million-pound corruption scandal. Justice Minister German Galushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk resigned on Wednesday as part of a £76million sleaze scandal in Ukraine's energy sector.

Protests broke out in Ukraine in July after Zelensky signed a bill that critics said would weaken the independence of the anti-corruption bodies that carried out the investigations. The Ukrainian government had cited alleged Russian influence for curbing the powers of the agencies.

Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Greece on Nov. 16 for a one-day trip that includes key meetings amid heightened tensions in Ukraine.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday that fewer young Ukrainian men should come as refugees to Germany.

President Trump has repeatedly publicly criticized the Ukrainian leader, who has in turn attempted to smooth over tensions.