Ukraine is wrapping up preparations for a counteroffensive and is broadly speaking ready for it to go ahead, the country’s defence minister has said.

Speaking in Kyiv, Oleksii Reznikov told reporters: “Preparations are coming to an end. In addition to being provided a weapon, it must be mastered. Equipment has been promised, prepared and partially delivered. In a global sense, we're ready."

“As soon as there is God's will, the weather and a decision by commanders, we will do it,” he told an online press briefing.

Mr Reznikov did not provide a date for when the spring counteroffensive would begin.

His comments come after the heaviest night of Russian air strikes for Ukraine for almost two months, with the current death toll standing at twelve. Kyiv was targeted for the first time in over 50 days.

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