It comes as the European Union stockpiles medicines and protective gear to protect against any potential chemical, nuclear and biological incidents amid escalations in the Ukraine war. 

The hoarding, agreed today and expected to last weeks or months, is designed to expand reserves available to the EU population and partner countries, including Ukraine. 

Concerns about nuclear incidents in Ukraine partly prompted the move. 

Moscow has also accused Ukraine of conducting its first major air strike on Russian territory, with footage pictured above appearing to show two helicopters blowing up a fuel depot used to resupply frontline units. 

It is the second time this week that Moscow has accused Ukraine of attacking targets in Russia, prompting some Ukrainian officials to warn that it could be a “false flag” used by the Kremlin to justify reprisals.

Refugee matchmaking

In Britain, the first Government-backed matchmaking service for Britons seeking to host Ukrainian refugees in their homes has been launched to help end the chaos of families linking up on social media. 

Reset, a charity specialising in community sponsorship, has been backed by the Government to run a matching, training and assessment service for thousands of Britons and refugees under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. 

Until now, many Britons seeking to host refugees have had to rely on social media or personal contacts to find suitable families, leading to concerns over the trafficking and safeguarding of vulnerable people.

‘Idea’ furniture

For people living in Russia, life looks very different to how it did just a month ago. 

After a number of major brands exited the country after the invasion of Ukraine, they can no longer sit at a McDonald’s with a Big Mac in one hand while browsing Instagram with the other. 

Copycat brands are now springing up in a bid to satisfy the vacuum in the market that these companies have left. 

Read a list of the emerging brands and their logos, including how, soon, Russians could be decorating their homes with “Idea” furniture, and munching on fries at “Uncle Vanya”.

Comment and analysis

Around the world: Le Pen closes gap in French election

Emmanuel Macron’s prime minister warned France not to fall for “sham” Marine Le Pen as polls about a week before elections showed she was catching up with the French president. Jean Castex launched his attack after two polls this week showed Mr Macron, who was previously cruising to victory, would win by just 53 per cent to 47 per cent for Ms Le Pen in a second round presidential run-off. Use our French election 2022 poll tracker in the run up to the vote as Macron’s lead dwindles and read how France’s ‘Iron Lady’ Valérie Pécresse is also vying for the job.

Friday interview

‘I wanted to show my ‘Play School’ babies I loved them’