Russia-Ukraine live updates | U.S. to hold Russia accountable for crimes

Here are the latest developments from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict

Russian forces were attempting to extend and consolidate their hold on Ukraine’s industrial city of Sievierodonetsk on June 2, edging closer to claiming a big prize in their offensive in the eastern Donbas region.

Meanwhile, Sweden announced additional aid of one billion kronor ($102 million, 95 million euros) to Ukraine, consisting of both financial aid and military equipment including anti-ship missiles and anti-tank launchers.

Read more news on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis here.

Russia‘s Pacific Fleet launched a week-long series of exercises with more than 40 ships and up to 20 aircraft taking part, Russian news agencies quoted the Defence Ministry as saying.

The Ministry statement said the exercises, taking place from June 3-10, would involve, among other matters, “groups of ships together with naval aviation taking part in search operations for (enemy) submarines”. - Reuters

The United States and its allies are vowing to hold Russia accountable for crimes committed by its forces since they invaded Ukraine on February 24.

U.S. Undersecretary of State Uzra Zeya told a U.N. Security Council meeting on Thursday on strengthening accountability and justice for serious violations of international law that in nearly 100 days the world has seen Russian forces bomb maternity hospitals, train stations, apartment buildings, and homes and even kill civilians cycling down the street. - AP