Smoke raises amid the ruins in Kostiantynivka, a frontline town where some 5000 people still stay with no water, electricity and gas supply in the site of heaviest battles with the Russian troops in Ukraine's Donetsk region.

Ukraine cannot win in its war with Russia, according to the UK’s most senior army officer.

Field Marshal Lord Richards said the best Kyiv could hope for was “a score draw”.

His comments are the first time a senior British military figure has said it is impossible for Ukraine to defeat Russia on the battlefield.

Speaking to The Independent’s ‘World of Trouble’ podcast, Lord Richards said: “What we have done in the case of Ukraine is encourage Ukraine to fight, but not given them the means to win.”

On Kyiv’s chances of victory in the war, the former chief of the defence staff said: “My view is that they would not win.”

Asked if Ukraine could prevail with the right resources, he said: “No, they haven’t got the manpower.”

Lord Richards added:........

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