War in Ukraine: What happened this week?

This week marked the six-month anniversary of Russia 's invasion of Ukraine.

As the conflict continued, ChamberlinkDaily rounds up the past week 's events.

Monday 22 August

Russia blames the Ukrainian security service for a car bombing that killed a Russian political commentator who was the daughter of a prominent ultranationalist. Ukraine denies any involvement in the car explosion.

US president Joe Biden emphasises the need for the UN 's nuclear watchdog to visit the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia power plant in Ukraine, where shelling has sparked major concerns of a nuclear disaster.

President Zelenskyy announces a new initiative - 'Kyiv Initiative ' - set to strengthen ties the country 's ties with Eastern European and Baltic countries.

Tuesday 23 August

The United Nations expresses concerns that Russia and affiliated groups could be planning trials for Ukrainian prisoners of war in Mariupol soon.

Wednesday 24 August

Ukraine celebrates Independence Day, marking 31 years of independence from the Soviet Union. President Zelenskyy is joined by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Kyiv to mark the occasion.

Russia 's invasion of Ukraine reaches six months. Read our summary of the steps taken by the UK Government since the crisis began in February.

The UK Government launch talks with Ukraine on a digital trade deal to support Ukrainian businesses and help the country rebuild its economy.

The Office for National Statistics announces that the UK imported no fuel from Russia in June for the first time on record, with imports of goods from the country also falling to £33 million in June - the lowest level since records began in January 1997.

Thursday 25 August

President Putin signs a decree which could see 137,000 service personnel added to the country 's armed forces in the coming months.