War in Ukraine: What happened this week?

More sanctions against Russia were introduced by UK government this week as the war in Ukraine continued.

However, a key deal was also signed between Russia and Ukraine to allow the resumption of vital grain exports.

Here, ChamberlinkDaily rounds up the past week 's developments.

Friday 22 July

Ukraine and Russia signed a deal to allow the resumption of vital grain exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports, with the United Nations and Turkey brokering the deal in Istanbul.

Monday 25 July

Ukrainian officials say that the first vessels with grain could leave the country 's Black Sea ports 'within days ' following Friday 's landmark deal.

Russian energy supplier, Gazprom, announces it will drastically cut gas supplies to the EU through its main pipeline due to maintenance work.

President Zelenskyy says this was “an overt gas war that Russia is waging against a united Europe ”.

Ukraine will not host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest after show organisers decide it would be unsafe to hold it in the country due to the ongoing Russian invasion. The UK, which came second in the competition and will thus host, promises to ensure the contest 'reflects Ukraine 's recent Eurovision victory and Ukrainian creativity '.

Tuesday 26 July

The UK Government sanctions Russian-imposed leaders of breakaway regions in Ukraine, Donetsk and Luhansk, in additional to 29 regional governors from across Russia.

Wednesday 27 July

Gas prices surpass the earlier all-time high - which was reached after Russia invaded Ukraine - after Russia further cut gas supplies to Germany and other central European countries earlier this week.

Thursday 28 July

The UK Government reveals that over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees have received sanctuary in the UK through its visa schemes, including 31,300 people under the family scheme and 72,700 people under the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme.

A key bridge into Kherson - the first city to fall to Russia 's forces following the invasion - is struck by Ukrainian forces with long-range rockets supplied by the US. Russian forces have thus far relied on the bridge to resupply troops to the area.

Residents of the Russian-held Donbas region are urged to evacuate immediately by the Ukrainian Government, with officials in Kyiv warning that the area may soon be without power, water, food and medical supplies.