Live: Ukraine declares air raid alert over whole country, air defences down Russian missiles

Air raid sirens were heard across the whole of Ukraine on Thursday as officials from the president's office said air defences were shooting down incoming Russian missiles, including at least two over the Mykolaiv region.  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday he wanted the West to send long-range missiles and jets to help repel Russian troops after the US and Germany both announced they will send battle tanks. Follow our live blog for the latest updates on the war in Ukraine. All times are Paris time (GMT+1).