Russia this week has sent a formal diplomatic démarche to the USA, warning of unpredicted consequences if USA continues to arm Ukraine, stating it was adding fuel to the conflict.

The diplomatic démarche came in the wake of President Biden's decision to expand weapon shipments to Ukraine - an $800 million package inclusive of 155 mm howitzers, coastal defence drones and armoured vehicles, and ammunition.

Russia's Interfax news agency reported that similar copies of the diplomatic démarche had been sent to other countries as well.

Tensions continue to rise in Ukraine as Russia targets Kyiv, hitting military factories in the capital today. The UN has said 4633 civilian casualties have been officially reported since the start of the war, but the actual number is likely to be far greater than that reported.