[EN DIRECT] 69th day of war in Ukraine: here are all the latest developments

The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues for a 69^and day, while several cities are still the target of bombardments.

Here are the latest developments, minute by minute

6:13 am | Macron talks to Putin, first call since late March

French President Emmanuel Macron was due to speak on the phone Tuesday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin of Ukraine, the Elysee Palace announced, their first exchange since March 29.

READ | Welcoming Ukrainians instead of going on vacation

Outraged by the Russian invasion in Ukraine, a family from Chicoutimi put aside their summer vacation plans to welcome four refugees with the enthusiastic cooperation of many Saguenéens.

READ | Terrorist threat to Russian church in Montreal

The Outremont Russian Orthodox Cathedral received a threatening letter that recently prompted the intervention of the Montreal police’s counter-terrorism unit.

5:40 am | In Ukraine, dry fuel pumps become a source of pride

A rusting tank turret marks the maximum advance Russian troops have reached northeast of Kyiv. A few meters away, a destroyed gas station symbolizes the fuel problems affecting the country at war.

This tank, like dozens of others from the same Russian column, came under fire from the Ukrainian army in March, at the height of fighting for control of the Ukrainian capital.

5:39 | Fiji orders seizure of Russian-linked superyacht

A Fijian court on Tuesday ordered the seizure of a superyacht believed to belong to a sanctioned Russian oligarch, officials said, targeting property believed to be worth more than $300 million.

4h40 | The pope says he is ready to see Putin and compares Ukraine to Rwanda

Pope Francis says he is ready to go to Moscow to see Russian President Vladimir Putin and try to stop the fighting in Ukraine, which he compares to Rwanda in an interview with the Italian daily “Il Corriere della Sera” published on Tuesday.

4h20 | Sanctions: Russian automaker demands components from Iran

An unnamed Russian automaker has asked Iran to supply it with key components it can no longer find in its country due to international sanctions after the invasion of Ukraine .

WAR NOTEBOOK | Towards a general Russian mobilization?

On the ground, the Russian troops did not advance, although the tanks again went into action. Ukrainian defense lines around Izium and Kharkiv still hold.