boat day trips in javea

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Stag / Hen party on a boat

A day at the sea, sunset at the sea, wine tasting on board, sport fishing in denia and javea · family fishing, travel by private boat from denia to ibiza, yacht charter in denia and javea, boats for events in denia and javea.

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Fishing Half Day

Fishing all day, tuna / bluefin fishing, family fishing.

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Choose one of these experiences in Jávea or Denia

We work with a fleet of perfect boats to guarantee maximum comfort and tranquility during your boat vacation in Jávea.

Navegando en un mar de emociones – Realmente es un sitio hermoso, con gente amable, disfrutas y te sientes como en familia, una experiencia que no solo querrás contar sino que querrás repetir.

Si quieres pasar un fantástico día en el mar, no dudes en ponerte en sus manos. Grandes profesionales que hacen todo lo posible para que disfrutes al máximo. Teníamos reservada la salida para un día en que finalmente el mar no estaba como para disfrutarlo y no dudaron ni un momento en cancelarlo y ofrecernos otra posibilidad adaptada a nosotras. Flexibles, amables y divertidos! Una experiencia genial! Gracias, Bufy por compartir ese día con nosotras!

Una gran opción para pasar el día en el mar. Hemos probado varias veces tanto la opción de pesca que es increíble como la de charter náutico clásico que te permite visitar lugares preciosos de la Costa Blanca y disfrutar de sus aguas cristalinas. El patrón muy profesional y amable. Recomendable 100%

Thank you so much Area Nautical Java! . We hired your boat on 13/06/15 for my hen party with all 7 girls on board. I am speaking on behalf of myself and my 6 hens it was fantastic and I would have no doubt in recommending this to anyone who would like a cool, fun and truly amazing experience. They went beyond their call of duty to make sure we had a great time. We sailed to a few beaches, stopped off, listened to our own music, and watched the sunset which was amazing. Cannot wait to book again and I will be spreading the word to all my friends. See you next year hopefully.

I’ve been fishing with this company a few times and I’ve only had good experiences. The skipper knows the area and where to fish: if there is any fish that day anywhere around, you’ll catch it. Also top quality tools and equipment.

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BOAT TOURS / JÁVEA

JÁVEA TOURS

More than 15 years sailing and sharing our passion for the sea.

VALENCIA • 634 67 52 06

Dársena Interior · Puerto de Valencia Tinglado nº 2 · 46024, Valencia

GANDIA • 634 96 80 52

Puerto de Gandia (Frente Policía Local) 46730 Gandia, Valencia

DENIA • 664 23 84 21

Explanada Cervantes, 2 03700 Denia, Alicante

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Puerto de Jávea & Plaza Adolfo Suárez 03730 Jávea, Alicante

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Ferry to Denia

Kayak Tour in Xabia

Jávea Capes & Portichol Island Catamaran Tour

Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Diving Initiation in Jávea

Snorkeling in Xabia

Sail along the coast of Alicante to one of the best places in the area for snorkeling. We'll explore the seabed of the Mediterranean and enjoy its beauty .

Transfers in Jávea

Port of Xàbia Free Tour

Xabia Mysteries and Legends Free Tour

Javea Boat Trip & Paddle Boarding

Paddle Surf Tour of Xabia

Night Paddle Surf Tour in Jávea

Catamaran Cruise with Barbeque

Xabia Bike Tour

Catamaran Cruise to Portichol + Paella

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Boats Trips & Excursions in Javea Spain

Find details of local Boats Trips & Excursions including caving and climbing - Costa Blanca, Spain.

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Mundo Marino Javea & Denia - Boat Trips & Cruises Costa Blanca

Enjoy a Boat Trip from Javea Harbour with Mundo Marino - Mundo Marino Excursiones offer Boat Trips & Excursions from Javea, on the Costa Blanca. A choice of Boat excursions is available on the comfortable Catamaran or Coastal Cruiser, including Sunset Cruises, Swimming Trips and Catamaran / Jet Ski excursions. Find the departure point for Mundo Marino in Javea Port.

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Best Day Trips from Jávea: Explore the Costa Blanca

This section features several affiliate links, meaning we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through these links.  Learn more here .

While Jávea itself offers a wealth of attractions, the surrounding Costa Blanca region is dotted with picturesque towns, historic sites, and stunning natural landscapes.

If you’re staying in Jávea, we highly recommend travelling to these places and making a day out of it.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to visit for a day trip outside of Javea during your visit. We’ve arranged these in order of how long it takes to travel there by car below, with our recommendations of the best sights to see at each location.

Click the below links to jump to each section in the article:

• Denia (20 minutes by car or 1 hour by boat)
• Moraira (30 minutes by car)
• Calpe (30 minutes by car)
• Altea (45 minutes by car)
• Fuentes del Algar (45 minutes by car)
• Benidorm (50 minutes by car)
• Valencia (1 hour by car)
• Alicante (1 hour by car)
• Guadalest (1 hour by car)
• Villajoyosa (1 hour by car)
• Elche (1 hour by car)

We recommend travelling by car or taxi to these places, as it is generally the most direct and flexible option, providing the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, some of these locations are also accessible by public transportation. We will note when such locations are reachable by car only.

We also recommend having a look at some of the hotels in the local area if you’d like to spend the night in each for convenience – for some of the longer trips we’ve suggested a few of our recommendations!

Explore the hilltop Denia Castle for panoramic views of the Denia town and port, stroll through the Marina de Dénia, and experience the natural beauty of Montgó Natural Park from the northern side. The town is known for its historical significance and beautiful beaches.

Distance from Jávea: Only about 20 minutes by car or 1 hour by boat.

Highlights: Denia Castle, the Denia marina, and Montgó Natural Park.

Transport Tip: A quick drive or a short bus trip from Javea Old Town bus station on Alsa Bus; ideal for those preferring not to travel far.

There is also a boat service available from Javea Port which takes you directly to Denia Port which takes about an hour, letting you see the magnificent Cape San Antonio. You can buy 1 way boat tickets through Get A Guide here .

Visit the 18th-century castle right by the sea, enjoy relaxing at the L’Ampolla Beach, and explore the quaint streets of this small, upscale town known for its beautiful mountain-side sea views.

Distance from Jávea: About 30 minutes by car.

Highlights: Moraira Castle, Moraira beach, the funfair, and the local market.

Transport Tip: Best reached by car as direct public transport is very limited.

The town is overlooked by the impressive Peñón de Ifach, a massive limestone outcrop with panoramic views which makes for an amazing hike. Enjoy Calpe’s sandy beaches and visit the Las Salinas salt flats, where flamingos can often be seen.

Notable Sights: The Peñón de Ifach, Calpe’s beaches, and the salt flats.

Transport Tip: Easily accessible by car for a direct, easy trip. Also reachable by Alsa bus services from Javea Old Town.

Recommended Hotel: Suitopia which has the most fantastic views of the Calpe beach and Ifach mountain, from your apartment window. They also have a fantastic sky rooftop with an outdoor terrace – the perfect spot for drinking piña coladas and watching the sunset!

Distance from Jávea: Around 45 minutes by car.

Must-See Sights: Altea’s old town with its white-washed houses, the magnificent church of La Mare de Déu del Consol, and the beachfront promenade.

Transport Tip: Best reached by car for ease of access to various viewpoints. Also reachable through Alsa services in Javea Old Town.

Fuentes del Algar

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A nature reserve known for its stunning waterfalls and natural pools. It’s an ideal spot for swimming and enjoying a picnic in a serene, natural setting. You will need to pay to enter the waterfalls and swim: Adults €5, Children from 4 to 10 years old are €2 each and children under 3 years old are free to enter.

Distance from Jávea: About 45 minutes by car.

Key Attractions: Natural waterfalls and springs, perfect for a refreshing swim.

Transport Tip: Accessed by car, as public transport options aren’t available from Javea.

Known for its vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches, and skyscraper-filled skyline. It also hosts several theme parks, including Terra Mítica, Aqualandia and Aqua Natura, as well as zoos Terra Natura and MundoMar, perfect for a family day out.

Distance from Jávea: Approximately 50 minutes by car.

Key Attractions: Beaches like Levante and Poniente, theme parks and water parks, and the bustling nightlife.

Transport Tip: Regular bus services are available from Javea Old Town through Alsa, but driving allows for more flexibility, especially for theme park visits. Tram to Benidorm is also available through Gata de Gorgos, a town outside of Javea.

Spain’s third-largest city, known for the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, the historic Valencia Cathedral, and the vast Turia Gardens. Enjoy its blend of old and new, with plenty of cultural experiences.

Distance from Jávea: About 1 hour by car.

Must-See Sights: The City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia Cathedral, the Central Market, and the Turia Gardens.

Transport Tip: Regular bus services are available, but driving or taking a train offers more flexibility.

A vibrant city with a beautiful waterfront, the historic Santa Bárbara Castle, and the palm-lined Explanada de España. Explore the old town and enjoy local cuisine at one of the many restaurants.

Distance from Jávea: Around 1 hour by car.

Highlights: Santa Bárbara Castle, Explanada de España, Alicante’s old town, and Postiguet Beach.

Transport Tip: Buses run from Javea Old Town through Alsa bus services, but a car journey is the most flexible option.

This small village is famous for the Castell de Guadalest, set on a pinnacle and offering stunning views of the valley. Explore its small museums, quaint shops, and the turquoise reservoir below.

Distance from Jávea: Roughly 1 hour by car.

Key Attractions: Castell de Guadalest, the reservoir, and several museums.

Transport Tip: Best reached by car to enjoy the mountainous landscape. There are no public transportation options from Javea.

Villajoyosa

A coastal town known for its brightly colored fishermen’s houses and the Valor Chocolate Factory. Enjoy its quiet beaches and explore the historic town centre.

Must-See Sights: Colorful fisherman’s houses, Valor Chocolate Factory, and the beautiful beaches.

Transport Tip: A car trip is recommended for the flexibility to explore the town fully.

Famous for its Palm Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elche is a must-visit for its unique landscape. The city also boasts historical buildings and a vibrant town center.

Key Attractions: The Palm Grove of Elche, the Basilica of Santa María, the Archaeological and History Museum.

Transport Tip: Best accessed by car, as public transport options are limited.

Recommended Hotel: Huerto del Cura

Caitlin has grown up in Javea for more than a decade, and has spent years exploring all of Javea and the surrounding areas. From Javea's beaches, restaurants, cafes, and hidden spots, she's experienced everything the beautiful town has to offer. Her deep connection to Javea, developed through countless explorations, positions her uniquely to share its best-kept secrets with anyone looking to visit.

Hotels in Jávea

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ENJOY THIS SUMMER WITH A PRIVATE BOAT TOUR ON BOARD

DIBA CHARters

Discover the most beautiful hidden spots in Denia and Jávea

WELCOME ON BOARD

Discover the most beautiful hidden spots in the Mediterranean with a private boat trip in Denia ,Jávea, Formentera or Ibiza aboard Diba Charters. Experience a day of fun and adventure or sit back, relax and let our  skipper take you on a stunning cruise, exploring the most beautiful beaches, bays and caves. Create amazing holiday experiences with your friends or family and let us take you to places you would have never visited on your own.

BOAT RENTALS

rent a sailboat

Enjoy a week on the islands of Ibiza and Formentera with our new sailboats. Do you have experience? Rent without skipper!

RENT A MOTOR BOAT

We rent motor boats with or without skipper from navigation licensen. We also offer boats for events such as stag / hen parties, private parties and much more!

We offer big game fishing from Denia, our trips include skipper, fishing equipment, fuel, bait, snacks, soft drinks and cold beer! Don't miss this unique experience!

Great boat ride during sunset

Diego recommended we took a private boat ride during the sunset and it was AMAZING! Captain was very experienced and knew how to make it worth the trip! Beautiful boat and awesome pride! Definitely recommend this company!

Fantastic 5h private tour!

We booked the 5 hour trip with them, they came to Javea with the boat to pick us up! After we went to the Granadella Bay were we went on a Clear SUP! That was impressive! We tried out the sea scooters, they go 4km/h that was fast enough for snorkelling! For lunch we got a Paella Valenciana and drinks.

Amazing experience..

Very professional, great price, & of course FUN! Boat driver was A++ and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend this company in Denia! They treat you like family and make sure you are safe! I would definitely rent a boat in Denia with this company again next year.

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Sail towards Jávea passing the Cape of San Antonio.

Make a unique excursion forgetting the traffic jams and enjoying the coast of Cabo de San Antonio. Choose from the different timetables available for both the outward and return journeys from the port of Denia to the port of Jávea. You will be able to enjoy a coastal navigation, the caves and cliffs of Cabo de San Antonio. You will have the option to get off in Jávea, stay for lunch or a stroll and then return to the port of Denia, choosing the times that best suit your needs.

Book your day now and come sailing

Come sailing with Mundo Marino

We will sail to the port of Jávea, where you can enjoy the best views of the Cabo de San Antonio and the marine reserve, and you can also take a stroll around Jávea and stay for lunch, and then return in the afternoon to the port of Denia.

EXCURSION INFORMATION

[email protected] Telf: + 34 966 42 30 66

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How Much Exactly Do You Have to Pay to Charter a Boat on 'Below Deck Mediterranean'?

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The Big Picture

• Trying to get on Below Deck Mediterranean comes with a hefty price tag.
• Guests on the show pay a discounted rate, but still shell out over $8,000 each to be on the boat.
• The $65,000 price tag for the show is a steal compared to the usual cost of chartering a yacht, which can reach up to $200,000.

Trying to be on a Bravo show is a goal for many viewers and, if you have money, it might be an easier goal to obtain. One of the top shows on the network is Below Deck Mediterranean and, if you can afford it, you can worm your way into a spot on the series. But only as a guest, and you have to pay a pretty penny to make it happen.

The premise of the show is to see the crew of Below Deck Mediterranean working on a ship together and taking care of guests when aboard the ship. But, according to Bravo's website, the series seemingly has guests paying less than what they normally would. The casting for the show states that those "guests" are paying a discounted rate to take a journey. The site says that the crew are serving guests paying "a highly discounted rate of what the normal charter fee." And when you hear how much they're paying, it will make you wonder how much a real charter fee is.

Now, your average day Bravo fan might not be able to just drop the amount of money it takes to be on Below Deck Mediterranean . According to a casting email obtained by The Things , each person is paying over $8,000 to be on the boat. That puts the total to charter the boat at $65,000. Again, how much is it normally to charter a boat if this is the discounted rate? With a tip of $15,000 total for the crew, that puts the grand total for each person at $8,125. Sorry, guys, we maybe won't be on Below Deck Mediterranean any time soon.

What Does the 'Below Deck Mediterranean' Price Tag Get You?

That $65,000 price tag is, sadly, not even a fraction of what this kind of get away typically costs, running you upwards of $175,000 to $200,000 to charter a boat. If you aren't the most elite of rich people, you might not find yourself on Below Deck Mediterranean any time soon. Reportedly, what this price tag includes for those wanting to be the next guest on Below Deck Mediterranean is the following: economy roundtrip airfare for everyone, two nights in a hotel, three days on a luxury yacht, a private chef, food and alcohol on the yacht, 24 hour service and all 'water toys.'

So with the $15,000 tip already included and knowing what the overall price tag could be to charter a yacht, it isn't the worst deal on the planet. You just have to have that much money just lying around.

Below Deck Mediterranean

In a luxury charter yacht traveling across the Mediterranean, crew members face both the challenges of managing upscale guest expectations and the complexities of their own interrelationships. Each episode highlights the high-octane world of yachting where exceptional service standards meet personal drama and adventure.

Watch on Peacock

Donald Trump turns 78 in relative quiet, a day after a noisy trip to Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON - Former President Donald Trump marked his 78th birthday on Friday in relative quiet - unlike the volatility of the rest of his birthday week.

"It's just a beautiful night - I hate to conclude," Trump told supporters during an hour-long speech at a birthday event that capped an otherwise uneventful day.

The presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee stayed relatively low-key a day after he insulted the city of Milwaukee - which is hosting next month's Republican convention - and further teased his vice presidential selection during his first visit to Capitol Hill for the first time since the pro-Trump insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021 .

"There's tremendous unity in the Republican Party," Trump told reporters after seperate meetings with House and Senate Republicans.

Trump is also busy preparing for his scheduled July 11 sentencing after being found guilty in the New York hush money trial - one of many negative items listed by supporters of President Joe Biden as they wished Trump a different kind of "Happy Birthday."

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

After his Washington visit, "Trump came away looking even more unhinged and out of touch with the voters he’ll need to reach 270 electoral votes," said a memo from Michael Tyler, communications director for the Biden campaign.

A birthday celebration

Trump headlined his own birthday event Friday night with an appearance at "Club 47," a local group of supporters who are paying thousands of dollars for a dinner in West Palm Beach, Fla., near Trump's Mar-a-Lago private club and personal residence.

The former president is expected to hit the campaign trail again Saturday with appearances in Detroit, including a "roundtable discussion" at a Detroit church and a speech before the conservative group Turning Point Action.

Michigan supporters plan to maintain birthday celebrations with a boat parade on Lake St. Clair .

Biden's birthday greetings to Trump

President Joe Biden's campaign marked the ocassion by sending Trump a birthday greeting listing 78 less-than-stellar "accomplishments."

The Biden list included bankruptcies, business failures, allegations of racism, allegations of sexual misconduct, threats to political opponents, suggestions of violence, two impeachments, and four sets of criminal indictments.

“Happy birthday, Donald," said a statement from Biden campaign spokesperson James Singer. "You’re a crook, a failure, a fraud, and a threat to our democracy, economy, rights, and future."

Still, Trump may have had a better birthday than first lady Jill Biden, who marked her 73rd birthday on June 3 in court watching the trial of stepson Hunter Biden .

Milwaukee, a 'horrible city'?

Democrats also continued to hammer Trump over his comments about Milwaukee, the biggest city in a battleground state - Wisconsin - that could decide the Biden-Trump race.

In his meeting with House Republicans, Trump reportedly said: "Milwaukee, where we are having our convention, is a horrible city," according to Punchbowl News .

In the Fox News interview, Trump said he was referring to the city's crime rate, and added that "I love Milwaukee."

Democrats plastered Trump's face and the quote on 10 billboards spread around the city. And Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said he found it "bizarre" that Trump would insult the biggest city in a pivotal state. He added: "All of us lived through his presidency, so right back at ya, buddy."

Biden, Trump, and the G-7

Trump spent part of Friday afternoon posting items on Truth Social, including positive poll numbers and attacks on Biden. He also advertised a rally Tuesday in Racine, Wisc., not far from Milwaukee.

The Republican's presidential campaign responded to the latest Milwaukee attacks by citing negative media coverage of Biden's attendance at the G-7 summit in Italy .

Trump's team also is trying to make Biden's age of 81 an issue in the campaign, saying theoldest president in U.S. history has exhibited signs of "cognitive decline" while "wandering around" during a photo opportunity.

The Biden campaign said its opponents used a video with "an artificially narrow frame" to distort the president's movements as he went over to congratulate a skydiver who participated in a G-7 event.

Happy birthday from Congress

Trump's comments about Milwaukee and other matters came during a pair of closed-door meetings with lawmakers, the first with House Republicans and the second with Senate Republicans.

Both meetings marked Trump's life milestone; House Republicans serenaded the former president with a rendition of "Happy Birthday," while Senate Republicans presented him with a giant cake.

In his Fox interview following the meetings, Trump dropped another hint about his imminent vice presidential selection: He said he probably been in the same room with his running mate during his session with Senate Republicans.

The Republican senators near the top of his list include Tim Scott of South Carolina, J.D. Vance of Ohio, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, and Marco Rubio of Florida.

When asked "was your pick for V.P. in that room with you?" Trump said: "Probably, yes."

Trump repeated that "we will probably announce it during the convention," which is scheduled for July 15-18 in Milwaukee.

It's hard to tell how seriously to take it all; there are some non-senators on Trump's list, including North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. Trump also told Fox that "I have sort of a pretty good idea" about who the selection will be.

"Look, we have some really talented people," Trump said. "I have a pretty good idea."

'Pretend the day doesn't exist'

Friday's relative peace by Trump's standards capped a week-long series of birthday tributes. During a rally Sunday in Las Vegas, the crowd sang "Happy Birthday" to the ex-president.

“There’s a certain point at which you don’t want to hear ‘Happy Birthday,’” Trump told supporters. “You just want to pretend the day doesn’t exist.”

Why are Russian warships in Cuba?

Russian warships sailed into Cuba’s main harbour in what appears to be a show of strength by Moscow amid heightened tensions with the US.

On Wednesday, dozens of Havana residents gathered and watched as Russian warships sailed into Cuba’s main harbour – in the latest display of naval strength by Moscow amid heightened tensions with the United States.

The Caribbean nation is a neighbour of the US, which at its closest point, is just about 150 kilometres (94 miles) away, but have had tense relations for decades.

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While it is not the first time Russian navy ships have visited Cuba, this convoy appears to be the largest in several years. The fleet is expected to stay between June 12 and 17 and the public will be allowed to take tours of the vessels.

Here’s what we know about why Russia has sent ships to Cuba now, how far back Russian-Cuban ties go, and why the two have gotten closer in the past year:

Why are the warships in Havana?

The flotilla is part of a “friendly” routine visit between the two countries’ navies, Cuban officials have said. The crew on board are expected to conduct military training exercises during their time in the Caribbean.

But analysts have said Moscow’s move is largely calculated to flex naval muscle in the US’s back yard. The detachment comes after escalating tensions between Russia and the US, following President Joe Biden’s decision in May to allow Ukraine to attack Russian targets with American weapons.

Russian President Putin has promised retaliation against not only the US, but also other Western allies of Ukraine who also removed restrictions on using their weapons against Moscow.

“That would mark their direct involvement in the war against the Russian Federation, and we reserve the right to act the same way,” Putin said last week, adding that Moscow was ready to use nuclear weapons.

Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin America programme at the Washington, DC-based Wilson Center think tank, told The Associated Press news agency that “the warships are a reminder to Washington that it is unpleasant when an adversary meddles in your [neighbourhood].”

The naval show-off is also meant to reassure Moscow’s Latin American allies – Cuba and Venezuela, of its continued support for them against Washington, some experts said.

Like Russia and Cuba, economically ravaged Venezuela has unpleasant relations with the US and is under American sanctions.

What ships did Russia deploy and how much of a threat are they?

The Russian fleet includes four vehicles in total.

• Admiral Gorshkov: is the lead ship in the convoy. The frigate – that is, a warship that is light to steer and can be easily manoeuvred – is one of the Russian navy’s most modern models. It is capable of carrying out long-range missile attacks and anti-submarine warfare while being difficult to spot with radars because of the use of stealth technology. The ship is equipped with Zircon hypersonic missiles, which Putin has in the past said can fly nine times faster than the speed of sound at a range of more than 1,000km (more than 620 miles). It also carries Kalibr and Oniks cruise missiles.
• Kazan: is a nuclear-powered submarine and houses a nuclear reactor. The vehicle is also believed to be equipped with missiles from the Kalibr and Oniks families.
• Pashin – the fleet’s oil tanker, and a rescue tugboat – Nikolai Chiker – complete the convoy as support vehicles.

How has the US responded?

US officials are publicly downplaying the deployment, and say it is part of usual port-calls between Russia and Cuba.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday that such naval exercises were routine and that there were no signs Moscow was transferring missiles to Havana.

Last July, Perekop – a Russian training ship equipped with anti-aircraft guns and a rocket launcher – was on a four-day visit to Havana and conducted “a range of activities” according to Cuban officials. The Admiral itself visited in 2019.

“We have seen this kind of thing before, and we expect to see this kind of thing again, and I’m not going to read into it any particular motives,” Sullivan said, adding that the US would remain vigilant.

The US deployed ships and planes that monitored the movement of the fleet even before it arrived in Cuba and assessed there were no nuclear weapons on board, officials speaking to US media said, noting that the fleet stayed in international waters throughout.

What are Cuba and Russia saying?

Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Tuesday that the fleet had conducted drills in the Atlantic while on the way to Cuba.

The Russian crew practised using high-precision missile weapons with the aid of computer-simulated enemy ship targets located at a distance of more than 600km (more than 320 nautical miles), according to the ministry.

Meanwhile, the Cuban Foreign Ministry, before the fleet’s arrival, stressed that none of the warships would carry nuclear weapons and added that their presence “does not represent a threat to the region”.

“Visits by naval units from other countries are a historical practice of the revolutionary government with nations that maintain relations of friendship and collaboration,” the ministry said in a statement.

Is this a replay of 1962?

Both Russia and Cuba have long been united in their opposition to the US. During the Cold War, their ties deepened intensely, as the then-Soviet Union befriended the ideologically aligned Havana. Moscow provided financial aid, military equipment, and naval training, boosting the country’s military might in the Caribbean.

Things came to a head in 1962 when Moscow transferred nuclear weapons to Cuba, prompting a response from the US, which imposed a naval blockade on Havana in response. That tense episode is now known as the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

The fall of the Soviet Union saw Cuba lose a major economic partner and fall into economic depression. But in recent years, the countries’ cooperation has again deepened.

Analysts have said this week’s naval show-off marked that intensifying relationship, but noted that it does not necessarily mean a rehash of events in 1962. Rather, Cuba, in particular, is again drawn to Russia for economic reasons, rather than ideology.

How have their economic ties deepened in the past year?

In the longest-lasting trade sanctions in modern history, the US has since 1958 banned American entities from trading with Cuba – following Fidel Castro’s overthrow of a US-backed government in Havana.

Although the sanctions have been eased at different times, they have largely remained over the years. In 2015, US President Barack Obama decided to restore diplomatic ties with Cuba after 50 years, but his successor Donald Trump reversed course nearly four years later.

That has partly contributed to a continuing economic crisis in the Caribbean country – alongside shaky government economic policies – analysts said.

“The blockade qualifies as a crime of genocide,” Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla said at a UN General Assembly meeting in November, referring to the US sanctions.

Deteriorating public services, regular power cuts, food and fuel shortages, and high inflation have pushed Cuba into its worst economic crisis in decades.

In recent years, Cuba has again turned to Russia, aiming to draw foreign investors. The two countries, last May, kicked off a series of economic partnerships, including one that will allow Russian businesses to lease Cuban land for 30 years – an unusual move in the largely closed-off country.

Bilateral trade between Cuba and Russia reached $450m in 2022, three times that of 2021, Russian officials said. About 90 percent of the trade comprised sales of petroleum products and soy oil, as Russia pumps in badly needed fuel to the country.

Ricardo Cabrisas, Cuba’s former minister of foreign commerce, told reporters on the sidelines of a business forum hosting Russian investors in Havana last May that the economic ties between Russia and Cuba would only grow stronger.

“Nothing and no one can stop it,” Cabrisas said.

U.S. reporter Evan Gershkovich, jailed in Russia on espionage charges, to stand trial

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U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich , who has been jailed for over a year in Russia on espionage charges, will stand trial in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg, authorities said Thursday.

An indictment of the Wall Street Journal reporter has been finalized and his case was filed to the Sverdlovsky Regional Court in the city about 870 miles east of Moscow, according to Russia’s Prosecutor General’s office.

Gershkovich is accused of “gathering secret information” on orders from the CIA about Uralvagonzavod, a facility in the Sverdlovsk region that produces and repairs military equipment, the Prosecutor General’s office said in a statement, revealing for the first time the details of the accusations against him.

The officials didn’t provide any evidence to back up the accusations. There was no word on when the trial would begin.

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Gershkovich was detained while on a reporting trip to Yekaterinburg in March 2023 and accused of spying for the United States. The reporter, his employer and the U.S. government denied the allegations, and Washington designated him as wrongfully detained.

The Federal Security Service, or FSB, alleged at the time he was acting on U.S. orders to collect state secrets but also provided no evidence.

Uralvagonzavod, a state tank and railroad car factory in the city of Nizhny Tagil about 60 miles north of Yekaterinburg, became known in 2011-12 as a bedrock of support for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Plant foreman Igor Kholmanskikh appeared on Putin’s annual phone-in program in December 2011 and denounced mass protests occurring in Moscow at the time as a threat to “stability,” proposing that he and his colleagues travel to the capital to help suppress the unrest. A week later, Putin appointed Kholmanskikh to be his envoy in the region.

Putin has said he believed a deal could be reached to free Gershkovich, hinting he would be open to swapping him for a Russian national imprisoned in Germany. That appeared to be Vadim Krasikov, who is serving a life sentence for the 2019 killing in Berlin of a Georgian citizen of Chechen descent.

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Asked last week by the Associated Press about Gershkovich, Putin said the U.S. is “taking energetic steps” to secure his release. He told international news agencies in St. Petersburg that any such releases “aren’t decided via mass media” but through a “discreet, calm and professional approach.”

“And they certainly should be decided only on the basis of reciprocity,” he added in an allusion to a potential prisoner swap.

Gershkovich faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

He was the first U.S. journalist taken into custody on espionage charges since Nicholas Daniloff in 1986 at the height of the Cold War. Gershkovich’s arrest shocked foreign journalists in Russia, even though the country had enacted increasingly repressive laws on freedom of speech after sending troops into Ukraine.

The son of Soviet emigres who settled in New Jersey, Gershkovich was fluent in Russian and moved to the country in 2017 to work for the Moscow Times newspaper before being hired by the Journal in 2022.

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Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich will remain jailed on espionage charges until at least late June.

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Since his arrest, Gershkovich has been held at Moscow’s Lefortovo Prison, a notorious czarist-era prison used during Josef Stalin’s purges, when executions were carried out in its basement.

The Biden administration has sought to negotiate his release, but Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it would consider a prisoner swap only after a verdict in his trial.

U.S. Ambassador Lynne Tracy, who has regularly visited Gershkovich in prison and attended his court hearings, has called the charges against him “fiction” and said that Russia is “using American citizens as pawns to achieve political ends.”

Since sending troops to Ukraine, Russian authorities have detained several U.S. nationals and other Westerners, seemingly bolstering that idea.

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What are Russian warships doing in the Caribbean?

The frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan arrived Wednesday in Havana fresh from exercises in the North Atlantic Ocean.

U.S. forces are keeping close watch on a flotilla of Russian warships that reached Cuba on Wednesday in an apparent show of force by President Vladimir Putin flexing his missiles in the Western Hemisphere.

The port call in Havana, Moscow’s longtime ally, comes less than two weeks after the Biden administration said it would allow Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weaponry against some military targets inside Russia.

The four Russian vessels arrived in Havana Harbor fresh from military exercises in the North Atlantic Ocean, Russia’s Defense Ministry said. They’re due to stay through Monday.

The ships aren’t carrying nuclear weapons, the Cuban and Russian foreign ministries have said, “so their stop in our country does not represent a threat to the region,” Havana said last week.

Here’s what you need to know.

Russia practiced firing high-precision missiles in the Atlantic

The Russian flotilla includes the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, a medium tanker and a rescue tugboat. Even without nuclear weapons, the frigate and the submarine are capable of launching Zircon hypersonic missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles and Onyx anti-ship missiles, Russia’s most highly touted modern weapons.

Several hours before entering the Havana harbor, Russian defense officials said, the flotilla completed an exercise in “the use of precision missile weapons.” Sailors used computer simulations to “hit” targets without launching actual missiles.

In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla. Lavrov affirmed Russia’s “continued support for Havana in its just demand for a complete and immediate end” to Washington’s 62-year embargo on most trade with Cuba and the removal of the country from the State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism.

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The visit came on Russia Day, when Russians mark the dissolution of the Soviet Union. State television highlighted extensive coverage of the event in the U.S. media, including clips from CNN. One Russian reporter described the visit as retaliation for Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia with American weapons.

“Last week, President Vladimir Putin made it clear that it reserves the right for a mirror response — that is, supplying long-range weapons to countries that feel the pressure of the United States,” the Russia 24 reporter said.

Cuba, mired in its worst economic crisis in years, is welcoming its longtime supporter

Cubans lined the Havana waterfront Wednesday to see the Russian ships arrive. The Russians fired 21 salvos in honor of their hosts; the Cubans responded with an artillery salute from the San Carlos de La Cabaña Fortress.

Cuba’s foreign ministry said the visit reflects “the historical friendly relations” between Havana and Moscow, ties that go back to Soviet support for Fidel Castro’s Cuban Revolution and Moscow’s purchase of sugar, rum and other products to soften the loss of U.S. trade at the outset of the embargo.

Cuba is currently mired in a dire economic crisis, including shortages of food, electricity and fuel, reminiscent of the so-called Special Period of the early 1990s, when the Soviet Union collapsed and support from Moscow sharply dropped.

Cuba emerged from years of deprivation with the support of Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez and improved relations with Russia under Putin. Lavrov said Wednesday that Moscow would continue to provide humanitarian support to Cuba.

The Russian foreign ministry thanked Cuba for its “principled position” on Ukraine. Rodríguez Parrilla, the Cuban foreign minister, said the country condemns “the increasingly aggressive stance of the U.S. government and NATO,” including sanctions against Russia.

Lavrov has been a frequent visitor to the region. He traveled in February to Venezuela, where he affirmed Russia’s support for the socialist government of Nicolás Maduro, Chávez’s successor. He stopped in Cuba during that trip also.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel visited Putin in Moscow in May.

The U.S. doesn’t see a threat, but is monitoring the visit

Port calls among friendly nations are common. The Cuban foreign ministry this week announced that a Canadian patrol vessel would arrive in Havana on Friday to commemorate 80 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations between Havana and Ottawa.

But the U.S. Defense Department has been tracking the Russian visit to Cuba since it was announced June 6. U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels are “going to continue to monitor,” Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Wednesday. ABC News reported that three U.S. Navy destroyers, a Coast Guard Cutter and Canadian and French frigates were keeping watch .

Singh said the Russian exercises didn’t pose a threat to the United States.

“This is not a surprise,” she said. Such “routine naval visits” by the Russians, she said, have occurred “during different administrations.”

A spokesman for U.S. Southern Command said the organization routinely monitors “activities of concern” in its area of responsibility. Authorities anticipate that the Russian vessels might also visit Venezuela. Maduro’s government, also under heavy sanction by the United States, has scheduled a presidential election for July.

Retired Adm. Jim Stavridis, who headed Southern Command from 2006 to 2009, said naval deployments to the Caribbean are “long and difficult” for Russian forces, and provide “good practice for our forces, tracking and monitoring them.”

The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, also said there was no cause for American concern. “Military drills are a normal practice in various regions of the world, especially for such a major maritime power as the Russian Federation,” Peskov told reporters on Thursday.

Putin is showing he ‘still has the ability to operate in the U.S. sphere of influence’

Russian forces have made several visits to Cuba and Venezuela in recent decades. In 2018, Moscow sent two supersonic, nuclear-capable Tu-160 bombers to Venezuela for a brief stop. The next year, as the Trump administration stepped up efforts to oust Maduro, Russia dispatched 100 troops and equipment to Venezuela and signed an agreement allowing it to send ships.

Of course, the most famous Russian visit to the region came in 1962, when the U.S. discovery of Soviet missile sites in Cuba brought the world to the brink of nuclear Armageddon. President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev resolved the two-week Cuban missile crisis peacefully with an agreement that each side would withdraw missiles deployed near the other and that they would establish direct communications — the so-called red telephone — to forestall similar crises in the future.

Videos now of a Russian submarine arriving in Cuba, political scientist Vladimir Rouvinski said, help Moscow show that “efforts by the United States to diminish their presence everywhere, in particular in Latin America, are not working.”

“We have to see that Russia is not willing to abandon Latin America,” said Rouvinski, of Icesi University in Colombia, even as its military is consumed by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

Putin aims to signal that “he still has the ability to operate in the U.S. sphere of influence,” said Cynthia Arnson, a distinguished fellow at the Wilson Center’s Latin America Program.

The U.S. stages similar exercises near Russia and China

The United States has a long history of deploying the Navy and other forces to demonstrate its range and capabilities in support of allies and against adversaries.

In May, the Destroyer USS Halsey conducted what the Navy called a “Freedom of Navigation Operation” to challenge “restrictions on innocent passage imposed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan, and Vietnam.”

A spokesperson for China’s Eastern Theater Command accused the United States of having “publicly hyped” the ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait , the Associated Press reported. Chinese Navy Senior Capt. Li Xi said the command sent naval and air forces to monitor.

Last year, the destroyer USS Nitze and the amphibious command ship USS Mount Whitney made separate port calls to Istanbul on the Bosporus. That’s roughly 20 miles from the Black Sea, where Ukraine has used sea drones and missiles to attack a Russian fleet .

Ukraine war latest: Putin makes 'absurd attempt to seduce West'; leaders call for Olympics truce

Analysts have branded Vladimir Putin's proposals for peace negotiations "absurd" and "hollow", as Volodymyr Zelenskyy hosts a two-day peace summit with world leaders - excluding Russia. Meanwhile, the Group of Seven have unanimously backed a global conflict truce during the Olympic Games.

Sunday 16 June 2024 03:01, UK

• Putin's 'absurd' peace proposal a 'hollow attempt to seduce the West'
• Western leaders back Olympic global conflict truce, Italy says
• More than 90 countries at peace summit - but Biden and other key players skip talks
• US announces $1.5bn in aid for Ukraine
• Dominic Waghorn analysis: It's a bad week for Putin - but Kyiv's allies face an uncertain future
• Big picture: Everything you need to know about the war right now
• Your questions answered:  Are there any signs of an underground resistance in Russia?
• Live reporting by Brad Young

That's all for our live coverage today, but we'll be back with more live updates and analysis soon.

If you're just checking in, here is a recap of the key moments that occurred over the last 24 hours.

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy kicked off a peace summit in Switzerland that excluded Russia;
• Joe Biden skipped the event - sending vice president Kamala Harris instead - and China declined an invitation;
• White House national security adviser branded Russia's latest so-called peace proposal a "completely absurd vision", after Vladimir Putin called for Ukraine to give up almost 20% of its land;
• The head of the EU Commission said freezing the conflict as it stands was "a recipe for future wars of aggression";
• But Saudi Arabia - touted as the potential host of a follow-up summit - said peace talks must involve "difficult compromise";
• Meanwhile, Russia blamed Ukraine for attacks that killed six people in Belgorod last night, while Ukraine said Russia killed three people with cluster munitions in a Ukrainian village today;
• The G7 unanimously backed a French proposal to request a global truce during the Olympic Games, the Italian prime minister said.

A draft statement at the Swiss peace summit recognises Russia's war in Ukraine continues to cause large-scale human suffering and destruction, Reuters reports.

"We reaffirm out commitment to refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state... including Ukraine," reads the statement.

"Any threat or use of nuclear weapons in the context of the ongoing war against Ukraine is inadmissible."

The communique continues: "Ukrainian nuclear power plants and installations... must operate safely and securely under full sovereign control of Ukraine."

It calls for prisoners of war to be released, and all deported and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children or unlawfully detained Ukrainian civilians to be returned to Ukraine.

The statement also pushes for "free, full and safe" commercial travel via sea ports in the Black Sea and Azov Sea.

"We underscore our commitment to upholding international law, including the UN charter."

The first batch of Russian and Belarusian athletes have been cleared to compete at next month's Paris Olympics, with a total of 25 making the cut.

Another 16 failed an International Olympic Committee vetting process over the war in Ukraine, the IOC said, the spaces for which will be distributed to other countries.

Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to qualify as neutrals so long as they have not actively supported the war in Ukraine and have not been contracted to any military or security agency.

The vetting process means the countries will have sportspeople competing in some events, like road cycling and trampolining, but in others neither country has qualified, such as taekwondo.

In this round of vetting, Russia cleared 14 athletes for 24 allocated spots, while 11 Belarusian athletes passed the process for 17 spots. 

Once all applicants are vetted, the IOC said it expects to see about 36 Russian and 22 Belarusian athletes competing as neutrals, out of 54 and 28 spots respectively.

Russia has blamed Ukraine for attacks that killed six people in Belgorod last night.

Russia's emergencies ministry said four bodies were pulled from the rubble of a five-story apartment building in the town of Shebekino.

Pictures showed a crane clearing debris and a building's facade shattered, with one stairwell collapsed. 

Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said a Ukrainian drone struck a car in a village near Shebekino, killing the driver.

He also said a woman was killed in her home when it was struck by rocket fire in the village of Oktyabrsky, further west.

There was no immediate comment from Kyiv.

Russia launched a fresh incursion across the border from Belgorod in Kharkiv last month, opening up a second front in the war.

While world leaders gather to discuss peace in Switzerland,  troops continue to fight on the frontlines in Ukraine.

Pictures show apartment buildings reduced to rubble in residential areas turned to ghost-towns to the east.

In Toretsk, Donetsk region, the frames of windows are all that is left of one block, hanging between two others.

Meanwhile, in Chasiv Yar, Ukrainian soldiers were photographed firing 120mm mortar towards Russian positions.

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister says any peace talks will involve "difficult compromise".

The country is viewed as one of the leading candidates to host what is being mooted as a follow-up conference to this weekend's gathering of dozens of world leaders in Switzerland. 

Speaking at the Swiss peace summit, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said any credible negotiations will need Russia's participation.

"We believe it is important that the international community encourage any step towards serious negotiations which will require difficult compromise as part of a road map that leads to peace."

World leaders are speaking throughout the day in Switzerland at a peace summit called by Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

We're bringing you the key moments from the talks, and this update includes comments on nuclear safety, war crimes and Vladimir Putin's "absurd vision".

Emmanuel Macron

The French leader says one of the key priorities of the talks must be about securing nuclear safety around the Zaporizhizhia power plant.

Allies must also "not to accept any complacency vis-a-vis the attacks targeting civilian targets and infrastructure in Ukraine. These are war crimes", he said.

Russia has denied all allegations of war crimes.

"What is at stake is our international rules and the possibility to have peace everywhere. Because in launching this war, Russia decided first to be an imperialist regime," said Mr Macron.

"This summit is a milestone to reiterate our attachment to the core principles of our international laws."

Jake Sullivan

The White House national security adviser branded Russia's latest peace proposal a "completely absurd vision."

It would only lead to further domination of the country, he said.

China's absence from the peace summit was probably a result of entreaties from Russia not to attend, Mr Sullivan added.

Finnish president

Finland's president Alexander Stubb called for follow-up talks as soon as possible because "peace is... always a process".

"We have 1,300 kilometres of border with Russia... Russia invaded Finland in World War Two, we lost 10% of our territory, including the land where my grandparents were born and where my father was born." 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Moscow was not invited to the Swiss summit because the Kremlin is not interested in peace.

European commission President Ursula von der Leyen told world leaders accepting Russian troops on Ukrainian land was a "recipe for future wars of aggression".

And Rishi Sunak was asked whether the West has been too scared of Vladimir Putin to help Ukraine defeat him.

Here are the details...

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

"There is no need to reinvent the wheel when the UN charter already defines the foundations of peace and normal co-existence of peoples," he told leaders gathered near Lucerne.

"There is no Russia here - why? Because if Russia was interested in peace, there would be no war.

"We must decide together what a just peace means for the world and how it can be achieved in a truly lasting way."

Ursula von der Leyen

"Freezing the conflict today, with foreign troops occupying Ukrainian land, is not the answer.

"It is a recipe for future wars of aggression.

"Instead we need to support a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace for Ukraine. One that restores Ukraine's sovereignty and its territorial integrity."

Rishi Sunak

Asked if the West has been too scared of Vladimir Putin to help Ukraine defeat him, he said the UK was " not going anywhere" and Kyiv's allies are "with Ukraine for as long as it takes".

"Crucially at the G7 summit over the past few days we reached a landmark agreement to make sure it's Russia who pays for more military support and economic reconstruction of Ukraine using trapped and seized Russian assets".

Vladimir Putin's purported interest in peace negotiations is a hollow attempt to "seduce" the West, war analysts say.

His "absurd ultimatums" are part of a campaign to sabotage the Swiss peace conference and mislead Kyiv's allies to permit the violation of Ukrainian sovereignty, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

The Russian leader's so-called peace plan included Ukraine surrendering almost 20% of its territory and abandoning its aspirations to join NATO, and the West lifting all sanctions and recognising part of Ukraine as Russian.

"The Kremlin is not interested in good faith negotiations with Ukraine and only feigns its interest in negotiations as part of a wider informational effort intended to convince the West to pre-emptively make concessions that violate Ukraine's sovereignty," said the ISW.

Mr Putin's demands would "irrevocably damage the principle of state sovereignty and the inviolability of international borders".

The ISW called Mr Putin's promise to respect a ceasefire "particularly hollow following months of Russian war crimes against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war".

Russia denies allegations of committing war crimes.

The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for Mr Putin's arrest.

"Putin's demands continue to reflect his long-demanded ultimatums that are based on presuppositions that deny the existence of an independent and sovereign Ukraine and that seek to seduce the West to pre-emptively compromise on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," said the ISW.

Demonstrators have travelled hundreds of miles to plead their case as world leaders arrive in Switzerland.

Some 250 people, many of them relatives of Ukrainian soldiers, waved banners and shouted slogans in Lucerne to draw attention to the fate of troops taken prisoner by Russia.

Many do not know if their loved ones have been killed or taken.

"I must do everything in my power to get my husband back," said Svitlana Bilous, 34, from Kharkiv.

"I'm clinging to the idea that my husband is still alive... that's what keeps me going. If I could send him a message, it would be simply that I love him."

Anatoliy went missing in April last year and Svitlana has only heard he is alive but has had no direct contact with him.

"We want specific actions regarding the return of prisoners of war, admission of the International Committee of the Red Cross to all places of detention," she said.

The families want the world powers in attendance at Volodymyr Zelenskyy's peace summit to find ways to press Moscow to hand over information, improve the conditions of any captives and send them home.

Approximately 8,000 people - civilians and soldiers - are in Russian hands, Ukrainian officials said in February.

"All of us have the same dream," said one women at the demonstration.

"We want our relatives to be found and returned from captivity."

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