Russia’s Black Sea Fleet has been forced back to base after “the storm of the century” hit southern Ukraine and occupied Crimea.

No Russian ships are able to operate on the Black Sea and the Azov Sea because of the blizzards, giant waves and winds of up to 90mph, Ukraine’s navy and southern army command said.

The storm has destroyed coastal defences in occupied Crimea and one Russian military blogger claimed minefields have been swept across the seas.

The Institute for the Study of War think tank said heavy snowfall elsewhere in Ukraine has slowed down fighting because of poor visibility.

But it said Ukrainian forces have used the harsh conditions to secure their positions on the bridgehead over the Dnipro river.

Russian media have dubbed the weather the “storm of the century”, with at least 12 people dead and 29 injured across Ukraine, Moldova and Russia. Power cuts have left millions without electricity.

Follow the latest updates below and join the conversation in the comments section