The Kyiv Independent news desk

Progressive Bulgaria, the Kremlin-friendly coalition led by former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, is on track to win 37-38% of the vote, according to exit polls on April 19.

Key developments on April 18-19: * Ukraine strikes Russian drone plant in Taganrog, military confirms * Ukraine carries out first-ever interception of Shahed using naval drone platform, military says * Ukraine hits 4 'important' Russian oil sites in overnight strikes, military says * Russia in no rush to resume Ukraine peace talks, Lavrov says * Ukraine builds AI-driven defense ecosystem as over 200 companies develop drone technologies Ukrainian forces struck a Russian defense industry fa

The number includes 1,080 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

Key developments on April 17: * Over 620 attacks on enlistment officers recorded since start of full-scale war, police say * Ukrainian forces contain Russian attempts to advance near Vovchansk, military says * Oil prices plummet as Iran says Strait of Hormuz 'completely open' * New roads, artillery positions built in Belarus near Ukraine border, Zelensky says * Ukraine brings back almost 20 children from Russian-occupied territories, Russia over past week At least 620 attacks against enli

"Each of them has endured pressure, intimidation, and attempts to undermine their identity. Today, they are finally safe," a statement read.

The number includes 1,000 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

"A new model of warfare is being introduced — drone assault units, which combine aerial and ground drones with infantry into a single system," the Defense Ministry said.

Ukrainian drones attacked a Liberian-flagged oil tanker off the Black Sea coast, injuring a Turkish captain, Russian officials reported on April 16.

The number includes 1,100 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

Key developments on April 15: * Ukrainian deep strikes hit over 70 Russian industrial targets, including oil and gas sites, in March, Syrskyi says * UK pledges to send record number of drones to Ukraine by end of 2026 * 'It couldn't be any worse' — Zelensky sounds alarm on Patriot air defense missile shortage * Russia warns Europe over drone support for Ukraine, calls it escalation Ukrainian forces struck 76 Russian industrial targets in March using long-range weapons, Ukraine's Commander

The number includes 1,010 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

Key developments on April 14: * Russian missile strike on Dnipro kills 5, injures 27 * Russia targets critical dam in Kharkiv Oblast with glide bombs, governor says * 29 Russian soldiers killed during pipeline infiltration attempt in Sumy Oblast, Ukrainian brigade says * Germany, Ukraine elevate ties to strategic partnership with new defense deal A Russian missile strike on the city of Dnipro on April 14 killed five people and injured at least 27 others, local authorities reported. An exp

The number includes 820 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

Key developments on April 13: * Ukrainian forces withdraw from villages in eastern Sumy Oblast amid heavy fighting * Russia violated Easter ceasefire almost 11,000 times, Ukraine says * In response, Ukraine said it would also observe the ceasefire but would retaliate if it was breached. * German arms giant Rheinmetall to build missiles with Ruta maker Destinus * Asking Ukraine to cede land 'unworthy' of Hungary's 1956 resistance, Magyar says Ukrainian forces have pulled back near Myropils

The number includes 960 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.