The Kyiv Independent

Gunman killed after opening fire in Kyiv supermarket; 6 dead, 14 injured

Tim Zadorozhnyy — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:46:45 GMT

A gunman who opened fire in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district on April 18 was killed by police after leaving at least six people dead and 14 others injured.

Russia in no rush to resume Ukraine peace talks, Lavrov says

Tim Zadorozhnyy — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:44:47 GMT

"Resuming negotiations is not our top priority," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

Ukraine hits 4 'important' Russian oil sites in overnight strikes, military says

Sonya Bandouil — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:26:39 GMT

Ukraine's General Staff said the targeted sites support Russia's Armed Forces.

Russia’s next war crime: After a winter of blackouts, Ukraine braces for summer water outages

Anastasiia Verzun — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:01:35 GMT

Even as warmer weather reduces the disruptive impact of blackouts and lowers heating demand, Ukrainian officials and utility experts warn that Russia may be shifting its focus to a new pressure point: the country’s water infrastructure.

That warning is now being echoed by Ukraine’s military intelligence

Iran reimposes restrictions on Strait of Hormuz after Trump signals 'good news'

Tim Zadorozhnyy — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:39:43 GMT

"The Americans, with their repeated record of breach of promise, continue to engage in banditry and piracy under the guise of a so-called blockade," Iran's armed forces command said.

Trump letting Putin 'play him for a fool,' US lawmakers say after new Russia sanctions waiver

Tim Zadorozhnyy — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:27:52 GMT

"This decision is shameful," the statement reads.

Trump envoy faces 'sweeping' investigation over business ties, diplomatic role

Tim Zadorozhnyy — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:53:25 GMT

Democratic U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin launched what he described as a "sweeping" investigation into U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, over a potential conflict of interest, according to an April 17 press release.

The inquiry focuses on Kushner's dual

At least 1 killed, 26 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over past day

Tim Zadorozhnyy — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:23:37 GMT

Ukraine's Air Force said it shot down 190 of 219 Russian drones overnight.

General Staff: Russia has lost 1,317,150 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022

The Kyiv Independent news desk — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:14:41 GMT

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

US renews Russian oil sanctions waiver for 1 month, days after signaling it would not do so

Dmytro Basmat — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:39:22 GMT

The effective extension of the waiver comes just two days after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters that the Trump administration "will not be renewing the general license on Russian oil," as well as another waiver on Iranian oil.

Ukraine wins debt relief and IMF flexibility in DC — but growth outlook dims

Luca Léry Moffat — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:55:14 GMT

WASHINGTON — Ukraine secured two wins in Washington, D.C. this week, including an extension of a debt repayment freeze, as well as signals that the International Monetary Fund would be open to easing some of the tougher elements of the fund's $8.1 loan program to Kyiv.

Russia begins development of major manganese deposit in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast

Sonya Bandouil — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:26:56 GMT

Russia is moving to develop a major manganese deposit in occupied parts of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Russian media reported on April 17.

Iran threatens to shut Strait of Hormuz if US naval blockade persists

Sonya Bandouil — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:58:50 GMT

Iran signaled on April 17 that access through the Strait of Hormuz remains conditional, despite earlier claims that the key shipping route was open.

Ukraine war latest: Over 600 attacks on enlistment officers recorded since start of full-scale war, police say

The Kyiv Independent news desk — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:43:05 GMT

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

New roads, artillery positions built in Belarus near Ukraine border, Zelensky says

Tania Myronyshena — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:37:00 GMT

"We believe that Russia will once again attempt to drag Belarus into its war," the Ukrainian president said on April 17.