Explosions reported in Russian city of Belgorod Oblast

7:18 PM

North Korean artillery now dominates Russia's ammunition supply in war against Ukraine, investigation says.

The majority of artillery shells used by Russian forces in Ukraine in 2024 were manufactured in North Korea, according to a joint investigation by Reuters and the Open Source Center (OPS), published on April 15.

7:08 PM

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Deadliest Russian attack on Sumy leaves residents in shock.

On April 13, Russia launched a brutal double-tap attack on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy. Two ballistic missiles rocked the city center on Palm Sunday, killing at least 35 people — including two children — and shocking Ukraine and the world. The Kyiv Independent visited Sumy the day after the attack.

6:36 PM

Ukrainian forces target Russian missile brigade behind deadly Sumy attack.

Ukrainian forces struck the base of Russia’s 448th Missile Brigade, which had carried out a deadly attack on the northeastern city of Sumy on April 13, Ukraine’s General Staff reported on April 15.

5:43 PM

Russia's Yamalo-Nenets region becomes first to reduce military enlistment payments.

The Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug has become the first Russian region to reduce enlistment payments for soldiers fighting in Ukraine, the Moscow Times reported on April 15, citing local officials.

4:19 PM

Merz's party optimistic about Germany's new coalition backing Taurus for Ukraine.

The statement follows remarks by chancellor-in-waiting and CDU head Friedrich Merz, who on April 13 reiterated his position that Germany could supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine in coordination with partners.

4:01 PM

US blocking G7 statement denouncing Russia's Sumy strike, Bloomberg reports.

The U.S. has told the other G7 members it would not support a joint statement condemning Russia's deadly attack on Sumy last week so as not to disrupt peace efforts, Bloomberg reported on April 15, citing undisclosed sources.

3:40 PM

EU readies 'plan B' for bypassing Hungary's Russia sanctions veto, RFE/RL reports.

The EU sanctions consist of two documents adopted one after another: a decision and a regulation. While a regulation must by extended by all 27 members every six months, a decision remains in force until a qualified majority repeals it, RFE/RL reported.

2:56 PM

Poland, Czechia reportedly push to restrict Russian diplomats' movement in Schengen.

The proposal calls for limiting Russian diplomats to their consular districts, a restriction already implemented in Poland.

2:43 PM

Azov, Khartiia commanders to lead 2 new National Guard corps.

One of the new formations, the 1st Azov Corps, will be led by Colonel Denys Prokopenko, the commander of the 12th Special Forces Azov Brigade.

2:07 PM

Ukraine has liberated Dniproenerhiia village in Donetsk Oblast, commander claims.

"I have been in command of the tactical group for two months. During this period, we managed to reduce personnel losses by 20%, regain control of the village of Dniproenerhiia, and improve the tactical situation in two critical areas," Lieutenant General Serhii Naiev said.

1:02 PM

Sumy Oblast governor fired amid military ceremony controversy.

Sumy Oblast Governor Volodymyr Artiukh's dismissal follows accusations that he planned a military award ceremony on the day of a deadly Russian attack on Sumy on April 13.

12:50 PM

EU to unveil delayed Russian energy phase-out plan by May 6.

The strategy, originally scheduled for release last month, was postponed amid growing uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump's new tariff policies, which could affect energy trade and strain transatlantic negotiations.

12:18 PM

In first such ruling, Russian soldier reportedly jailed for 15 years for surrendering to Ukraine.

The case marks the first known conviction in Russia for voluntary surrender during the full-scale war against Ukraine.

11:36 AM

Vance accuses Zelensky of 'absurd' criticism of siding with Russia.

"I think it's sort of absurd for (President Volodymyr) Zelensky to tell the (American) government, which is currently keeping his entire government and war effort together, that we are somehow on the side of the Russians," U.S. Vice President JD Vance said.

11:11 AM

Sumy Oblast governor confirms award ceremony plans ahead of Russian strike but denies responsibility.

"It wasn't my initiative. I was invited," Sumy Oblast Governor Volodymyr Artiukh told Suspilne, without commenting on who was behind the planned event.

10:53 AM

Witkoff says '5 territories' key to proposed Russia-Ukraine deal after meeting Putin.

Some U.S. officials have raised alarms over the direction of the Trump administration's diplomacy. The Wall Street Journal reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg are urging President Donald Trump to resist territorial concessions to Moscow.

7:00 AM  (Updated:  April 15, 2025 10:12 am)

1 killed, 9 injured in drone strike on residential building in Kursk Oblast, Russian authorities claim.

A drone strike on a residential building on April 14 in Russia's Kursk Oblast killed one person and injured another nine, Russian authorities claimed.

9:54 AM

White House reportedly seeks to defund NATO, UN in State Department cuts.

The proposed cuts for the next fiscal year would reportedly leave $28.4 billion for all State Department activities, a 48% reduction from the 2025 budget approved by Congress.

9:38 AM

6 killed, 17 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over past day.

Russian attacks across Ukrainian regions killed at least six civilians and injured at least 17, including a child, over the past day, regional authorities reported on April 15.

9:04 AM

Zelensky's 'always looking to purchase missiles' — Trump dismisses Ukraine's request to buy Patriots.

"You don't start a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles," U.S. President Donald Trump said.

8:41 AM

Europe's overall Ukraine aid outpaces US by $26 billion, report says.

The U.S. still holds an edge in terms of military aid — its 65 billion euros ($74 billion) lead Europe by 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) — but the gap is shrinking as Washington has not allocated a new aid package since Jan. 9, still under the Biden administration.

8:14 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 935,160 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

The number includes 1,180 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

7:48 AM

Iran's Foreign Minister to visit Russia ahead of next round of nuclear talks with US.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will visit Moscow for consultations with Russian officials ahead of the second round of nuclear program negotiations, a spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry said on April 14.

4:23 AM

Polish FM criticizes Hungary's stance on Russia, accuses it of lacking 'moral clarity'.

Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski criticized Hungary on April 14 for being the only EU member state lacking "moral clarity" on Russia’s war against Ukraine.

2:33 AM

EU’s Kallas urges leaders to boycott Moscow’s May 9 celebrations, show support for Ukraine.

"What was also discussed very clearly, and said by different member states, is that any participation in the 9th May parades or celebrations in Moscow will not be taken lightly on the European side," the European Union’s top diplomat said on April 14.