Ukraine advances in Russia's Belgorod Oblast, Zelensky says
"In Belgorod Oblast, our military advanced and increased our zone of control," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 19, citing reports from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
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Ukraine brings home 277 POWs in swap with Russia
Another 277 Ukrainian soldiers returned home in a major prisoner swap with Russia mediated by the United Arab Emirates, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on April 19.
Putin announces Easter ceasefire, Zelensky calls for 30-day truce
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire on the Easter weekend, ordering a halt to all military action from 6 p.m. Moscow time on April 19 until midnight on April 21.
General Staff: Russia has lost 940,150 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
The number includes 1,180 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.
Ukraine war latest: US proposes leaving occupied areas under Russian control, easing sanctions, Bloomberg reports
Key developments on April 18: * U.S. proposes leaving occupied areas under Russian control, easing sanctions, Bloomberg reports * 'You're fools' — US may 'take a pass' on Ukraine-Russia talks if either side stalls, Trump says * "Not our war" — US may drop Russia-Ukraine ceasefire efforts unless progress is made, Rubio says * Kremlin
US proposes leaving occupied areas under Russian control, easing sanctions, Bloomberg reports
One of the officials told Bloomberg that the U.S. plans, which require further discussion with Kyiv, would not be a final settlement and that European allies would not recognize the occupied territories as Russian.
Ukrainian airline resumes first regular flights since 2022, flying from Moldova to EU
Ukrainian airline SkyUp Airlines has made its first regular flight since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, flying on the Chisinau-Paris route on April 18, the Ain outlet reported, citing the company's press service.
Raiffeisen halts plans to sell Russian subsidiary, FT reports
Raiffeisen Bank International has suspended efforts to sell its unit in Russia amid warming ties between Moscow and Washington, the Financial Times (FT) reported on April 18, citing undisclosed sources.
US reportedly closing 3 military bases in Syria, cuts troop presence
The closures include Mission Support Site Green Village, MSS Euphrates, and a smaller unnamed facility. U.S. commanders will reportedly decide within 60 days whether to further reduce the troop presence.
General Staff: Russia has lost 938,970 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
The number includes 1,530 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.
Ukraine war latest: China provides weapons to Russia, Zelensky says
Key developments on April 17: * China provides weapons to Russia, Zelensky says * Ukraine repels Russian offensive near Pokrovsk, killing 200 Russian soldiers, Zelensky says * Ukrainian forces liberate 16 square kilometers near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, Syrskyi says * Ukrainian drones attack Russian brigade linked to Sumy strike for second day in
Ukraine, US may sign minerals deal on April 24, Trump says
"We have a minerals deal, which I guess is going to be signed on Thursday, next Thursday," U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 17.
Ukraine's central bank leaves key policy rate unchanged at 15.5%
"Considering the high level of uncertainty, which has only increased over past months, the NBU will respond flexibly to changes in the balance of risks to the price dynamics and inflation expectations," the central bank's statement read.
Russian shelling of Nikopol kills 2, injures 5
The attack caused a fire to break out in the city. According to Governor Serhii Lysak, a shop, a cafe, several houses, outbuildings, cars, and a bus stop were damaged.
Ukrainian drones attack Russian brigade linked to Sumy strike for second day in row, sources say
Shuya's residents reported explosions in the early morning hours of April 17, with local authorities issuing a drone alert. Footage shared online shows explosions and a fire in the area.
EU fails to agree on sanctions on Russian LNG, Reuters reports
The EU has shelved the idea of banning Russian liquified natural gas (LNG) imports due to opposition from some members and uncertainty about alternative supplies, Reuters reported on April 16, citing undisclosed official sources.
General Staff: Russia has lost 937,440 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
The number includes 1,230 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.
Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones reportedly strike another Russian missile brigade linked to Sumy attack
Key developments on April 16: * Ukrainian drones reportedly strike another Russian missile brigade linked to Sumy attack * North Korea earns over $20 billion aiding Russia's war effort, report says * Kyiv doesn't rule out North Korean participation in Russia's assault on Sumy, Kharkiv oblasts * Russia arms 'kamikaze' drones with chemical weapons,
Russia arms 'kamikaze' drones with chemical weapons, Ukraine says
Russian forces have deployed Shahed-type "kamikaze" drones carrying toxic substances to attack Ukraine, the Center for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council said on April 16.
'Significant progress' — Ukraine, US to conclude minerals deal in 'near future,' Deputy PM says
"We have now agreed with the U.S. side to affirm this positive development by a relevant memorandum of intent — we are preparing a formal conclusion of the deal in the near future," Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said.
US softens demands on Ukraine minerals deal after Washington talks, Bloomberg reports
The Trump administration has reportedly lowered the payback it seeks under a minerals agreement with Ukraine from $300 billion to $100 billion.
1 killed, 27 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over past day
Russian attacks across Ukrainian regions killed at least one civilian and injured at least 27 over the past day, regional authorities reported on April 16.
General Staff: Russia has lost 936,210 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
The number includes 1,050 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.
Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces target Russian missile brigade behind deadly Sumy attack; Witkoff unveils '5 territories' deal for Russia
Key developments on April 15: * Ukrainian forces target Russian missile brigade behind deadly Sumy attack * Witkoff says '5 territories' key to proposed Russia-Ukraine deal after meeting Putin * North Korean artillery now dominates Russia's ammunition supply in war against Ukraine, investigation says * Azov, Khartiia commanders to lead 2 new National Guard
Russia sees no 'clear outlines' yet of agreement with US on war in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson says
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the meeting between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on April 11 "positive and useful."
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.
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.
Ukraine war latest: Ukraine developing strategic-level air defense system; Russia intensifies assaults against Kharkiv Oblast
Key developments on April 14: * Ukraine developing strategic-level air defense system, foreign minister says * Russia tries to land troops, break through Ukrainian defenses near Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast, military says * Death toll in Russian April 13 missile strike on Sumy rises to 35 * EU secures two-thirds of 2 million rounds
Death toll in Russian April 13 missile strike on Sumy rises to 35
The attack occurred on Palm Sunday and is one of the deadliest on Sumy.
Day after Russia kills civilians in Sumy, Kremlin claims deliveries of Taurus missiles will lead to escalation
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov's statement comes as Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor-in-waiting, suggested on April 13 that long-range Taurus missiles could be used to target strategic Russian military infrastructure.
Ukraine submits proposals to US on minerals agreement, Deputy PM says
Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna declined to disclose specific details, noting that negotiations are ongoing and "this is not the final round."
Russian attacks kill 40, injure 141 across Ukraine in deadliest day in months
The worst toll came from a Russian ballistic missile strike on Sumy, where 34 people were killed, including two children, and at least 117 were injured, according to Ukraine's Emergency Service.
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