Russia begins development of major manganese deposit in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast

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

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

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

Those sanctioned include commanders of Russia’s long-range aviation, which has launched over 4,100 missiles since the start of the full-scale invasion, including strikes on civilian targets such as the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital, residential buildings, and infrastructure.

According to Ukrainska Pravda, the case may involve alleged bribery linked to transfers between military units.

Over the past week, Russian troops have been building up forces in the Vovchansk area in an effort to take control of the town and push toward nearby settlements.

Hungary held one of the most consequential elections in its modern history on April 12, with implications far beyond its borders. The Kyiv Independent’s Francis Farrell traveled to Budapest to cover the vote at a moment of political uncertainty.

The statement followed a ceasefire deal reached by the U.S., Israel and Iran on April 8. A major stumbling block had been the lack of a ceasefire in Israel's war on the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah but it was eventually reached on April 16.

The highest number of incidents was recorded in Kharkiv Oblast with 69 cases, followed by Kyiv with 53 and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with 45, according to the data.

The Sting interceptor drone was remotely controlled using Hornet Vision Ctrl technology.

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

"The direct involvement of these countries in the conflict, in the war surrounding Ukraine, is growing," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

Russia could escalate its attacks to this level "in the very near future," Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said, citing Ukrainian military intelligence.