Russian forces shell villages close to Zaporizhzhia

Ukraine's defense ministry is testing a unified ground control station for fiber-optic drones, aiming to cut the number of incompatible systems troops carry to the front.

The figure, counted up in an investigation by the Novaya Gazeta Europe, comes as Russia continues to militarize its society, with a specific focus on children, preparing the next generations for joining the country's wars.

Kyiv's intention to pursue such a system is not new, but the announcement marks the first time officials have attached such an ambitious timeline to the effort.

"During the Spring Meetings, we found understanding from our partners that this is indeed a sensitive topic and a non-constructive idea," Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said on April 19 in a Telegram post, referring to the new VAT tax.

His electoral win marks a victory for pro-Russian representation in the EU.

The two-day operation, held on April 16-17, brought together 40 experts from 18 countries, alongside the International Criminal Court and several non-governmental partners.

Ukrainian drones reportedly struck the Tuapse Oil Refinery in southern Russia's Krasnodar Krai during an overnight attack on April 20, as Kyiv continues efforts to disrupt Moscow's war funding.

Military communications expert and Defense Ministry advisor Serhii Beskrestnov was injured in what he said was a targeted Russian drone strike on his home outside Kyiv overnight on April 20.

Stockholm believes that Moscow is "living on borrowed time," Sweden's military intelligence chief Thomas Nilsson said.

Russian forces launched 142 drones against Ukraine overnight, 113 of which were downed or jammed, the Air Force said.

The number includes 1,050 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.