Ukraine Invasion: Part 39

[MagicFox]

38 filled up quick. Welcome all to 39 🇺🇦

Kyiv Independent Telegram

⚡️Media: Russia possibly preparing to sabotage (https://kyivindependent.com/media-russia-possibly-preparing-to-sabotage-wind-turbines-gas-pipes-and-power-cables-in-nordic-countries/)* wind turbines, gas pipes, power cables in Nordic countries.*
Russia may be preparing to sabotage wind farms, gas pipelines, and power and internet cables in the waters around Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden, Danish media outlet DR Nyheder reported on April 19.

⚡️Poland strengthens (https://kyivindependent.com/poland-starts-building-electronic-firewall-along-border-with-russia/) security measures along border with Russian exclave Kaliningrad.
Poland has started installing additional security surveillance systems along its border with the Russian province of Kaliningrad, RMF 24 reported on April 18.

⚡️Lukashenko meets (https://kyivindependent.com/lukashenko-meets-with-pushilin-in-minsk/) in Minsk with leader Russian proxy regime in Donetsk.

⚡️Zelensky visits (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-visits-avdiivka/) military positions near front-line city of Avdiivka.

⚡️Ex-Wagner fighter who confessed (https://kyivindependent.com/ex-wagner-mercenary-10-percent-confession/) to killing POWs: 'I only said 10% of what could be said.’
Alexey Savichev, a former mercenary of the Russian state-backed Wagner Group, said that his confession about murdering dozens of Ukrainian civilians, including children, was "only 10%" of what he could share, Russian independent outlet Vertska reported on April 18.

⚡️CNN: Moscow court denies (https://kyivindependent.com/cnn-moscow-court-denies-us-journalist-gershkovichs-appeal-remands-him-in-custody/) US journalist Gershkovich's appeal, remands him in custody.

⚡️Official: Over 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers considered missing (https://kyivindependent.com/official-over-7-000-ukrainian-soldiers-considered-missing/).
According to Oleh Kotenko, Ukraine’s commissioner for missing persons, about 60-65% of missing persons usually turn out to be in captivity, while the rest might no longer be alive.

⚡️Reuters: Poland proposes (https://kyivindependent.com/reuters-poland-proposes-to-strengthen-eu-sanctions-against-russia/) new sanctions against Russia.

⚡️Germany delivers (https://kyivindependent.com/germany-delivers-patriot-air-defense-system-to-ukraine/) Patriot air defense system to Ukraine.
Germany has delivered a Patriot air defense system and missiles for it to Ukraine, according to the German government’s weekly update.
In addition, Berlin has reportedly handed over 16 Zetros trucks and two border protection vehicles.

⚡️Poland agrees (https://kyivindependent.com/poland-agrees-to-resume-transit-of-ukrainian-grain/) to resume transit of Ukrainian grain.

⚡️ Former member of parliament killed (https://kyivindependent.com/former-member-of-parliament-killed-on-frontline/) on front line.

⚡️Biden extends (https://kyivindependent.com/biden-extends-ban-on-russian-affiliated-vessels-in-us-ports/) ban on Russian-affiliated vessels in US ports.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba visits (https://kyivindependent.com/foreign-minister-dmytro-kuleba-visits-kuwait-discusses-reconstruction/) Kuwait, discusses reconstruction.

⚡️Ukrenergo, ENTSO-E increase capacity (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrenergo-entso-e-increase-capacity-for-to-import-electricity-to-ukraine-moldova/) for Ukraine, Moldova to import electricity.

⚡️Reuters: South Korea could provide (https://kyivindependent.com/reuters-2/) military aid to Ukraine under certain circumstances.
South Korea could provide more than humanitarian and financial aid to Ukraine in the case "there is a situation the international community cannot condone," President Yoon Suk Yeol told Reuters in an interview published on April 19.

Slightly more personnel losses again and a number of drones downed.

UNITED24 media Telegram

Macron wants to bring Ukraine to the negotiating table with Russia in the summer. For this, he will turn to China with his plan, writes Bloomberg.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is ready to consider only those ideas to end the war in Ukraine that take into account its "interests."

Western leaders are preparing for Putin to use all tools to respond to the Ukrainian counteroffensive, — The Guardian.
These tools are likely to include nuclear blackmail and cyber attacks.
The publication notes that the winter offensive of the invaders is slowing down, and in Moscow, it seems, there is already an awareness that its troops will soon have to defend themselves to hold the captured Ukrainian territories.

❗️Ukraine agreed with Poland to unblock the transit of its agricultural products

The US has secret nuclear technology at a nuclear power plant in Ukraine and warns Russia not to touch it, – CNN
This is stated in a letter from the US Ministry of Energy sent to Rosatom last month. It says that the Zaporizhzhia NPP in Energodar "contains nuclear technical data, the export of which is controlled by the US government."

NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg and US Deputy Secretary of State Sherman said they knew Russia had not yet deployed tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, despite Putin's claims that he intended to do so.

Great Britain helps Ukraine as much as it can. In particular, from its own stocks, — The Guardian with reference to sources.
The British government is facing increasing pressure to increase support for Ukraine and transfer fighter jets and additional tanks. In particular, from the side of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Great Britain handed over 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, had a telephone conversation with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the US Congress, Kevin McCarthy.

❗️Every third region of the Russian Federation was on the brink of a budget crisis, the media reported.
In five regions, there is a complete budget collapse, revenues have fallen by 30-50%.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has decided not to allow the Russian national team to the pre-qualification tournament for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris

Due to a large amount of destroyed equipment during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Army begins to deconserve equipment from the Second World War. There is also a lack of human resources, – CNN

Several secret Pentagon documents leaked online are false, as NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg said.

Russian military and civilian "ghost ships" are moving in the Baltic and North Seas and collecting data for sabotage against wind farms, gas pipelines, and communication cables, a joint investigation by public broadcasters Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

The first Bradley infantry fighting vehicles are already on the battlefield in Ukraine, the Pentagon spokesman said

‘Biological’ weapon: Ukrainian Edition.

The Council of the EU supported the inclusion of Ukraine in the roaming zone, — Minister of Digital Transformation Fedorov.

On April 21, Ukraine will request an urgent delivery of anti-aircraft missile systems and ammunition for air defense systems on Ramstein, — FT.

Western capitals fear that without adequate anti-aircraft defense, the long-planned Ukrainian counteroffensive may fail, the publication notes.

Substantial air cover is a critical element of any successful ground offensive, military experts say, given the danger Russian aircraft pose to any massed Ukrainian forces trying to break through the front line.

Live: Ukraine Telegram

The SBU detained a conductor of the Zaporizhzhia-Przemyśl train who helped men escape to EU countries. He was hiding clients in his compartment in the ventilation system of a passenger car. One person could fit in the hiding place during one trip. The conductor charged about $2,500 for this.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited Brazilian President Lula da Silva to visit Ukraine to see the Russian aggression with his own eyes, after his scandalous statement that "only Putin and Zelensky are interested in the war."

EU will not be able to develop normal relations with China if Beijing does not use its influence on Russia to persuade it to withdraw from Ukraine and end the war - EU diplomat Borrell

This year, Poland's foreign policy strategy for 2017-2022 expired. Of course, a fundamental change in the security situation requires its revision.
But what will replace it? The answer to this question may be provided by a report in the Sejm by Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau on the objectives of Poland's foreign policy for 2023. It is likely to become the basis for a new strategy for the next five years.

Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized Yerevan's readiness to conclude a peace agreement with Azerbaijan with mutual recognition of territorial integrity, which in practice means refusal to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh's independence

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was extremely unhappy with his visit to Kyiv on March 8 last year and "almost smiled" when it came to Ukraine's territorial integrity, The Washington Post reports, citing leaked Pentagon documents. [presumably in a derisive way]
He complained to his spokesman, Stephen Dujarric, about the unexpected public ceremony of awarding Ukrainian defenders. Volodymyr Zelensky allegedly did not warn him about this - Guterres did not want to "congratulate the military of one of the parties to the Russian-Ukrainian war." He also told Dujarric that he had come to Ukraine to help, but that Ukrainians were allegedly "doing everything to eliminate" the UN.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-19-2023

Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar reported on April 19 that Ukrainian forces are already conducting some counteroffensive actions. Malyar stated that Ukrainian forces will never preemptively announce when the counteroffensive starts ... Malyar noted that Ukrainian counteroffensive actions will be both offensive and defensive in nature given the complex nature of the battlefield.

Key Takeaways

• The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) appears to be conducting a large-scale overhaul of domestic security organs.
• Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar reported on April 19 that Ukrainian forces are already conducting some counteroffensive actions.
• Russian forces continue to use Shahed drones and other lower-precision systems to offset the degradation of Russia’s precision munition supply.
• Russian forces conducted limited ground attacks near Kreminna.
• Russian forces continued ground attacks in and around Bakhmut, along the Avdiivka-Donetsk frontline, and in western Donetsk Oblast.
• Russian sources claimed that Ukrainian forces conducted limited ground attacks in Zaporizhia Oblast.
• Russian officials continue to prepare to send electronic summonses and establish a digital registry for those eligible for military service.
• A State Duma deputy proposed a bill that would expand contract conditions for the OMON and SOBR units of Rosgvardia and set conditions for the mobilization of Rosgvardia reservists.
• Russian officials and occupation authorities continue efforts to further integrate occupied territories into the Russian economic system.

Kyiv Independent Telegram

⚡️Minister: Inspections of ships carrying Ukrainian grain to resume in Turkish territorial waters (https://kyivindependent.com/minister-inspections-of-ships-carrying-ukrainian-grain-to-resume-in-turkish-territorial-waters/).
Following a meeting with Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, an agreement has been reached to renew registration and inspection procedures for ships arriving to load Ukrainian grain, Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov reported on April 19.

⚡️NYT: 'Surge' in electronic components (https://kyivindependent.com/untitled-26/) sent to Russia via Armenia, Kazakhstan.

⚡️Defense Ministry: 'Complex measures' of planned counteroffensive 'already underway' in the east (kyivindependent.com/planned-counteroffensive/).
"Complex measures" of Ukraine's planned counteroffensive are "already underway" in the east, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said on national television on April 19, adding that it should not be reduced to specific dates and actions.

⚡️Official: Patriot (https://kyivindependent.com/official-patriot-systems-from-us-netherlands-already-in-ukraine/)systems (https://kyivindependent.com/official-patriot-systems-from-us-netherlands-already-in-ukraine/) from US, Netherlands already in Ukraine.

Media: Ukraine receives (https://kyivindependent.com/media-ukraine-receives-another-iris-t-system-from-germany/) another IRIS-T system from Germany

⚡️Bulgaria temporarily bans (https://kyivindependent.com/bulgaria-temporarily-bans-import-of-ukrainian-agricultural-products/) import of Ukrainian agricultural products.
The import ban will last from April 24 until June 30. It will not apply to the transit of food from Ukraine through Bulgarian territory if the goods are sealed at the border.

⚡️Commander on Bakhmut: 'Dynamic' fighting (https://kyivindependent.com/commander-on-bakhmut-dynamic-fighting-continues-city-still-stands/) continues, city still stands.

⚡️US announces (https://kyivindependent.com/us-announces-new-military-aid-package-for-ukraine/) new military aid package for Ukraine.
The U.S. Department of Defense announced an additional security assistance package for Ukraine worth $325 million on April 19.
The package includes more ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 155mm and 105mm artillery shells, anti-armor weapon systems, anti-tank mines, and more than nine million rounds of small arms ammunition.

⚡️General Staff: Ukraine hits (https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-ukraine-hits-two-russian-ammunition-warehouses-over-past-day/)two Russian ammunition warehouses over past day.

⚡️Local authorities: Light flash (https://kyivindependent.com/local-authorities-light-flash-in-sky-over-kyiv-due-to-nasa-satellite-crash/) in sky over Kyiv due to NASA satellite crash.
A bright flash of light seen in the sky over Kyiv late on April 19 resulted from a NASA space satellite crashing to Earth, according to preliminary data by Kyiv City Military Administration head Serhii Popko.

⚡️Switzerland has no plans (https://kyivindependent.com/switzerland-refuses-to-join-repo-task-force-on-basis-of-neutrality/) to join REPO task force on basis of neutrality.
Switzerland refused a request from the G7 countries to join the Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) multilateral task force on April 19.

⚡️Cyprus to set up national sanctions implementation (https://kyivindependent.com/cyprus-sets-up-national-sanctions-implementation-unit/) unit.
The Cypriot government on April 19 announced that it will set up a national sanctions implementation unit, according to a Cyprus Mail report. President Nikos Christodoulides will work with the U.K.-based sanctions unit to establish this new department. [Cyprus is teeming with Russians]

⚡️Ukraine’s agricultural sector has suffered more than $8 billion from war damage (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-agricultural-sector-suffered-more-than-8-billion-since-beginning-of-full-scale-invasion/).

⚡️ New York Times: Russian propaganda entrenched (https://kyivindependent.com/new-york-times-russian-propaganda-entrenched-in-eastern-ukraine/) in eastern Ukraine.
Many residents in Ukrainian towns on the frontline still believe Russian propaganda about the war, according to a New York Times article.
According to Dmytro Kirdiapkin, a local police chief in Kostyantynivka, residents of eastern Ukraine are exposed to Russian social media channels, television, and radio programs at all hours of the day. “We lost the information war in 2014,” he said.

⚡️ Official: Soils in Crimea deemed unsuitable for agriculture (https://kyivindependent.com/official-soils-in-crimea-deemed-unsuitable-for-agriculture/).
Soils in northern Crimea are unsuitable for agriculture due to Russia’s water extraction methods, according to the Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Tamila Tasheva.

⚡️Politico: French, Polish officials allegedly at odds over details of ammunition procurement (https://kyivindependent.com/politico-french-polish-officials-at-odds-over-details-of-ammunition-procurement-for-ukraine/) for Ukraine.

⚡️Denmark, Netherlands pledge 14 Leopard 2 tanks (https://kyivindependent.com/denmark-netherlands-pledge-14-leopard-2-tanks-to-ukraine-by-early-2024/) to Ukraine by 'early' 2024.

⚡️Military intelligence (https://kyivindependent.com/military-spokesperson-russia-moving-to-strategic-defense/): Russia moving to strategic defense after 'failed' offensive.
Russian forces are moving to an overall strategic defense posture following a failed winter offensive, Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for Ukrainian military intelligence agency HUR, said on national television on April 20.

UNITED24 Media Telegram

Brazilian President Lula da Silva, after criticism, declared that he supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Silva condemned the violation of the country's territorial integrity, but defended the idea of mediation to end the war.

❗️Hungary has expanded the list of prohibited agricultural products for import from Ukraine — except for grain, it will not be possible to sell Ukrainian flour, honey, oil and meat on the territory of Hungary.

HIMARS manufacturer Lockheed Martin cannot increase the supply of missiles to Ukraine due to a lack of engines, – Wall Street Journal.
The company expects a decline in revenue in 2023 due to a shortage of crucial components (rocket engines for the GMLRS and other missiles), which prevents an increase in production volumes

Germany will invest 111 million euros in the restoration of Ukraine, – the representative of the Federal Government of Germany Jochen Flasbart at the negotiations in Kyiv.

British Defense Minister Ben Wallace said he was confident of Ukraine's counteroffensive, but made it clear that the war would most likely continue next year.

❗️Yesterday, Zelenskyy was in Avdiivka, 3 km from the front line, in a semi-surrounded state, the OSINT project GeoConfirmed reports [this is a hotspot]

Canadian, Norwegian, and Polish military instructors train Ukrainians on virtual simulators and live fire during maneuvers.

The US did not receive data from France about Emmanuel Macron's peace initiatives regarding Ukraine, White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre said.

⚡️ It is reported that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has arrived in Kyiv

The enemy took a conditional break in order to accumulate forces for strikes on those objects that are important in connection with the counteroffensive of Ukrainian forces, — Yusov, representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate

Live: Ukraine Telegram

Macron's pivot to China has baffled French diplomats - Le Monde
The "strategic dialogue" that the French president is seeking to build with China, as well as his criticism of the United States and his attempts to distance himself from its position, are causing concern among French diplomats.
Macron's remarks have raised suspicions in the French Foreign Ministry that he is trying to "appease" China with a deal that would ignore Taiwan in exchange for Beijing's help in securing peace in Ukraine, Le Monde writes.
Foreign Ministry officials told the newspaper on condition of anonymity that Macron is keeping them in the dark, trying to manage foreign policy on his own with the help of his own advisers.

Near Alaska, American fighters intercepted two Russian Tu-95s.
The strategic bombers remained in international airspace and did not enter US or Canadian airspace.

[a quiet day newswise apart from the one significant hint of future actions)

Aid to Ukraine as a percentage of GDP

Thanks for the updates, trivial in the overall scheme of things but reports that

"A bright flash of light seen in the sky over Kyiv late on April 19 resulted from a NASA space satellite crashing to Earth,"

Might be wide of the mark. The satellite in question (RHESSI) was still in orbit, just, this AM and it's now thought the flash over Kyiv might have been a meteorite.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65331823

As for Mr Macron, not really sure what he's up to but I'm watching national press with interest. I think some details might be being lost in translation but he's certainly still under a lot of domestic pressure and there are worries he's after some sort of foreign policy victory.....

Not always a reliable source, but it's been reported that Admiral Sergei Avakyants resigned as commander of the Pacific Fleet following fleet manoevers with the Chinese.

He was reportedly sacked after an unannounced inspection revealed problems with fleet combat readiness.

Top Russian admiral fired after snap inspection of fleet

And speaking of expensive accidents, an S400 air defense missile launcher rolled over into a ditch by the side of the road in Russia, and is reportedly still there.

https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1649124112818634758

I hope they had full insurance coverage for it.

The Switchblade 600 loitering munition has been confirmed to be in use by the UAF. This is a very new product for the manufacturer, so it's good to see that it's getting into the field, just in time for the offensive too.

https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1649115118339227657

There are more rumours that it's begun.

I think we need to wait and see though; the moment any movement at all begins, rumours are going to fly around

Malinda
AT TreasChest

Today the most important news comes from the south. Here, the intensity of the Ukrainian attacks has reached new peaks, as these opened up several additional lines of attack. Due to the increased pressure, the Russians began to lose their positions, and the occupation authorities suddenly launched the evacuation of the pre-front settlements. The evacuation sparked panic over the start of the Ukrainian counter-offensive, and today the Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister has finally confirmed that the counter-offensive has begun.

[I think 'confirmed' is stronger than the Telegram comments earlier suggested]

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-20-2023

Key Takeaways

·
The Kremlin demoted the commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet Sergei Avakyants amid an ongoing surprise readiness check that began on April 14. It is unclear if the Kremlin demoted Avakyants due to his poor performance in the ongoing rills or for other reasons.

·
A prominent Russian milblogger criticized the Russian military’s use of Russian airborne (VDV), naval infantry, and Spetsnaz forces as frontline infantry in Ukraine.

·
The Russian State Duma adopted a law granting members of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Militias veterans' status which could possibly cover PMC personnel but does not formally recognize PMC formations.

·
Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin to resolve issues at the Gukovo checkpoint during a meeting with government officials, indicating continued Russian challenges integrating illegally annexed Ukrainian territory.

·
Russian forces continued limited ground attacks in the Kreminna area.

·
Russian sources claimed that Ukrainian forces continued reconnaissance activity northwest of Svatove.

·
Russian forces continued ground attacks in and around Bakhmut, along the Avdiivka-Donetsk frontline, and in western Donetsk Oblast.

·
Russian forces continued defensive preparations in southern Ukraine out of concern for a possible Ukrainian counteroffensive.

·
The Kremlin may be eliminating or deprioritizing formal force structures controlled by the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and permitting private military companies (PMCs) to absorb their soldiers.

·
Russian occupation authorities continue to target Ukrainian youth to consolidate societal control of occupied territories.

Extra: ISW previously reported that Russian milbloggers complained that Russian checkpoints at the international customs line significantly slowed down Russian deliveries of ammunition to the frontlines in Donetsk Oblast.[21] The Kremlin’s failure to implement meaningful integration policies and secure occupied Ukraine is likely undermining Russia’s ability to provision forces on the front line

Kyiv Independent Telegram

⚡️11th Ramstein Summit begins (kyivindependent.com/11th-ramstein-summit-begins/).
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin welcomed Defense Secretary Oleksii Reznikov to the start of the 11th Ukraine Defense Contact Group summit at the Ramstein air base in Germany on April 21.

⚡️FT: EU preparing (https://kyivindependent.com/ft-eu-preparing-emergency-curbs-on-ukrainian-grain-imports/) 'emergency curbs' on Ukrainian grain imports for 5 member states.
The European Union is preparing "emergency curbs" for five member states on Ukrainian grain imports, the Financial Times reported on April 20.

Stoltenberg meets Zelensky on first visit to Kyiv since full-scale invasion

⚡️Prosecutor General: Wagner mercenaries forcibly deport (https://kyivindependent.com/prosecutor-general-wagner-child-deportation/) 4 children from Bakhmut.
Four Ukrainian children were forcibly deported from Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast by the Wagner mercenary Group, Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office reported on April 20.

As war forces more Ukrainians to relocate, East Europe Foundation works to relieve their struggle (https://kyivindependent.com/as-war-forces-more-ukrainians-to-relocate-east-europe-foundation-works-to-relieve-their-struggle/)
Millions of Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes when Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 last year. The East Europe Foundation, a Ukrainian non-profit organization, was founded to support internally displaced Ukrainians by funding humanitarian and psychological assistance and equipping shelters.

⚡️Governor: Mykolaiv population returns (https://kyivindependent.com/mykolaiv-population-level-returning/) close to pre-invasion level.

⚡️FT: US intelligence (https://kyivindependent.com/ft-china-refused-wagner-request-for-weapons/) report suggests China refused Wagner mercenary group's request for arms.
A leaked U.S. intelligence report shows that China refused the Russian Wagner mercenary group's request for weapons, the Financial Times reported on April 20.
According to FT, Wagner's direct request to China suggested "it had some confidence Beijing would be open to arming Moscow, going beyond other non-lethal forms of support for the military campaign provided by Chinese companies."

How Ukrainian teenagers committed sexual assault, posted it online and received no prison sentence (https://kyivindependent.com/how-ukrainian-teenagers-committed-sexual-assault/)
On a summer day in 2021, three teenage boys sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl, filmed it on camera, and posted the video online.
Their prison sentence? None.
The scandal highlighted a striking flaw in the Ukrainian justice system: tolerance of sexual violence.

⚡️Bloomberg: US, Ukraine allies weigh (https://kyivindependent.com/bloomberg-us-ukraine-allies-weigh-near-total-ban-on-exports-to-russia/) near-total ban on exports to Russia.
Several Ukraine's key partners, including the U.S., are considering an almost complete ban on exports to Russia over its war, Bloomberg reported on April 20, citing people familiar with the issue.

⚡️Kyiv Independent investigation into International Legion shortlisted (https://kyivindependent.com/kyiv-independent-investigation-into-international-legion-shortlisted-for-european-press-prize/) for European Press Prize.
The Kyiv Independent's investigation (https://kyivindependent.com/suicide-missions-abuse-physical-threats-international-legion-fighters-speak-out-against-leaderships-misconduct/) into alleged leadership misconduct in the Ukrainian army's International Legion has been shortlisted for the European Press Prize in the Special Award: Ukraine Reporting category.

⚡️Media: Slovenia to join (https://kyivindependent.com/media-slovenia-to-join-eu-ammunition-procurement-program/) EU ammunition procurement program

⚡️Minister: Estonia to send (https://kyivindependent.com/minister-estonia-to-send-ukraine-ammunition-under-eu-program/) Ukraine ammunition under EU program.

A minority group of 19 Republican lawmakers has urged the Biden administration to stop sending “unrestrained” aid and weapons to Ukraine amid the ongoing war.

⚡️Russian state media: Russia fighter jet accidentally fires (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-fighter-jet-accidentally-fires-ammunition-in-belgorod-injuring-2/) ammunition in Belgorod, injuring 2.

⚡️Washington Post: Leaked documents show (https://kyivindependent.com/washington-post/) Ukraine planned attacks on Russian forces in Syria.
Ukraine's military intelligence made plans to conduct covert attacks on Russian forces operating in Syria with the help of Kurds, leaked U.S. intelligence documents show, the Washington Post reported. [!]

⚡️Washington Post: Leaked intelligence report suggests (https://kyivindependent.com/washington-post-2/) US thought Bakhmut would fall in January.
While Ukrainian forces continue to hold Bakhmut, leaked U.S. intelligence reports indicate that the U.S. was warning of a potential Russian encirclement and encouraged Ukrainian troop withdrawals back in January, the Washington Post reported on April 20.

Bombing their own city, they really are a bunch of fuck-ups aren't they 😑

⚡️Media: Israel to test (https://kyivindependent.com/media-new-intelligent-missile-alert-system-developed-by-israel-for-ukraine/) advanced missile alert system in Kyiv in May.

Israel has plans to test a more advanced missile alert system in Kyiv this May, Israeli media outlet Walla reported on April 20.

According to senior Ukrainian and Israeli intelligence officials cited by Walla, the system was developed specifically for Ukraine and would ideally be operational by summertime in additional cities.

Live: Ukraine Telegram

Description of the current situation at the front
Read it if you missed it.
🔗Link: https://telegra.ph/The-Russian-offensive-has-failed-They-continue-to-attack-Bakhmut-and-elsewhere-the-occupiers-are-on-the-defensive-The-situation--04-19

Switzerland imposes sanctions on PMC Wagner and Russian news agency RIA FAN, owned by Prigozhin.

Ukrainian photographer Yevhen Malolietka became the world winner of the World Press Photo contest. He was recognized for his photograph of a pregnant woman being carried by rescuers on a stretcher through the rubble after the bombing of a maternity hospital in Mariupol on March 9, 2022. The photo shows Iryna Kalinina, who first lost her child and died shortly afterward.

The G7 countries are discussing a complete ban on exports to Russia, except for medicines, agricultural products and food. Bloomberg cites sources as saying that the ban is being discussed ahead of the leaders' summit in Japan in May. The main goal is to involve EU countries in putting pressure on Russia.

The Kyiv City Council has terminated the land lease agreement with the Russian Embassy, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has announced. The council also asked the Cabinet of Ministers to return the building and the surrounding area to state ownership.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjarto spoke at an Orban party event against the backdrop of a provocative map of "Greater Hungary" - the borders before the end of World War I.
Today, some of these lands are part of modern Austria, Slovakia, Romania, Croatia, Serbia, and Ukraine.
The use of the "Greater Hungary" map has repeatedly caused tension in Budapest's relations with its neighbors

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that now is not the right time for NATO to decide on Ukraine's membership.

UNITED24 Media Telegram

In the coming weeks, the Israeli missile attack warning system will be tested in Kyiv: if everything goes well, it will be in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine by the summer, — Valla

Katarina Mathernova will become the new EU ambassador to Ukraine

The Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Serhii Naev, held a working meeting with the Commander of the Joint Forces of the Canadian Armed Forces, Vice Admiral Bob Auchterlonie

The new EU sanctions against Russia will be limited by the expansion of blacklists and measures against the circumvention of already introduced restrictions, — FT.
Most officials admit that only those parts of the Russian economy that are too important to one or more EU member states remain unsanctioned, and therefore any measures against them will be vetoed.

🇨🇿The Czech Republic will not introduce a ban on the import of Ukrainian grain, said Minister of Agriculture Zdeněk Nekula

🇪🇸Spain will announce a new package of military aid to Ukraine tomorrow

Ukraine officially joined the Civil Protection Mechanism of the European Union, becoming its 36th member.
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism is a system of coordinated provision of international assistance in emergency situations.

The German manufacturer of cosmetics and household chemicals Henkel has sold its business in Russia.
The business was bought by a consortium of local investors, the amount of the deal is €600 million.
The company owns the brands Persil, Vernel, Schauma and others.

🇫🇷 Mayor of Paris to Zelenskyy: If there is still a war in 2024, Russian athletes should not be at the Olympics

Zelenskyy accepted the invitation to the NATO summit in Vilnius, — Stoltenberg
The summit will be held on July 11-12.

At the meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine on April 21, the allies will talk not only about urgent needs but also about the strategy for the entire year 2023, — Reznikov.

In the coming weeks, the United States will begin training the Ukrainian military on Abrams tanks, — AP
The official announcement about the training of the Ukrainian military on Abrams tanks will be later on Friday, April 21.
31 tanks will be delivered to the Grafenwehr training ground in Germany at the end of May, after which the Ukrainian military will begin training in a few weeks, which will last about 10 weeks.

Washington Post Telegram

• Ukraine continues to hold Bakhmut’s western edge, despite suggestions from Washington months ago that Kyiv cut its losses and let the city go, according to a leaked classified U.S. assessment obtained by The Post.

In honour of British Tea Day

(garden's in a mess as we're working on it)

I see the Russians have arrested Budanov for blowing up the Kerch bridge 🤣🤣

His response will be a twitch. He's the coolest spy chief I've seen

I’m astonished that they admitted this! But the cynic in me thinks they will still find a way to spin it to be Ukraine’s fault somehow

Arrested in absentia, right?!