Ukraine Invasion: Part 61

[MagicFox]

Welcome to thread 61 with many thanks to all So many thanks to all contributors and a special salute to those providing daily updates. For the 61st time, Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

**
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Thanks for this, MagicFox.

Слава Україні!

Thank you for the new thread. It's so sad that we are still needing them.

Thank you

🫡

Thanks @MagicFox

Thank you @MagicFox 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-28-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. Ukrainian forces struck the Tuapse Oil Refinery overnight on April 27 to 28, the third strike against the refinery in April so far.
2. The April 27 to 28 strikes compelled the Kremlin to acknowledge the impacts of the Ukrainian strikes against the Tuapse Oil Refinery.
3. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Kharkiv and Orikhiv directions.
4. Russian forces launched 123 drones toward Ukraine overnight.

Checking in

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Magyar [Hungarian PM] proposes (kyivindependent.com/magyar-wants-to-meet-zelensky-in-ukraine-discuss-hungarian-minority/) meeting Zelensky in Ukraine, seeks reset in ties.

Russia has a new missile (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reveals-design-foreign-components-of-russias-new-s-71k-missile/) — here's what we know about the S-71K
Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) has revealed details of a new Russian air-launched cruise missile, the S-71K "Kovyor," offering a closer look at its design and production.
On its War&Sanctions portal, the agency published a 3D model of the missile, along with a breakdown of its components. Two major takeaways are the missile's reliance on foreign-made electronics and its relatively simple construction.

⚡️US ambassador to Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/us-ukraine-ambassador-to-resign-amid-tensions-trump-ft-reports/) to step down, State Department says.
Julie Davis, who has served as chargé d'affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv for nearly a year, is expected to depart in June 2026, leaving a key diplomatic post vacant at a critical moment.
According to HUR, the missile was developed by Russia's United Aircraft Corporation and was first used against Ukraine towards the end of 2025.

⚡️Ukraine shuts down arms network that supplied weapons to Steven Seagal (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-shuts-down-arms-network-that-supplied-weapons-to-steven-seagal/), other pro-Russian figures.
Ukraine says it shut down an arms trafficking network that funneled weapons from occupied territories and Slovakia to pro-Russian figures, including Steven Seagal and Kim Jong-un, with some distributed as "prizes."

⚡️Russia preparing to recruit (kyivindependent.com/russia-preparing-to-recruit-thousands-of-foreign-fighters-in-2026-intelligence-reports-reveals/) thousands of foreign fighters in 2026 — new intelligence reveals scope.
According to Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR), Russia will focus its recruitment efforts on Central Asian countries, as well as developing countries in Asia and Africa.

⚡️ Zelensky slams Israel for (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-slams-israel-for-buying-stolen-ukrainian-grain-says-kyiv-prepares-sanctions/) buying stolen Ukrainian grain, says Kyiv prepares sanctions.
“Purchasing stolen goods in all normal countries is an act that entails legal liability,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said. “The Israeli authorities couldn’t have not known which ships and with what cargo arrived at the country’s ports.”

⚡️EU warns of sanctions over shipments of (kyivindependent.com/eu-threatens-sanctions-over-shipments-of-stolen-ukrainian-grain-to-israel/) stolen Ukrainian grain to Israel
"We condemn all actions that help fund Russia's illegal war effort and circumvent EU sanctions, and remain ready to target such actions by listing individuals and entities in third countries if necessary," a European Commission spokesperson said, according to Euronews.

⚡️EU carbon rules could deal heavy blow (kyivindependent.com/eu-carbon-rules-could-cost-ukraine-1-4-billion-report-says/)to Ukraine’s struggling steel sector, report warns
Ukraine could lose $1.4 billion by 2027 under the EU’s carbon border policy, which could slash its iron and steel exports to the bloc by half, according to a new report by the German Economic Team (GET), a Berlin-based consultancy, and the Institute for Economic Research (IER), a Ukrainian think tank.

⚡️Russian Iskander missile storage facility in occupied Crimea hit (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-special-forces-hit-iskander-missiles-storage-facility-in-russian-occupied-crimea-releases-video-footage/), Ukraine's Special Forces release video
The storage facility was located on the territory of a former missile base near the village of Ovrazhki, 40 kilometers (around 25 miles) from the city of Simferopol, Special Operations Forces (SOF) said

⚡️In address (kyivindependent.com/king-charles-emphasizes-unyielding-resolve-in-support-of-ukraine-nato-unity-in-speech-to-us-congress/) to US Congress, King Charles urges 'unyielding resolve' in support of Ukraine, NATO unity.

⚡️ Russian oil facilities in Perm and Orsk struck (kyivindependent.com/russian-oil-facilities-in-perm-and-orsk-struck-as-ukraines-drones-follow-up-tuapse-attacks/) as Ukraine’s drones follow up Tuapse attacks.
Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on April 29 that its air defense intercepted 98 Ukrainian drones.

⚡️Poland, Moldova nationals freed in 5-for-5 swap (kyivindependent.com/poland-moldova-nationals-freed-in-5-for-5-swap/) at Polish-Belarusian border.
As part of the exchange, Poland released Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin, who had been detained over illegal excavations in Russian-occupied Crimea.

⚡️Ukrainian parliament's push for new Civil Code sparks (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-parliaments-push-for-new-civil-code-sparks-criticism/) criticism.
Lawmaker Inna Sovsun said that Ukrainians have long moved beyond "Soviet-era" concepts of patriarchal family life, which are echoed in the proposed version of the Civil Code.

⚡️Kyiv probe into oligarch Zhevago adds pressure (kyivindependent.com/kyiv-probe-into-oligarch-zhevago-adds-pressure-as-ferrexpo-nears-london-listing-suspension/) as Ferrexpo nears London listing suspension
The Pechersk Court greenlit a pretrial investigation into wanted oligarch Kostyantyn Zhevago on April 28, a month after French authorities served Zhevago a notice of suspicion for a case involving the misappropriation of Hr 519 million ($11.7 million).

⚡️Yellow Ribbon to 'completely reformat' flawed chatbot (kyivindependent.com/yellow-ribbon-to-completely-reformat-flawed-chatbot-following-kyiv-independent-investigation/) following Kyiv Independent investigation
In a post on Telegram, the group said currently it was only issuing "safety instructions" and a complete overhaul would be done "in the near future."
The Kyiv Independent investigation (kyivindependent.com/investigation-a-secret-program-suicidal-missions-and-death-torture-in-occupied-ukraine/) published last week revealed how a Western-funded classified program supported the "non-violent" initiative inside Russian-occupied Ukraine for more than three years, despite credible reports of the deaths, torture, and imprisonment of activists.

What happens after Russia's abducted (kyivindependent.com/what-happens-after-russias-abducted-children-finally-return-to-ukraine/) children finally return to Ukraine?
"Returning alone is not enough. Reintegration is one of the most complex stages of this process," writes Iryna Tuliakova, Head of Ukraine's Coordination Center for Family Upbringing and Child Care Development, in this op-ed.
"Children return with very different experiences — from prolonged isolation and disrupted education to the absence of access to basic services. Many have lost continuity in learning, have unmet health needs, and require time to readapt to a different social and educational environment."

In Ukraine, rare mass shooting rekindles debate over civilian gun rights (kyivindependent.com/in-ukraine-rare-mass-shooting-rekindles-debate-over-civilian-gun-rights/)
[...]
[...] incidents of non-fatal shootings were reported in the cities of Khmelnytskyi, Lviv, Bucha, and Kharkiv. What followed was a renewed gun control debate that continues to divide public opinion in Ukraine over whether civilians should be allowed to legally carry handguns, with vocal supporters both for and against.

⚡️ Russian attacks on Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-on-ukraine-killed-injured-over-past-day-damaged-hospital-in-odesa/) kill 5, injure 23 over past day, Odesa hospital damaged.
Russia launched 171 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said, adding that air defenses intercepted 154, while 12 strikes were recorded across 10 locations, and debris from downed drones fell at 12 locations.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬

⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — APR 29, 2026
■ New 🇷🇺 gains of 107 km² confirmed (167 km² net over the last 30 days, with heavy casualties)

Daily engagements below average, but casualties and equipment losses remain above average
■ Overnight attacks (all drones) below the 7-day average; good interception rate
■ 10 🇺🇦 strikes reported, but all 🇷🇺 strike indicators—except MLRS—are also above average

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

“Russia is planning new offensives and expanding its mobilization,” President Zelenskyy said following a report by the Main Intelligence Directorate.
The president stated that documents from the Russian General Staff confirm that even the Russians themselves admit their inability to fulfill assigned tasks.
Despite this, he said, Moscow is preparing new operations and increasing the size of its army. Meanwhile, Russia’s irreparable losses already amount to approximately 60% of its total.

Ukraine and the United States discussed the protection of water supply and wastewater facilities from Russian strikes, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said after meeting with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright at a summit in Croatia.

🇱🇻 Latvia will transfer additional CVR(T) armored combat vehicles to Ukraine, the press service of the Latvian Ministry of Defense announced.
The exact number of vehicles has not been specified. The ministry noted that this assistance will not affect the operational capabilities of the Latvian army.

President Zelenskyy held a meeting on the export of Ukrainian weapons and proposed Drone Deals to partners. Ukraine is also preparing a list of countries to which exports will be prohibited due to cooperation with the Russian Federation.
According to him, Ukrainian companies will receive a real opportunity to enter the markets of partner countries, provided that the Ukrainian military has priority access to the required volume of weapons.
The President also instructed government officials and the National Security and Defense Council to provide the public with the necessary information on the details of the arms export process.

Viktor Orbán says he wants to step down as Fidesz leader, but he has not yet been released from the position.
The Hungarian prime minister said his request was not supported. The party leadership is expected to decide the issue at a congress on June 13.
János Fonagy, a representative of the faction, told the Hungarian publication Telex that there is currently no alternative to Orbán and that the majority of party members support him.
Orbán has led Fidesz since 1993 and has served as the country’s prime minister for 16 years. He previously said he was giving up his parliamentary mandate but would remain in the party.

❗️Germany is in talks with Poland over oil supplies amid a potential loss of Kazakh volumes delivered via the Druzhba pipeline.
Germany is negotiating with Poland on the transit of additional oil for the refinery in Schwedt, as Russia may cut off the transit of Kazakh oil through its territory.
According to Bloomberg, citing a representative of the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the plant near Berlin, which has been receiving these supplies since 2023 via the northern branch of Druzhba, could be left without them as early as next month.
The government says this does not threaten the country’s energy security, although the refinery may operate at reduced capacity.
The publication also reports that the company supplying Germany with aviation fuel is looking for alternative sources, while the Czech Republic is preparing measures in case of disruptions.

“Able to fly 25 km and operate under electronic warfare conditions.” Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov showed a photo of a new type of FPV drone.
The Ministry of Defense, together with Brave1, tested a new generation of strike FPV drones from eight Ukrainian manufacturers at a testing site. UAV effectiveness advisor Serhii Sternenko is also involved in the development of this FPV class.
The mnister reported that during the tests, the drones covered up to 25 km and successfully operated under various electronic warfare systems. Some solutions fully confirmed their effectiveness in combat conditions.
Fedorov emphasized that the task of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is to rapidly scale technologies and ensure their delivery to the Defense Forces.
To this end, codification procedures have been simplified, the approach to defining requirements has been changed, and 80% of resources have been directed toward proven battlefield solutions. Regular field testing has also been introduced.
For each UAV class, a separate testing methodology is being developed. All manufacturers whose solutions are not yet state-contracted are involved in testing. If a drone proves effective in combat conditions, the contracting and scaling process is launched immediately, the head of the department noted

The Russian Federation deliberately attacked emergency workers with drones in Marhanets, Dnipropetrovsk region, the State Emergency Service reported.
The depot and special equipment were damaged. Rescuers took cover in time, which helped avoid casualties among personnel, the report said.

Singing on the Bones: the Russian occupiers organized an Easter concert in the rebuilt Mariupol Drama Theater, where hundreds of people died.
Officials of the occupation administration and representatives of the Russian clergy took part in the event. They spoke about the “power of Russian culture” and spirituality.
“The cynicism of the situation is striking — the occupiers are deliberately holding their ‘celebrations’ precisely in places of mass tragedies.

French actor and writer Jean Reno has presented his second book, a spy thriller titled “Escape,” about the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russian occupiers.
The plot centers on Emma, a former masseuse recruited by the French foreign intelligence agency DGSE. She travels to Siberia to infiltrate a so-called “rehabilitation camp” for Ukrainian teenagers and document Russian crimes.
In an interview with the French TV channel Télé 7, Jean Reno said he was inspired by real stories of abducted Ukrainian children.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

The United Arab Emirates is set to leave the OPEC and OPEC+ groupings (www.kyivpost.com/post/74937) on May 1, state media reported Tuesday, framing the move as a strategic shift by the leading oil producer.

Ukraine is rapidly building a defensive line (www.kyivpost.com/post/74976) from the Kyiv Reservoir to Sumy to block a potential Russian “buffer zone” as Moscow regroups for possible new offensives.

Ukraine’s defense ministry said isolated cases of insufficient food supply to frontline units are under review, (www.kyivpost.com/post/74947) with inspections ordered and accountability promised.

NATO is considering ending its practice of annual summits, (www.kyivpost.com/post/74931) as some members push to ease tensions and improve decision-making.
The move comes amid friction with US President Trump, who has repeatedly criticised allies for low defence spending and limited support for US operations against Iran.

Ukrainian sea drones struck the sanctioned tanker MARQUISE in the Black Sea near Russia’s Tuapse.
The Cameroon-flagged vessel was transporting Russian oil and likely awaiting a ship-to-ship transfer at the time of the strike.

Ukraine has said shipments of grain stolen by Russia from occupied territories have been received not only by Israel, but also by Turkey, Egypt and Algeria.
The Foreign Ministry added that several vessels are still transporting such cargo.

Moscow’s May 9 parade will take place without military hardware this year due to the current security situation, Russia’s Defence Ministry said.
The last time the parade was held without military equipment was in 2007.

Newly revealed “Mindich tapes” appear to link senior Ukrainian officials and figures close to the (www.kyivpost.com/post/74986) president to a major corruption scheme in the energy sector.
Investigators say the case involves around $100 million in alleged kickbacks tied to contracts at state nuclear company Energoatom.

North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong Un has confirmed (www.kyivpost.com/post/74967) for the first time that troops fighting in Ukraine are expected to kill themselves rather than be captured.

A Russian officer accused of involvement in Bucha atrocities was reportedly targeted (www.kyivpost.com/post/74987) in an explosion at a military garrison in Russia’s Far East.

Belarusian authorities confirmed they are preventing Russians evading conscription (www.kyivpost.com/post/74991) from leaving via its territory.
Officials stressed the move is not Minsk’s decision, but the enforcement of instructions issued by Moscow.

King Charles III called for “unyielding resolve” in support of Ukraine (www.kyivpost.com/post/74969) during a historic address to the US Congress.
The British monarch also stressed the importance of NATO and transatlantic unity.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine has proposed special agreements to its partners for the production and supply of Ukrainian weapons.
The initiative covers drones, missiles, ammunition, and other in-demand types of weapons and military equipment, as well as software and integration with partners’ defense systems.
The president also approved the development of automatic export permits for businesses to simplify the process. Weapons will not be supplied to countries cooperating with Russia.
Ukrainian companies will be able to enter partner markets, provided that Ukraine’s armed forces receive the required volume of weapons first.

💥 Russia’s city of Orsk came under a drone attack, according to local Telegram channels.
The city is located about 1,400 km from Ukraine. Explosions were reported in the morning, followed by a fire, likely in the area of an oil refinery — one of the largest in Russia.
Local authorities urged residents to stay indoors. Orsk airport was temporarily closed, and restrictions were also introduced at airports in Perm and Yekaterinburg.

🇱🇻 Latvia’s army commander wants to intercept Russian drones before they reach the border, but currently lacks authorization to do so.
“Of course, we want to shoot down drones right at the border — which means destroying them over Russian territory. But I don’t yet have permission to do that or to strike launch sites. So I cannot guarantee the results society expects,” General Kaspars Pudans said in an interview with LIGA.net.
At the same time, he noted that Latvia is working on its defense strategy and tactics. In case of war, the country is preparing a layered air defense system that would combine electronic warfare, interceptor drones, and low-cost missiles of Ukrainian production.

Ukraine’s air defenses neutralized 154 out of 171 Russian drones overnight. Another 12 UAVs hit targets across 10 locations.
🔴Sumy region. Residential buildings in Shostka district were struck. One woman was killed, and two more people were injured.
🔴Kharkiv. One person was injured in a nighttime Russian attack, and around 10 private homes were damaged.
🔴Odesa region. In Izmail district, a district hospital building was damaged by a strike, with casualties reported.

https://bsky.app/profile/robertscotthorton.bsky.social/post/3mkm7srgox22b

"This has never happened in modern Russian history."
Putin's Central Banker Elvira Nabiullina declared an unprecedented labor shortage in the economy caused by driven by an exodus of 1.5mn people and 1.3mn in the meat grinder.