Russia-Ukraine
War, diplomacy, sanctions, and defense developments related to Russia and Ukraine.
US extends sanctions waiver on Russian at-sea oil by 30 days
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. will extend by 30 days a sanctions waiver covering Russian oil cargoes already at sea, a move aimed at easing supply pressure tied to the Iran war.
Ukraine war briefing: EU sanctions officials for child abductions; Kyiv under drone attack as ceasefire expires
The European Union has imposed new sanctions on people and entities linked to the abduction, forced transfer and indoctrination of Ukrainian children. At the same time, Kyiv came under drone attack as a short ceasefire expired, underscoring how fragile the battlefield pause remains.
Ireland Ratifies Ukraine Claims Commission Convention
Ireland’s Dáil has ratified the convention establishing the International Claims Commission for Ukraine, making Ireland one of the early supporters of the reparations mechanism.
Ireland ratifies Ukraine Claims Commission as Russian drones hit Dnipro overnight
Ireland has ratified the convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, while Russian drones struck Dnipro overnight, injuring civilians and damaging residential buildings.
Ukraine says Russia violated ceasefire initiated by Kyiv
Ukraine said Russia violated its unilateral ceasefire within hours, later putting the violation count at 1,820 by late morning.
Russian forces increasingly target gas stations with long-range FPV drones, defense advisor says
A Ukrainian defense adviser said Russian forces are using longer-range FPV drones to target gas stations 20 to 25 kilometers from the front or border.
Russian attacks leave 22 dead in Ukraine
Russian strikes killed at least 22 people across Ukraine, with Ukrainian officials confirming major casualties in Zaporizhzhia and other regions.
Rubio, Lavrov discuss Ukraine war, Iran in call requested by Moscow
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke by phone at Moscow’s request and discussed U.S.-Russia relations, Ukraine and Iran.
Zelenskyy slams Russia's 'utter cynicism' as strikes kill at least 22 in Ukraine before brief truce takes hold
Later AP and Guardian reporting raised the toll from Russian strikes on Ukraine to at least 22 dead and more than 80 wounded, after earlier reports said five were killed.
Russian attack kills five at Ukraine’s Naftogaz gas production facilities, officials say
Russian strikes on Naftogaz gas production facilities killed five people and wounded dozens, according to Ukrainian officials and the company.
Putin, Zelenskiy proclaim rival ceasefires around Russia’s Victory Day commemorations
Russia has declared a unilateral Victory Day ceasefire for May 8-9, and Ukraine says it will begin its own pause at midnight on May 5-6. The competing announcements raise doubts over whether either side will actually observe the truce window.
Russia declares Victory Day truce in Ukraine; Kyiv announces an earlier ceasefire
Russia has declared a unilateral Victory Day truce in Ukraine for May 8-9, while Kyiv says it will begin its own ceasefire earlier, at midnight on May 5-6. Ukraine says it has not received an official Russian proposal and warns Moscow may be setting a trap.
Ukraine expands protest to Israel over alleged stolen grain shipments
Ukraine has widened its dispute with Israel, formally requesting that a vessel be seized over allegations it is carrying grain stolen from occupied Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine urges immediate halt to military activity near nuclear facilities
Ukraine called at the UN for an immediate halt to military activity near nuclear facilities, citing Chornobyl and Zaporizhzhia risks.
Ukraine strikes Russia's Tuapse oil refinery again, triggering fire and evacuations
A new strike on Russia’s Tuapse oil refinery sparked a fire and evacuations, with Ukraine saying it hit the facility again and Russian officials blaming drone debris.
Kremlin plotting mass recruitment of foreigners in 2026, Ukraine intel reveals
Ukraine’s military intelligence says Russia plans to recruit at least 18,500 foreigners in 2026, with priority targets in Central Asia and beyond.
Russia-Ukraine war updates: 226 frontline clashes, Odesa strike wounds 14
Ukraine’s General Staff reported 226 combat engagements, heavy Russian losses and fresh drone activity, while AP reported civilian casualties in Odesa and Kherson.
Russian drone attack wounds 14 in Odesa, while Ukrainian drones kill 2 in Russian-held Kherson
A Russian drone strike wounded 14 people in Odesa, while a Ukrainian strike killed two civilians in Russian-held Kherson, according to AP reporting.
Elderly married couple killed in Russian attack on Ukraine’s Odesa
A Russian drone attack on Odesa overnight killed an elderly married couple, injured at least 14 people, damaged residential buildings and hit a merchant ship in the area, according to Ukrainian officials and Reuters-reported coverage.
EU formally approves €90bn Ukraine loan and 20th sanctions package against Russia
The European Union has approved a €90 billion Ukraine support loan and adopted its 20th sanctions package against Russia after months of deadlock.
Ukraine says it struck a Russian drone plant in Taganrog
Ukraine’s General Staff said its forces struck Atlant Aero in Taganrog, Russia, overnight on April 18-19. AP reported three injuries and damage to commercial infrastructure in the city, while Ukrainian officials described the target as a drone-production plant tied to Molniya and Orion systems.
Russian missiles and drones bombard Ukraine in hourslong attack, killing at least 17
Russia launched a prolonged overnight drone-and-missile attack across Ukraine, killing at least 17 people and injuring more than 100, with casualties reported in Kyiv and other cities.
Russia–Ukraine War Update: Russia Launches 300+ Drones and Missiles Overnight, Hitting Southern Port Infrastructure
Russia launched another large overnight attack on Ukraine, with damage reported in the south and in Dnipro as Kyiv sought more air-defense support.
Russia violates Easter ceasefire more than 400 times, Ukraine's military says
Ukraine’s military said Russia had already violated the Orthodox Easter ceasefire 469 times after it took effect on April 11. Russian officials also accused Ukraine of breaches, and AP reported continued drone strikes despite the truce.