The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
Russia’s war against Ukraine
A visitor takes pictures during a visit at the “Third Wind. Emotions and Feelings” interactive exhibition in Kyiv, on April 27, 2025. The exhibition, at the discretion of the organisers, should help visitors to understand their emotions, relieve stress, and find their inner child, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine. (Sergei Supinsky / AFP via Getty Images)
Trump urges Putin to ‘stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal’ to end Ukraine war. U.S. President Donald Trump voiced frustration with Russia and urged President Vladimir Putin to stop attacks. “I was very disappointed that missiles were flying, [fired] by Russia.”
Russia wants to ‘deceive America,’ ‘drag out war,’ Zelensky says. “Since March 11, when America proposed a complete and unconditional ceasefire at talks in Saudi Arabia, the Russians have used almost 8,500 aerial bombs, almost 200 missiles of various types, and almost 3,000 Shaheds,” Zelensky said on April 27.
North Korea confirms for first time it has deployed troops to fight alongside Russia in Kursk Oblast. In a statement reported by the state-run KCNA news agency, the ruling Workers’ Party described the deployment as demonstrating the “highest strategic level of the firm militant friendship” between North Korea and Russia.
Russia will not hand over control of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to US, Lavrov says. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the idea of any changes to the management of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in an interview with CBS News on April 26.
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Russian commander contradicts Kremlin, admits Ukrainian forces still fighting in Kursk Oblast. Ukraine also earlier denied the Kremlin’s claim, saying that the statements “do not correspond to reality.”
Russian assault groups continue attempts to enter Sumy Oblast, Ukraine’s border guard says. The situation in the Sumy Oblast remains “challenging,” State Border Guard spokesperson Andrii Demchenko said.
‘Probably broke all records’ — NASAMS downs 11 Russian cruise missiles in less than 2 minutes, Ukraine’s Air Force claims. NASAMS have been in service with Ukrainian forces since November 2022.
Prior US aid to Ukraine not included in minerals deal, PM Shmyhal says. “It has been agreed that the document does not count the assistance provided before its signing,” Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on April 27, following talks on the minerals deal in Washington.
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From Ukraine envoy to Orban’s ally: Who will sit on papal throne
The next person to sit on the papal throne will play a decisive role in how the Catholic Church reconciles with the moral, social, and political impacts of the largest war in Europe since World War II.
Photo: Lorena Sopena / Anadolu via Getty Images
Ukraine, Europe hopeful for ‘just peace’ following Trump-Zelensky meeting
The April 26 meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump at the Vatican has raised hopes that a just end to Russia’s full-scale invasion can still be achieved.
Photo: Andriy Yermak/Telegram
Ukraine war latest: Ukraine, Europe’s ceasefire proposal includes US security guarantees, no recognition of Crimea, Reuters reports
Washington’s allies have been voicing growing alarm over the Trump administration’s proposed framework to end the war in Ukraine, which would allow Russia to retain seized Ukrainian territory.
Photo: Ksenia Kuleshova / Bloomberg via Getty Images
Human cost of Russia’s war
Russian airstrikes on Kostiantynivka kill 3 civilians, injure 4. Russian forces dropped FAB-250 bombs on a residential area, damaging 21 homes.
Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 6, injure at least 29 over past day. Ukrainian forces downed 57 out of 149 Shahed-type drones and other drones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported.
International response
Next week could be critical in deciding future US involvement in Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations, Rubio says. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the upcoming week will be crucial for determining whether the U.S. will continue its involvement in efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, NBC News reported on April 27.
Schumer criticizes Trump’s handling of Russia-Ukraine war, warns of risk to US alliances. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s handling of the Russia-Ukraine war, warning that it risks damaging America’s European alliances.
Recognition of Crimea’s annexation and Kursk situation | Ukraine This Week
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