11:57: Alleged arson at Russian Tank Storage Facility Linked to Secret Service
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Attack on Fuel Depot in Asow City by Ukrainian Intelligence:A source within the Ukrainian domestic intelligence service claims responsibility for an attack on a fuel depot in Asow, Russia. The blaze, reportedly 3200 square meters in size, is being tackled by over 200 firefighters, according to Russian Emergency Services.
Capturing of Village Near Avdiivka by Russian Troops:British intelligence believes that Russian troops have taken control of the village of Novooleksandrivka, located approximately 20 kilometers north of Avdiivka. This strategic move brings the Russian army closer to the T0504 highway, one of Ukraine's main supply lines.
Comprehensive Cooperation Plan between Putin and Kim Jong Un:Russia and North Korea are planning to sign a treaty on comprehensive cooperation during Putin's visit to Pyongyang, according to the Kremlin. The treaty draft has been approved by Putin, and it is expected to be signed by Putin and Kim Jong Un at a high level. Details about the treaty's content remain undefined.
Sharp Response from China to Stoltenberg's Criticism:The Chinese government has rejected NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's criticism of China's stance on the Ukraine conflict. China advised NATO to avoid blaming others, sowing discord, and fueling the fire. Instead, they should work towards the political resolution of the crisis.
Twelve Years in Prison for Anti-War Protests in Russia:A Ukrainian woman has been sentenced to twelve years in prison by a Moscow Military Court for playing anti-war music and releasing white-blue-white balloons from her apartment window in Moscow, protests against Russia's aggression towards Ukraine.
Russian Navy Submarine Warfare Training:The Russian Navy is conducting exercises in the Pacific Ocean before Putin's state visit to North Korea. Around 40 ships and boats, 20 aircraft and helicopters are participating in the training, which includes anti-submarine warfare and air defense.
Putin's Portrait Flooding Pyongyang Streets:Pyongyang streets are adorned with both Russian flags and Putin's portraits during Putin's visit to North Korea, according to videos shared on TASS and other social media platforms.
Weapons and Diplomatic Support on Putin's North Korea Agenda:Russian President Putin is visiting North Korea, primarily for weapons, as suggested by Munz, an NTV Russia correspondent. Diplomatic support is also important, he adds.
Rwanda Withdraws Support from Ukraine Peace Summit Declaration:Rwanda has withdrawn its signature from the closing statement of the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland, as reported by Ukrainian media. Currently, 77 countries and 5 organizations support the declaration.
Ukrainian Military Analyst on Russia's Artillery Issues:Ukrainian military analyst Petro Chernyk suggests that Russia is facing shortages of explosives for artillery shells and issues with transitioning from self-propelled to towed artillery systems. However, Russia cannot produce more self-propelled systems due to limited production capacity.
Destruction of All Ten Russian Drones over Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk Regions:The Ukrainian Air Force claims to have destroyed all ten Russian drones deployed over the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk during the night.
Russian Early Warning and Control Aircraft Shot Down:Russian authorities have confirmed that the Ukrainian Air Force shot down a rare Russian Early Warning and Control Aircraft over the Azov Sea in February. The loss resulted in the deaths of ten crew members.
Oil Refineries in Russian Asov City on Fire:Oil refineries in the Russian city of Asov in the Rostov region near the Ukrainian border are on fire following a drone attack. The governor, Vasili Golubev, reported no casualties and stated that the fires are currently being controlled by the local fire department.
23:55 US Reporter Gershkovich's Prisoner Exchange Discussions Ongoing Silently: Kremlin
Russia's Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that there have been discussions regarding a potential prisoner exchange involving the detained US journalist Evan Gershkovich. Peskov referred to President Vladimir Putin's earlier statements about such contacts. Peskov stressed, "These discussions are ongoing, but they should be kept confidential, so no announcements, statements, or information can be shared about this matter." Gershkovich, a 32-year-old reporter for the "Wall Street Journal," was arrested by Russia's domestic security service FSB in Yekaterinburg, in the Urals, on March 29, 2023, and is charged with espionage.
04:50 US Soldier Gordon Black Partial Confession in Court
Amid allegations of theft and death threats, US soldier Gordon Black, currently held in Russia, has made a partial confession in court in Vladivostok. According to Russian news agency Interfax, Black admitted to partial guilt in the theft case but not intentionally. He denied the death threat accusation. Other US citizens currently detained in Russia include journalist Evan Gershkovich and former soldier Paul Whelan, both facing espionage charges.
03:50 Fine Levied Against Gascade for Nord Stream 2 Data Inaccuracy
The German Federal Network Agency has imposed a fine of 75,000 Euros on pipeline operator Gascade for publishing incorrect values concerning the controversial German-Russian gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 in 2021 due to IT issues. These inaccurate values suggested that the pipeline's operation date was near. This misleading information caused the market to assume that commissioning was imminent, resulting in reduced prices.
02:58 Putin Thanks North Korea for Military Support in Ukraine
Before his visit to North Korea, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Pyongyang for its military support in Ukraine, as stated in an article published by the North Korean state news agency KCNA. Putin wrote, "We appreciate the fact that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) has resolvedly supported Russia's military operation in Ukraine." Both countries are working towards strengthening their multifaceted partnership, according to the article.
01:57 Heated Battles Reported in Kharkiv, Ukraine
According to Russian reports, intense fighting has erupted in parts of the northeastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. Russian-installed governor Vitali Ganchev stated that the Ukrainian forces are reinforcing troops and attempting a counter-attack, but are facing heavy resistance from Russian troops. Russian forces have purportedly repelled the latest Ukrainian counter-attacks near Vovchansk, five kilometers behind the border. Russian troops entered parts of the Kharkiv region a month ago and took control of around a dozen villages, according to official statements.
00:55 Fratzscher Criticizes Demands for Cutting Social Benefits for Ukrainian Refugees as Bare Populism
Marcel Fratzscher, economist and President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), has criticized the calls for reducing social benefits for Ukrainian refugees as "bare populism." Fratzscher stated, "Nobody will benefit, and no one will even have an extra Euro if Germany treats refugees poorly and cuts their benefits." Instead, he advocates for increased efforts towards the faster and better integration of refugees into the labor market and society.
23:55 Majority of Ukrainians Believe Zelenskyy Should Remain President During Wartime
A large majority of Ukrainians, despite the extension of Zelenskyy's term during wartime, view him as the legitimate president. According to a survey by the International Sociological Institute in Kiev, 70 percent believe that Zelenskyy should remain in office until the end of the war.Only 22 percent are against it. The Ukrainians contradict Moscow's view that Zelenskyy's term has expired, and he is no longer the legitimate president of Ukraine.
22:55 European Parliament Expresses Concern over Finland's Deportation Plans for Migrants from Russia
The European Parliament has expressed concern over the Finnish government's plans to return migrants from Russia, allegedly sent across the common border by Moscow. The Human Rights Commissioner of the European Parliament, Michael O'Flaherty, has demanded that the draft law be rejected in a letter to Finnish Parliament President Jussi Halla-aho. The currently ruling Finnish center-right government intends to tighten immigration law significantly and submit a bill that would allow their border guards to turn back refugees.
The Kremlin continues to slam the outcomes of the Swiss Peace Conference for Ukraine in Moscow. In the absence of Russian involvement, the summit failed to yield any results, asserted Dmitri Peskov, spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin. "When discussing the results of this gathering, they're obviously aiming for nothing," he stated. Unperturbed by the support shown by Russia-friendly nations like Serbia, Turkey, or Hungary towards the final declaration, Moscow remains unfazed. "We'll definitely consider the standpoints of these countries. They matter to us. We'll carry on explaining our rationale to them," said Peskov. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow labeled the conference as an " utter debacle," as per a statement by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, as reported by the TASS news agency.
Check out earlier updates for more context.
Read also:
The cybersecurity agency of Ukraine has alleged that Russia is planning a cyberwar attack on their critical infrastructure, raising concerns about the stability of the Ukraine conflict.
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyy, during a NATO summit, has urged for increased military aid and support to combat the ongoing military operations by Russia in Ukraine.
Russia has denied these allegations, stating that they are committed to maintaining cybersecurity and avoiding any form of cyberwarfare.
Furthermore, NATO has agreed to strengthen its cyberdefense capabilities to protect its members from potential cyberattacks, in response to the alleged threat posed by Russia.
