Russia says Ukraine makes 60-drone attack on Russia, oil refinery halted

Russia says Ukraine makes 60-drone attack on Russia, oil refinery halted

Ukraine launched a major attack on Crimea and Russian regions with missiles and drones, causing an oil refinery in southern Russia to halt operations. Russian air defenses shot down the missiles and drones. The Ukrainian-launched drones carried bigger charges than previous attacks, including steel balls. Russia has reported a rise in Ukrainian attacks on its territory, prompting President Putin to carve out a buffer zone in northeastern Ukraine. The White House reiterated its policy of not encouraging Ukraine to use U.S. weapons against Russian territory. Russia captured a village in Kharkiv region and considers Crimea and other regions part of Russia, while Ukraine and its allies reject this stance. President Zelenskiy is determined to eject all Russian troops from Ukraine and expects Russia to escalate its offensive. Ukraine lacks sufficient air defenses to defend itself, and the West is concerned about the outcome of a potential defeat for Russia.

Blinken’s guitar performance in Ukraine seen as tone-deaf by some [PHOTOS]

Blinken’s guitar performance in Ukraine seen as tone-deaf by some [PHOTOS]

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken performed with a Ukrainian band at a bar in Kyiv, drawing mixed reactions online. The performance came during a surprise trip where Blinken met with President Zelenskiy and pledged unwavering U.S. support for Kyiv. Despite the show of solidarity, some Ukrainians felt the performance was inappropriate given the harsh reality of the ongoing war with Russia. The mood in Ukraine has turned increasingly pessimistic as Russian forces continue to advance in different regions.

France to send extra military aid to Ukraine shortly, says Elysee

France to send extra military aid to Ukraine shortly, says Elysee

France will provide additional military aid to Ukraine in the coming days and weeks, as confirmed by the Elysee after a phone call between President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Macron expressed support for a truce during the Paris Olympics this summer, with Russia ceasing operations and diplomatic negotiations being pursued.

On Orthodox Easter, Zelenskiy calls on Ukrainians to unite in prayer

On Orthodox Easter, Zelenskiy calls on Ukrainians to unite in prayer

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Ukrainians to unite in prayer on Orthodox Easter, asking for prayers for soldiers on the frontline. Zelenskiy believes that God, who he says has a “Ukrainian flag on his shoulder,” will ensure that life triumphs over death.

Ukraine may have talks eventually with Russia, intelligence officer says

Ukraine may have talks eventually with Russia, intelligence officer says

Ukraine will eventually need to enter into talks with Russia to end their more than two-year-old war, according to Major-General Vadym Skibitsky. Both sides are preparing for potential negotiations, with the earliest possible start in the second half of 2025. Ukraine is planning a peace summit in Switzerland in June, with the goal of uniting countries before potentially including Russia in talks. Russian President Putin believes Ukraine is blocking a settlement, while Ukrainian President Zelenskiy sees the June meeting as a chance to begin restoring peace.

Russian missiles pound Ukrainian power plants in escalating campaign

Russian missiles pound Ukrainian power plants in escalating campaign

A Russian missile attack targeted power facilities in Ukraine, causing damage and fires. Ukrainian air defenses were able to intercept some of the incoming missiles. The attacks have led to a significant loss of power generation capacity in Ukraine. The United States approved a major aid package for Ukraine, including new weapons for air defense systems.

Long-awaited aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan poised to pass US Congress

Long-awaited aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan poised to pass US Congress

The U.S. Senate is set to approve billions of dollars in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan this week, following the House of Representatives’ approval of the assistance in a rare Saturday session. The package includes billion for Ukraine, billion for Israel, .12 billion to counter communist China in the Indo-Pacific, and potential measures such as a ban on TikTok. The aid is expected to pass the Senate and be signed into law by President Joe Biden, allowing for the quick delivery of military assistance to Ukraine.

House passes $95 billion Ukraine, Israel aid package, sends to Senate

House passes $95 billion Ukraine, Israel aid package, sends to Senate

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a billion legislative package providing security assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan with bipartisan support. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to be considered next week. The legislation includes funding for conflict in Ukraine, humanitarian needs in Israel, and support for Taiwan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for the aid, stating it will prevent the war from expanding and save lives. President Biden urged Congress to approve the aid, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Despite some opposition, the bill passed with strong support.

Telegram platform to hit 1 bln users within year, founder says

Telegram platform to hit 1 bln users within year, founder says

The Telegram messaging app is expected to reach 1 billion active monthly users within a year, according to its founder Pavel Durov. The app, which aims to remain neutral and not involved in geopolitics, has become a crucial tool for both governments and individuals during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, despite criticism for spreading misinformation.

Ukraine says it ‘ran out of missiles’ to stop Russian strike ruining power station

Ukraine says it ‘ran out of missiles’ to stop Russian strike ruining power station

A lack of air defense missiles prevented Ukraine from stopping a Russian missile attack that destroyed the largest power plant near Kyiv. President Zelenskiy mentioned that they ran out of missiles to defend the plant, which was hit by four of the 11 missiles that were launched. The power plant had a capacity of 1,800 megawatts and its destruction has led to a power shortage in the region. Russia has been targeting Ukraine’s energy system with missile and drone strikes, causing significant damage to power generating capacity. Despite Ukraine’s urgent calls for additional air defense systems, Western allies have been hesitant to provide more support.