Brief facts:
- Ukrainian, European and US prosecutors are working together to collect evidence of russian’s war crimes in Ukraine.
- US imposes fresh sanctions on Putin's daughters and top Russian banks.
- The Centre for Strategic Communications and Information Security under the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine states that russian troops are using mobile crematoria conceal their own crimes in Mariupol.
- President Zelenskyy held a speech at the UN Security Council, urged to deprive Russia of membership or reform completely; offered to establish the "Kyiv U-24 Office" in Ukraine, which would specialize in preventive measures to maintain peace.
Sources
- Verkhovna Rada: the parliament of Ukraine and its social media (Facebook, Telegram)
- President Zelenskyy: the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his social media (Twitter, Facebook, Telegram)
- Presidential Office: the Official website of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his social media (Facebook, Twitter, Telegram); advisers to the Office: Oleksiy Arestovych and Mykhailo Podoliak; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Reintegration of Temporary Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk
- General Staff: the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Latest news:
23:34 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said he sees no scenario that would not envisage the preservation of Ukraine's sovereignty and independence. He said this in an interview with NBC, a transcript of which was released by the US State Department on Wednesday.
"What is success, what is victory? It's holding on to the sovereignty and independence of their country. And there is no scenario by which over time that will not happen," Blinken said, commenting on whether Ukraine can win in the war started by Russia.
Read more: The Number of AGTMs in Ukraine Will Soon be 10 Units Against One Russia’s Tank
23:05 Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk spoke about the results of the work of humanitarian corridors on April 6:
- almost 4,900 people were evacuated during the day;
- 3,686 people traveled from Mariupol and Berdiansk by their own transport and buses to Zaporizhzhia. Of these, 1,171 people - from Mariupol, 2,515 people from Polohy, Vasylivka, Berdiansk, Melitopol, and Huliaipole;
- a convoy of 11 buses left Zaporizhzhia today to evacuate residents of Melitopol and Tokmak. The buses are now in Vasylivka, they will continue tomorrow morning;
- buses to evacuate people from Berdiansk will also leave Zaporizhzhia tomorrow;
- in Luhansk oblast, 1,206 people were evacuated from the cities of Lysychansk, Sievierodonetsk, Rubizhne, Kreminna, and the village of Hirske.
22:43 The German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said during the debate in the Bundestag that Putin's system must be broken in Russia's war against Ukraine, and Germany must do everything possible to help make that happen.
"On the streets of Bucha, we saw not only the bodies of those killed, but all the brutality of Putin's system. A system that considers all means good to promote its interests, that subordinates everything to the nationalist great-power idea, that has no restrictions and brakes, that tramples on law and humanity. Therefore, this system cannot win. Those who act like Putin do not care whether the bodies lie on the streets of Bucha or on the streets of Tbilisi, Vilnius or Berlin. Therefore, Germany must help Ukrainians as much as it can in their fight against Putin's system," Lambrecht said.
22:02 East Operational Command reports that during the day, Russian troops carried out three attacks on Ukrainian positions, and fighting continues. The Armed Forces destroyed up to 60 occupiers, 3 tanks, one infantry fighting vehicle, one mortar, 6 units of vehicles, and even one aircraft.
21:25 The Pentagon said that the Ukrainian military in the United States has been trained on how to operate killer "Switchblade" drones. Ukraine will receive two types of such drones, and their operators, who have been trained in the United States, will soon come to Ukraine.
21:03 The United States will refuse to participate in G20 meetings if Russian representatives are invited. This was stated by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Ukrinform reports.
"President Biden’s made clear, and I certainly agree with him, that it cannot be business as usual for Russia in any of the financial institutions," Yellen said. "He’s asked that Russia be removed from the G20 and I’ve made clear to my colleagues in Indonesia that we will not be participating in a number of meetings if the Russians are there."
20:15 The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: The operational update regarding the russian invasion as of 06.00 p.m. on April 6, 2022, key facts.
- A russian enemy continues to prepare for an offensive operation in eastern Ukraine in order to establish full control over the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. A russian occupiers are regrouping troops and conducting reconnaissance, trying to improve the tactical position of separate units in the South Buh area and gain a foothold on the administrative borders of the Kherson region.
- The main focus of a russian enemy's efforts is to conduct offensive operations in order to break through the defences of the Joint Forces in the Donetsk direction. It is also trying to take full control of the city of Mariupol.
- The regrouping of russian troops and the restoration of combat capability of the Central Military District units deployed to the Bryansk and Kursk oblasts are nearing completion.
- The enemy planned to move units of the 38th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 35th All-Military Army of the Eastern Military District from the territory of the republic of belarus to the Belgorod Region.
- The enemy continues to block Kharkiv in the Slobozhansky direction.
- To increase the efficiency of the transfer of military cargo, the enemy began to use the railway. The arrival of railway echelons with weapons and military equipment from the Valuyki station (russian federation) to the Kupyansk railway station (Ukraine) has been recorded.
- In the Donetsk and Luhansk directions, the enemy's main efforts are focused on hostilities in the areas of the settlements of Popasna and Rubizhne and the establishment of control over the city of Mariupol. A russain enemy is trying to improve the tactical position.
- The enemy carried out artillery shelling in the areas of Kreminna, Pisky, Ocheretino, Rozivka, Novobahmutivka, Novosilka Druha, Marinka and Krasnohorivka.
- In the areas of Popasna, Stepny, Novotoshkivske, Rubizhne, Severodonetsk and Solodky, the enemy carried out assault operations, but was unsuccessful.
- In the South Bug direction, the enemy continues to shell the settlements of Shcherbaki, Komyshuvakha, Novodanylivka, Mala Tokmachka, Huliaipilske, Lukyanivske, Preobrazhenka and Huliai Pole.
- As a result of offensive actions of units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the enemy lost control over the settlement of Osokorivka.
19:20 US prosecutors are working with their European and Ukrainian counterparts to help collect evidence of possible Russian war crimes in Ukraine.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland said that justice department officials met with their counterparts at Europol and Eurojust this week to develop a plan to work together and are separately helping a top Ukrainian prosecutor with evidence collection as well, - The Guardian reports.
“Today, we are assisting international efforts to identify and hold accountable those responsible for atrocities in Ukraine,” Garland added. “And we will continue to do so.”
Meanwhile, a US defence official has said that the killings in Bucha appear to be “deliberate and premeditated”.
18:35 US imposes fresh sanctions on Putin's daughters and top Russian banks
The United States is sanctioning Putin’s daughters and Russia’s Sberbank as part of a new package of measures announced today.
The measures target Russian banks and elites, and include a ban on any American from investing in Russia, - The Guardian reports citing Reuters report:
The new sanctions will put full blocking sanctions in Russia’s Sberbank, which holds one-third of Russia’s total banking assets, and Alfabank, a senior US official told reporters. Energy transactions are blocked from these sanctions, the official said.
The United States is also sanctioning Russian President Vladimir Putin’s adult daughters, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s wife and daughter, and members of Russia’s security council, the official said.
Americans are banned from investing in Russia, the official said, including through venture capital or mergers.
The US is “dramatically escalating” the financial shock on Russia by cutting off that country’s largest banks, the official said. Russians may be forced back into Soviet-style living standards from the 1980s, the official said.
18:15 Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrsky: 45 countries around the world have condemned Russia's war crimes in the Kyiv region.
The executions of civilians by the Russian military were documented (images and videos) and demonstrated to the world during a UN Security Council meeting following a speech by the President of Ukraine and published in all major international media.
This was announced on Wednesday, April 6, by the Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrsky.
“Russian war crimes in Bucha, Irpin, Hostomel and other settlements of Kyiv region have been condemned by officials of 45 countries at the level of heads of state, heads of government, parliaments and foreign ministries, as well as the most authoritative international organizations such as the UN, EU, NATO and OSCE. The European Union has introduced the 5th package of economic sanctions against Russia," said Denys Monastyrsky.
Together with the National Police, the Prosecutor's Office and the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs records Russian war crimes and gathers evidence together with victims and witnesses.
The Minister also noted that the military of the National Guard of Ukraine, conducting reconnaissance during the liberation near one of the settlements of the former Borodyanka area, found the headquarters of one of the battalion tactical groups (BTG) of the enemy.
“Among the documents, the fighters found a book of staff records, a list of personnel, combat and numerical calculations, as well as a table of call signs of this BTG.Therefore, the criminals are already known by name," said Denys Monastyrsky.
The personal data of looters who sent home loot from the Ukrainian cities of Irpin, Bucha and Hostomel from the Belarusian city of Mozyr also became known.
In total, since the beginning of the war, Ukrainian police have recorded almost 5,000 violations of the laws and customs of war and encroachments on the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
17:40 NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: The war in Ukraine may last for a long time, for many months, or even years.
This was said by Jens Stoltenberg as he had arrived for a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussel, - The Guardian reports.
Here is a direct speech of NATO Secretary General
First of all, this war must end now, and President Putin end it by withdrawing its troops and forces, and under stop attacking independent sovereign countries like Ukraine and sit down in good faith and to find a political solution.
But at the same time, we have to be realistic and and realise that this may last for a long time, for many months, or even years.
I also believe that, regardless of when the war ends, this has long term implications for our security. Because we have seen the brutality. We have seen the willingness by President Putin to use military force to reach his objectives.
The invasion of Ukraine was a wake up call. But that happened in 2014. So we have actually, since 2014, implemented the biggest reinforcements of our collective defence.
So, NATO was actually quite well prepared when Russia invaded Ukraine for the second time, and on the day of the invasion, we activated our defence plans and deployed thousands of additional troops in the eastern part of the alliance.
17:00 Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Liudmyla Denisova: Russian troops kidnap Ukrainian civilian men to pass them off as POWs
Russian troops in the occupied Ukrainian territories are massively kidnapping Ukrainian civilians for further representation as prisoners of war (POWs), Liudmyla Denisova, Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, has said.
"There is evidence that, while retreating from Kyiv region, Russian troops abducted Ukrainian civilians, who are now shown in the Russian media as 'prisoners' of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Our citizens were dressed in military uniforms and forced to participate in propaganda videos on YouTube and TV channels. One of the men on the video were identified by his relatives," Denisova wrote on the Telegram channel on Wednesday.
Also, a Ukrainian soldier released from Russian captivity reported on the mass capture of civilians, who stated that there were more than 40 civilian prisoners in the Kursk pretrial detention center.
In addition, the Russian media began to disseminate information about the alleged liquidation of 93 "Ukrainian deserters" from Mariupol, who fled in civilian clothes.
"In fact, this may indicate a mass execution of civilians in Ukraine," the Ombudsperson said.
She stressed that such actions of the Russian Federation are a war crime and a crime against humanity in accordance with Articles 7 and 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and a direct violation of Articles 3 and 34 of the Geneva Convention for the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, Articles 9 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
"I call on the UN Commission to Investigate Human Rights Violations During Russia's Invasion of Ukraine and the expert mission established by the OSCE participating States in accordance with the Moscow Mechanism to take into account these crimes and human rights violations of the Russian Federation in Ukraine," Denisova urged.
16:15 Ten high-rise buildings are on fire in Severodonetsk due to shelling, number of casualties being established.
As a result of artillery shelling by invaders of residential areas of Severodonetsk, Luhansk region, multi-storey buildings are on fire on Wednesday, April 6, the number of civilian casualties is being established, Head of the regional military administration Serhiy Haidai has said.
"The Russian army carried out artillery shelling of the old districts of the city this afternoon, April 6. Again we have a cynical shelling of residential areas of Severodonetsk. The flames engulfed ten high-rise buildings at once, a shopping center, garages, not a single strategic, military facility," Haidai said in Telegram channel on Wednesday.
According to him, rescuers put out the flames and sort out the rubble. "The number of victims will be reported separately," the administration's head said.
He also said that the Russian military fired at the workshop of one of the factories in Lysychansk and a residential building in Rubizhne.
15:45 Air strikes, cluster munitions, torture: Russian war crimes documented in Bucha and Borodianka.
Ukrainian law enforcement officers and forensic experts are documenting the war crimes committed by Russian troops in Bucha and Borodianka, Kyiv region.
“Prosecutors of the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office jointly with investigators of the Main Department of the Security Service of Ukraine in Kyiv and Kyiv region, as well as 50 experts of forensic research institutes of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine from different regions of the country are actively documenting the war crimes committed by the Russian Armed Forces in Bucha and Borodianka,” the press services of the Prosecutor General's Office and the Security Service of Ukraine inform, Ukrinform reports.
During the armed aggression, the enemy inflicted numerous blows to the peaceful city of Borodianka – air bombing, artillery shelling, and use of prohibited cluster munitions.
While carrying out investigative actions in these territories, the prosecutors of Kyiv region, the investigators of the Security Service of Ukraine, and experts recorded much unexploded ordnance and numerous funnels formed as a result of artillery shelling.
In addition, large-scale destruction of the civilian infrastructure of localities is recorded: private and multi-story residential buildings, schools, kindergartens, healthcare facilities, churches, shops, garages, and warehouses are bombed, public and private vehicles are damaged. There are no military facilities near the affected sites. In addition, other crucial evidence of Russia's armed aggression has been established and documented.
The complete information on casualties and damaged infrastructure is being established.
Currently, a number of criminal proceedings have been instituted over violation of the laws and customs of war (Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
As part of the pre-trial investigation, a comprehensive examination was ordered to establish the extent of destruction and damage to movable and immovable property, to determine material damage.
15:20 The Centre for Strategic Communications and Information Security under the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine: russian troops are using mobile crematoria conceal their own crimes in Mariupol.
“In Mariupol, the Russian occupiers have started using mobile crematoria to conceal their atrocities, the city council says. Amid the #BuchaMassacre, the Russian leadership ordered to destroy the traces of its army's crimes in Mariupol,” - was said on Stratcom Centre UA account on Twitter.
❗️In Mariupol, the Russian occupiers have started using mobile crematoria to conceal their atrocities, the city council says. Amid the #BuchaMassacre, the Russian leadership ordered to destroy the traces of its army's crimes in Mariupol. [1/2] #SaveMariupol— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) April 6, 2022
15:10 EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell: The European Union has given €35bn (£29.1bn) to Vladimir Putin for energy supplies since the start of his war and €1bn to fund Ukraine’s defense.
According to The Guardian, Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, said: “We have to continue arming Ukraine. We need less rounds of applause and more assistance.”
The EU has pledged €1bn in military aid for Ukraine, he said, which “might seem a lot” but “€1bn is what we pay Putin every day for the energy he provides us. Since the beginning of the war we have given him €35bn. Compare that to the €1bn we have given to Ukraine in arms and weapons.”
14:45 Kyiv city council reports on 89 deaths since start of invasion.
Eighty-nine people, including four children, have been killed in Kyiv since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, according to the city council.
In a statement, the council said a further 398 people have been wounded and 167 residential buildings damaged by Russian strikes.
The statement read: “It has become safer in Kyiv, but the threat of air strikes remains.”
By Attacking Ukraine, Russia has Given an Ultimatum to the World
14:30 Twenty-seven attacks on Kharkiv’s residential areas launched last night.
Russian invaders continue to chaotically shell Kharkiv and Derhachi. Izium remains the hottest spot in the region.
"Again at night, the Russian occupiers launched about 27 attacks from various weapons on residential areas of Kharkiv and localities of the region. The areas of KhTZ, Pivnichna Saltivka, Pyatykhatky, Mala Rohan, Derhachi were affected. The enemy wants to demoralize us and continues to deal chaotic blows to civilian infrastructure," Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Oleh Synehubov posted on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.
The hottest spot, Synehubov noted, is the town of Izium. "There, our Armed Forces hold positions, hold defense, and destroy the enemy. An enemy K-52 helicopter was downed at night. A column of enemy equipment, tanks that tried to break through in the direction of Barvinkove, was also smashed. The enemy failed again, suffering heavy equipment and personnel losses," the Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration added.
13:55 Britain to donate over 20 ambulances to Ukraine.
UK National Health Service (NHS) will hand over about 20 ambulances to the government of Ukraine, the UK government has announced.
"The donation of around 20 NHS ambulances will help bring vital lifesaving care to Ukrainians remaining in towns and cities under attack from Russian bombardments. This donation will help replace those Ukrainian ambulances lost to Russian attacks, bolstering the existing fleet’s resilience as the barbaric war goes on, " the British government said on its website Wednesday, April 06.
The first ambulances will arrive this week in Lviv, from where they will be delivered to the most needy areas.
"We have sadly seen day after day the horrific impacts of Putin’s cruel war on the people of Ukraine, including evidence of appalling acts by Russian troops in towns such as Irpin and Bucha. The UK has been among the biggest aid donors, providing food, medicines and generators to help those affected. These world class NHS ambulances will now help bring lifesaving care directly to those injured in the conflict, " British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said.
The government noted that the UK had already allocated about GBP 400 million of aid to Ukraine in connection with the Russian war, including GBP 220 million for humanitarian aid.
13:30 Pope Francis condemns 'massacre of Bucha', describes town as 'martyred'.
Pope Francis has condemned what he called “the massacre of Bucha” and held up a Ukrainian flag sent from the town at his weekly audience in the Vatican’s auditorium, - The Guardian reports.
Reuters quotes him saying: “Recent news from the war in Ukraine, instead of bringing relief and hope, brought new atrocities, such as the massacre of Bucha. Cruelty that is increasingly horrendous, even against civilians, defenceless women and children. They are victims whose innocent blood cries out up to heaven and implores: ‘Stop this war! Let the weapons fall silent! Stop sowing death and destruction’. Yesterday, precisely from Bucha, they brought me this flag. It comes from the war, precisely from that martyred city, Bucha”.
The Pope then distributed some chocolate Easter Eggs to children who had fled Ukraine, saying “These children had to flee in order to arrive in a safe land. This is the fruit of war. Let’s not forget them and let’s not forget the Ukrainian people.”
13:04 The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba: Fossil fuel embargo, de-SWIFTing of all Russian banks needed to stop Putin.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba welcomes the strengthening of the package of sanctions against the Russian Federation, but emphasizes that the measures taken are still not enough.
"I appreciate the strengthening of the 5th EU sanctions package: bans on Russian coal, vessels accessing EU ports, and road transport operators. But it will take a gas/oil embargo and de-SWIFTing of all Russian banks to stop Putin. Difficult times require difficult decisions," Kuleba wrote on Twitter.
12:50 The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy: After what the world saw in Bucha sanctions against Russia must be commensurate with gravity of its war crimes.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said that sanctions against Russia should be commensurate with the war crimes committed by it.
"After what the world saw in Bucha, sanctions against Russia must be commensurate with the gravity of the occupiers' war crimes. If after that Russian banks will still be able to function as usual... If after that the transit of goods to Russia will continue as usual... If after that the EU countries will pay for Russian energy resources as usual…Then the political fate of some leaders will develop not as usual," he said in a video address late on Tuesday.
12:45 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine posts the video that proves the fact of digging tranches by russian troops near Chornobyl NPP.
12:30 EU toughening sanctions against Russia, imposing ban on coal imports.
European Council President Charles Michel thinks that sanctions against Russian oil and gas will be needed sooner or later.
“We are toughening our sanctions to keep maximum pressure on the Kremlin. The new package includes a ban on coal imports. And I think that measures on oil, and even gas, will also be needed sooner or later,” Michel posted on Twitter.
Earlier, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen outlined the peculiarities of the EC proposals on the fifth round of sanctions against the Russian Federation over its invasion of Ukraine.
According to her, the fifth package of sanctions, which “will cut even deeper in the Russian economy”, has six main pillars, including import ban on coal from Russia, worth EUR 4 billion per year to cut another important revenue source for Russia.
11:50 President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen: Russian authorities will have to answer for war crimes in Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that the Russian authorities will have to answer for war crimes committed in Ukraine.
She said this speaking at a plenary meeting of the European Parliament on Wednesday, Ukrinform reports.
"We have all seen the haunting images of Bucha. This is what is happening when Putin's soldiers occupy Ukrainian territory. They call this liberation. I call this war crimes. The Russian authorities will have to answer for them," she said.
11:25 Deputy Prime Minister - Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Iryna Vereshchuk: 11 humanitarian corridors agreed for April 6.
She noted that people will be able to travel from Mariupol to Zaporizhia and from Berdiansk to Zaporizhia in their private vehicles.
In addition, civilians will be able to evacuate via private transportation from Tokmak to Zaporizhia, from Enerhodar to Zaporizhia, and from the cities of Huliaipole and Melitopol to Zaporizhia.
There will also be evacuation from Sievierodonetsk to Bakhmut, from Lysychansk to Bakhmut, from Popasna to Bakhmut, from Rubizhne to Bakhmut, and from the village of Hirske to the town of Bakhmut.
11:00 The 93rd Mechanized Brigade posted a bird’s-eye view footage of destroyed enemy vehicles.
10:20 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine posts the total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02 to 06.04.
Personnel - about 18600,
tanks ‒ 684 units,
APV‒ 1861 units,
artillery systems – 332 units,
MLRS - 107 units,
Anti-aircraft warfare systems - 55 units,
aircraft – 150 units,
helicopters – 135 units,
vehicles - 1324 units,
boats / cutters - 7 units,
fuel tanks - units,
UAV operational-tactical level - 96.
special equipment - 25.
mobile SRBM system - 4.
Data are being updated. The calculation is complicated by the high intensity of hostilities.
09:58 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine posted footage of successful destruction of the enemy.
09:50 A spokesperson for the Odesa regional military administration Serhii Bratchuk: Enemy attempting to conduct air reconnaissance over Odesa region.
Russian invaders are sending drones to the area of Odesa for air reconnaissance to determine targets for missile strikes, but Ukrainian air defense units are blocking enemy actions.
Serhii Bratchuk, spokesperson for the Odesa regional military administration, said this on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.
"Last night in Odesa and the region was relatively calm, although air raid sirens sounded, as the enemy is intensifying air reconnaissance. But our air defense forces are working and conducting defense operations," Bratchuk said.
09:25 The Prosecutor General's Office: russian troops kill 167 children in Ukraine.
A total of 167 children have been killed in Ukraine since russia started its invasion of the country on February 24.
According to Ukrinform, the Prosecutor General's Office said this in a statement posted on Telegram.
"As of the morning of April 6, 2022, more than 446 children were affected in Ukraine as a result of the armed aggression of the russian federation. At the same time, 167 children were killed and at least 279 were injured," the statement says.
09:05 Latest British Defense Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine as of 6 April 2022.
08:50 The Head of the Luhansk Regional Military Administration Serhiy Haidai: One person killed, five others injured in Russian shelling of Rubizhne.
One person was killed and five others were injured in Russian shelling of Rubizhne, Luhansk region.
Head of the Luhansk Regional Military Administration Serhiy Haidai wrote this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.
"Five people were injured and one died in Rubizhne. Eleven buildings were destroyed in the region. These are the consequences of yesterday's shelling by the Russian army of the residential districts of Rubizhne, Lysychansk, Popasna, Severodonetsk, and Toshkivka,” he wrote.
08:15 The Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Valentyn Reznichenko: Russian missile attack hit oil depot and plant in Dnipropetrovsk region.
At night, the Russian military launched several air strikes on Dnipropetrovsk region: hit an oil depot and a plant.
Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Valentyn Reznichenko wrote this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.
"The night was alarming and difficult. The enemy attacked our region from the air and hit the oil depot and one of the plants. The oil depot with fuel was destroyed. Rescuers are still fighting the flames at the plant. There is a large fire. Fuel is burning," he wrote.
The number of casualties is being clarified.
08:00 The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken: U.S. allocates $100M in additional security assistance for Ukraine.
The United States is allocating another $100 million tranche of security and defense assistance for Ukraine, which will provide new supplies of weapons to combat enemy armored vehicles.
This is said in an official statement by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Ukrinform reports.
“The world has been shocked and appalled by the atrocities committed by Russia’s forces in Bucha and across Ukraine. Ukraine’s forces bravely continue to defend their country and their freedom, and the United States, along with our Allies and partners, stand steadfast in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement says.
07:40 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: The operational update regarding the russian invasion as of 06.00 on April 6, 2022, key facts.
- The enemy's main efforts are focused on preparing for an offensive operation aimed at establishing full control over the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.
- The threat of russian enemy use of naval, air and ground-based missile weapons continues. The occupiers are inflicting fire on the defense complex, logistics infrastructure and residential areas of cities.
- At the same time, russia is trying to improve the tactical position in the South Buh direction. The use of the territory of the self-proclaimed Transnistrian-Moldavian Republic to support the offensive operation in this direction is not ruled out. Preparations for receiving aircraft are being carried out at Tiraspol airfield.
- The enemy does not abandon attempts to involve mercenaries from other countries in hostilities against Ukraine to make up for its losses in manpower.
- No signs of the formation of offensive groups in the Volyn direction. Certain units of the Armed Forces of the republic of belarus continue to carry out tasks to cover the Ukrainian-belarusian border.
- In the Slobozhansky direction, the enemy continues to block the city of Kharkiv and launch artillery shelling in its separate areas.
- In the Izyum direction, the russain occupiers did not abandon their intentions to create a strike group and continue the offensive in the direction of the settlements of Slovyansk and Barvinkove.
- In the Donetsk direction, the enemy is trying to improve the tactical position of its units. Continues to carry out assault operations in the areas of Popasna, Stepne, Novotoshkivske, Rubizhne, Siverodonetsk and Solodke. It is not successful.
- The russian occupiers continue to actively use munitions prohibited by international humanitarian law. Attempts are being done to storm Mariupol. The defenders of the city held a heroic defense for more than forty days, restraining the overwhelming forces of the Russian invaders.
- As a result of offensive actions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the enemy lost control over the settlements of Dobryanka, Novovoznesenske and Trudolyubivka. Fighting continues in the area of the settlement of Alexandrivka.
- The group of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed 8 cruise missiles for the previous day. The Air Force aircraft continued to support the actions of the ground forces of the Defense Forces and launched air strikes on the occupying forces.
07:00 An adviser to the head of the President's Office Mykhailo Podoliak: Bucha is just the beginning of truth about modern russia.
Mykhailo Podoliak, an adviser to the head of the President's Office, emphasizes that the crimes committed by russian troops in Bucha, Kyiv region, are just the beginning of the truth about modern russia.
He wrote this on his Twitter account, Ukrinform reports.
“Europe which still fears losing gas/oil must know that Bucha is just the beginning of the truth about rf [russian federation]. There'll be hundreds of other Ukraine’s cities where the cannibalistic "russian world" came. Give heavy weapons today if you don't want to suffer from the "Bucha syndrome" tomorrow,” Podoliak wrote.
06:45 The Head of the Hostomel village military administration Taras Dumenko: More than 400 people missing in Hostomel.
More than 400 people have gone missing in Hostomel, Kyiv region, throughout 35 days of occupation by Russian troops.
The head of the Hostomel village military administration, Taras Dumenko, said this in an interview with Hromadske Radio, Ukrinform reports.
"Throughout 35 days of occupation, we have more than 400 missing. We are checking the basements of Hostomel together with the State Emergency Service and patrol police officers. We have about 1,200 residents, with whom the contact has been established and who inform us about the whereabouts of certain people who have left," he said.
05:00 Prosecutor General of Ukraine Iryna Venediktova: Around 5,000 Russian war crimes under investigation in Ukraine.
Prosecutor General of Ukraine Iryna Venediktova made the announcement at a press briefing in Bucha on April 5, saying that “even in such a cruel situation, war crimes are first on the spectrum, followed by crimes against humanity and genocide.”
03:20 Ternopil Regional Military Administration Head Volodymyr Trush: Ammonia leakage caused by Russian missile fragment localized in Ternopil Region.
The contamination of water, which occurred after Russia’s downed missile fragment hit fertilizer tanks in Ternopil Region, has been localized.
The relevant statement was made by Ternopil Regional Military Administration Head Volodymyr Trush on Facebook, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
“The contamination of water has been localized in Kremenets District. Now all the settlements, except the village of Sapaniv, can use water for domestic needs,” the report states.
02:01 Turkish embassy returns to Kyiv. The announcement was published on the Embassy's Facebook page. Earlier it was temporarily relocated to Chernivtsi city in Western Ukraine. Now it is to continue working as usual in the Ukrainian Capital.
01:45 Air Force: on April 5, air defense of the Ukrainian air forces has destroyed 8 cruise missiles.
Russian aircraft continues to avoid direct contact with Ukrainian fighters and mostly attacks from Belarussian airspace. Ukrainian Air Force as well provided support to the land forces.
01:19 Stratcom Centre: Ukrainian military approach Kherson
Kherson city of Southern Ukraine which is currently occupied by Russians may soon be liberated, according to the words of Serhiy Khlan, the Kherson Regional Council Deputy. He detailed the situation:
"Our Armed Forces are advancing from Mykolaiv and are on the approaches to Kherson. If we take radius, then no further than 20 km from Kherson are the military stationed. There are hot fights going on there, every day. We all are waiting for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to liberate Kherson."
Also, the Adviser to the Head of the Presidential Office Oleksiy Arestovych said in an interview that Russian troops are already preparing to retreat from Kherson:
"Kherson itself is prepared for surrender. Not many know about it but they consider seriously the withdrawal from Kherson, among other plans. This doesn't mean Kherson will be liberated tomorrow, but still."
01:07 General Staff: Military Police handed seized Russian goods over to the army.
The vehicles and ammunition was abandoned by occupiers as they retreated. Ukrainian military police units seized those during the counteroffensive launched by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The trophies were sent to serve Ukrainian troops. More photos here.
00:50 General Staff has published a photo report from Borodyanka city. Earlier, Prosecutor General of Ukraine Iryna Venediktova suggested that the situation in this city, which has been under Russian occupation until recently, might be worse than in Bucha.
"Unfortunately, there is practically no town there. The racists destroyed everything in their path. Cynically and brutally. Borodyanka is now closed – rescuers and law enforcement officers are working there," said Oleksii Kuleba, the Head of the humanitarian issues of the Kyiv region military administration.
00:00 Presidential Office: President Zelenskyy held a speech to the UN Security Council
His appeal took place on April 5, at the emergency meeting of the Council on the killings in Bucha. The Ukrainian President gave examples of war crimes committed by Russian occupiers in the city and stressed that there are more of their deeds in other occupied cities of Ukraine yet unknown. He called for a transparent and thorough investigation of these crimes.
"So where is the security that the Security Council must guarantee? There is no security. Although there is a Security Council, as if nothing happened. So where is the peace that the United Nations was created to guarantee?" he said after pointing out that Russian aggression poses danger to the whole world, not just Ukraine. President said Russia is violating the UN Charter from the very first article, committing "the most heinous war crimes of all time since the end of World War II".
He offered two options to the United Nations: to exclude Russia, which abuses its veto power to continue its aggression, from the Security Council or to change the format of the UN's work. Ukraine's leader offered to convene a global conference on security and establish a new UN office in Ukraine:
"Just as the Geneva office specializes in human rights, just as the Nairobi office specializes in the field of environmental protection, the Kyiv U-24 Office can specialize in preventive measures to maintain peace."
He said, if Russia continues to abuse its rights in the UN, the organization itself can be dissolved: "if your current format is unalterable and there is simply no way out, then the only option would be to dissolve yourself altogether."
The full speech transcript is here.
Key points regarding the current state of warfare:
- Ukraine managed to establish the defense, the Russian offense has stalled, in some directions Ukrainian military intensively push back the invaders, numerous villages and small cities were liberated, horrific facts of henocide conducted by russians are revealed.
- Russia uses terroristic methods of war, shelling civilian facilities where there are no military facilities nearby, keeping cities in a full blockade, and sabotaging humanitarian corridors for evacuation and convoys with humanitarian aid.
- Russian army targets nuclear power plants; Zaporizhzhia NPP is currently seized by the invaders; Russian troops, poisoned by radiation, have left the Chornobyl NPP; military activities by Russian forces near the power plants were described by Ukraine as nuclear terrorism
- Ukraine offered the United Nations Security Council a platform for an updated security system – the "Kyiv U-24 Office" similar to the human rights Geneva office or the environmental protection Nairobi office. Or at least prevent from Russia abusing its veto power to continue war in Ukraine.
- Ukraine is willing to join the European Union, have sent an application which is being considered; during her visit to Kyiv, EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola stated EU would look for ways to facilitate the membership process for Ukraine
- Ukrainian citizens in the occupied cities rally against the Russians; on their part, the occupiers began to kidnap activists and authorities; locals are being forcibly "evacuated" to Russia with the following deportation to the depressed areas and appointment of jobs
- thousands of civilian volunteers join the Territorial Defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; Ukraine has established an International Legion for foreign volunteers willing to fight for Ukraine, thousands have joined already
- Ukraine has had several rounds of negotiations with Russia; still, no significant progress towards ceasefire and peace, the main question, for now, is establishing humanitarian corridors for the supply of aid and evacuation of civilians; the negotiations continue "non-stop" in an online format; President Zelenskyy expressed readiness to directly talk with Putin; Ukraine has introduced "U-24" – a project on establishment of security guarantees to Ukraine by a number of guarantor states, including the USA, the UK, China and Russia. A few countries expressed their readiness to become such a guarantor (Turkiye, Germany, Italy).
Read more: Day 41st of War Between Ukraine and Russian Federation (Live Updates)
