Brief facts:
- third prisoners of war exchange: 26 Ukrainian people rescued
- €9.1 billion were collected for Ukrainian refugees during a fundraising event in Warsaw
- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a "surprise visit" to Kyiv, announced provision of 120 armored vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems in addition to £100 million military aid package to Ukraine.
- russia has reorganized the command of its battle operations in Ukraine, installing a new general with extensive experience in Russian operations in Syria.
- Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olga Stefanishyna: Ukraine expected to be granted EU candidate country status in June.
Latest news:
Read more: The 44th Day of the War: Russia Has Lost 19 000 Personnel, 700 Tanks and 112 UAV
Thank you for your attention! This feed is closed. But Defense Express has already started a new one. Find the latest news on Day 46th of the Russian invasion of Ukraine here.
23:57 Presidential Office: the third round of prisoners exchange took place today.
On the 9th of April, 26 Ukrainian people were released from captivity, Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk reports. This number includes 12 soldiers and 14 civilians. Ten of them are women: one soldier and 9 civilians.
Besides, the official informed of the results of today's evacuation. 4532 people in total reached Ukraine-controlled territories via the agreed humanitarian corridors, including refugees from Mariupol city, Zaporizhzhia and Luhansk regions. Ukrainian authorities managed to get back the buses, seized by the occupiers two days earlier. This transport was used to evacuate civilians from Melitopol city.
Evacuation transport heading to several occupied cities was not permitted to enter, despite the agreement on the establishment of humanitarian corridors. They returned to the departure point to try again tomorrow.
23:31 Ukraine NOW: Russian invaders drop parachute bombs on the city of Kharkiv
In Kharkiv, locals started to notice such munitions, according to the Suspilne media. Then the mayor of Kharkiv Igor Terekhov confirmed it and asked people not to approach the explosives. The shelling with parachute-descending munitions was noticed on April 8 – 9.
Defense Express: this is not the first time the Russian army uses this kind of munition. It is a dangerous and indiscriminate weapon.
22:53 Joint Forces Operation: over the last 24 hours Ukrainian forces have repelled 8 Russian attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk operational directions
Ukrainian defenders eliminated 4 tanks, 8 armored and 7 soft-skinned vehicles. Air defense downed one aircraft, one helicopter, 4 UAVs and 3 cruise missiles.
It should be noted, that the data applies to the mentioned operational directions only. The total enemy losses over the course of the day are yet to be published.
22:10 StratCom of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Russians left their comrades in a mass grave
During the exploitation of the Vilkhivka village in the Kharkiv region, troops of the 92nd Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian armed forces found an uncovered mass grave with dead occupiers within. The Center for Strategic Communications assumes the bodies of Russian troops were abandoned by their comrades.
Not only the bodies, but also headquarters and documents were left by invaders, when Ukrainian forces attacked them on March 30. Defenders from the 92nd Brigade destroyed two battalion-tactical groups of the 138th motorized rifle brigade and one group of 59th tank division of the russian armed forces. More than 60 occupiers surrendered to captivity.
21:58 Reuters media: global donors pledged €9.1B in donations, loans, and grants to support Ukrainian refugees
Canadian government and the European Commission hosted a fundraising event in Warsaw, Poland, on April 9. During the event, €1.8 billion were collected to support internally displaced people inside Ukraine, and €7.3 billion for refugees who have fled the country to neighboring states.
Governments, companies and individuals together pledged €4.1 billion in donations, which will be distributed largely via the Ukrainian authorities or the United Nations. The remaining €5 billion were loans and grants from EU financial institutions, including a €4 billion programme to help provide housing, education and healthcare for refugees arriving in the EU countries.
21:13 UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson: the UK announced the provision of more military aid to Ukraine
Following the meeting with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Boris Johnson set out new military assistance of 120 armored vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems, goes the statement from PM's office. This will amount to the £100 million package of 800 NLAW missiles announced at the meeting with Olaf Scholz in Stuttgart previously.
"I made clear today that the United Kingdom stands unwaveringly with them in this ongoing fight, and we are in it for the long run," UK Prime Minister said. "Together with the friends and partners, we supply the equipment, the technology, the know-how, the intelligence, so that Ukraine will never be invaded again."
20:56 UN Refugee Agency: 11.4 million Ukrainians left their homes because of the war.
"The war in Ukraine has triggered one of the fastest-growing displacement and humanitarian crises ever. Within six weeks, more than 4.3 million refugees have fled the country, while a further 7.1 million are displaced internally," United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees stated.
More than 2.5 million arrived in Poland which is remaining the main country of arrival for refugees. UNHCR noted that while the pace of arrivals is slowing, overall flows continue given the ongoing hostilities. The agency also announced expanding cash assistance to refugees with further details being provided later in April.
20:21 UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new military aid package to Ukraine.
UK's military aid includes 800 NLAW anti-tank missiles, Javelin anti-tank systems, Starstreak anti-aircraft high-velocity missiles, loitering munitions, and more non-lethal aid: ballistic helmets, body armor, night-vision goggles.
"This package amounts to £100 million, and will help Ukraine defend itself from Russia's barbaric attacks," the Minister's press office wrote on Twitter. The package was announced at the meeting of Boris Johson with German PM Olaf Scholz in Stuttgart.
19:44 Ministry of Defense of Ukraine: Ukraine needs more modern weaponry, not the old Soviet-era one
Ukrainian Minister of Defense appealed to the international partners, speaking from the ruined by Russian occupiers city of Hostomel. He said Ukraine needs modern long-range weaponry to not only deter the Russian advance but also push the occupiers away from Ukrainian territories. For that, MLRS firing on more than 30 km is needed, as well as tanks, armored vehicles and NATO standard artillery with a caliber of 155 mm (contrary to the 152 mm Soviet artillery). Also, anti-ship missiles are crucial to counter the threat Russian navy creates in the Black Sea and poses to Odesa city particularly.
"Stingers and Javelins are very good equipment for deterring them, we can use it as anti-tank, anti-aircraft in a short distance they are a short distance. We need something for a long distance, long range, that's a difference," the Minister said. He added that Ukrainian soldiers would have no problems using NATO weapons: "We can use Abrams, Leopard tanks, absolutely, because our guys [for] eight years [were] involved [in] trainees courses with the NATO countries, so we know how to do it."
18:55 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: The operational update regarding the russian invasion on 18.00 on April 9, 2022. Key points.
- The main efforts of the russian occupiers are focused on the capture of Mariupol and the offensive near the city of Izyum. There is still a high probability that the enemy will involve sabotage and reconnaissance groups to carry out sabotage of transport infrastructure.
- In the South Buh direction, the occupiers do not stop trying to keep positions and borders on the administrative border of Kherson region
- The enemy continues to launch missile strikes on civilian targets throughout Ukraine.
- Russian troops continues to partially block the city of Kharkiv.
- The invaders continue to provide storm in the Donetsk direction. The main efforts of the russian occupiers are focused on taking control of the settlements of Rubizhne, Popasna and Novobakhmutivka.
18:45 The Head of the Luhansk regional military administration Serhii Haidai: Invaders again hit nitric acid tank near Rubizhne.
Russian invaders again hit a nitric acid storage tank near the town of Rubizhne in the Luhansk region, and the population is advised not to leave the shelters.
The head of the Luhansk regional military administration, Serhii Haidai, reported this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports. The video is here.
18:35 The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy sees Johnson as leader in sanctions pressure on Russia, defense support for Ukraine.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is one of the most principled opponents of Russia's war against Ukraine and a leader in exerting sanctions pressure on Russia and providing defense support to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in a statement on Telegram on the occasion of Johnson's visit to Kyiv, Ukrinform reports.
"The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, is one of the most principled opponents of the Russian invasion, a leader in sanctions pressure on Russia and in defense support for Ukraine. Welcome to Kyiv, my friend!" Zelensky wrote.
18:20 The press office of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine: Russian shipyards halt production of ships due to lack of foreign components.
The Russian military-industrial complex remains dependent on imported high technology, which is why Russia is unable to continue the production of modern weapons. Thus, Russian shipyards stop the production of ships due to the lack of foreign components.
According to Ukrinform, the press office of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported this on Facebook.
"At the Russian shipyards, there is a critical situation in the implementation of existing contracts for the construction and maintenance of warships. It was caused by the difficult financial situation and lack of foreign components," the statement said. Read more.
17:40 The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Russia’s further moves to depend on fate of Mariupol.
The direction in which the enemy will advance now depends on many factors, including whether Mariupol will withstand the siege.
The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this while answering journalists' questions during a joint briefing with Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer in Kyiv, Ukrinform reports.
"Mariupol stands... How long will Mariupol stand? Our forces there are powerful and strong. One of the strongest, and you know it. This is a big test for them. Today there are 10,000 Russian servicemen around them. If we keep Mariupol, these 10,000 will remain there, too, and won’t go eastward," Zelenskyy said.
17:10 The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Enemy amassing forces in east, south, but “we believe in our victory”.
Russian invaders are concentrating significant forces in eastern and southern Ukraine, but President Zelensky believes in victory.
The Ukrainian leader said this at a joint briefing with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Ukrinform reports.
"In parallel lines, in the east and also in the south, (Russian - ed.) forces are amassing. A large number of forces, equipment, armed men, who intend to occupy another part of our territories. It will be a difficult battle. We believe in our struggle, we believe in our victory, so we are ready to fight and at the same time look for certain ways in diplomacy that can stop this war," Zelensky said.
16:20 The Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko: Main goal of Putin's operation is to erase Ukrainian identity.
The main goal of Putin's operation is to erase the Ukrainian identity, Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko has stated.
"The main goal of this Putin’s operation is aimed against the identity of Ukrainians. Our identity is expressed in our heritage, in the works of our artists, so their goal to denazify us actually means to deny the Ukrainian nation’s right to exist. But our right to exist lies in our cultural heritage,” Tkachenko said during a telethon on Ukrainian TV channels, Ukrinform reports.
15:40 The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Luigi Di Maio: Italian Embassy to resume work in Kyiv after Easter.
The Italian Embassy in Ukraine will resume its work in Kyiv after Easter, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said, Corriere della Sera reports.
"We were the last to leave Kyiv and will be one of the first to return," Corriere della Sera quotes Di Maio as saying.
15:30 The Minister of Healthcare of Ukraine Viktor Liashko: Russian forces destroyed more than 300 hospitals.
Since the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine began, the invaders have damaged 307 healthcare facilities, of which 21 are beyond repair.
Health Minister Viktor Liashko said this during a telethon on Ukrainian TV channels, Ukrinform reports.
"Since the beginning of the war, the Russian occupiers have damaged 307 healthcare facilities, including primary health care centers. 21 hospitals have been completely destroyed, they are beyond repair, and new ones will have to be built in their place," he said.
15:00 The press service of the Ukrainian President’s Office: The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with Austrian chancellor in Kyiv.
The meeting of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer has started in Kyiv.
The press service of the Ukrainian President’s Office informed this on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.
"It is a very important signal for us. A signal to the whole of Europe that Austria supports Ukraine, the Ukrainian people in its resistance to the aggression of the Russian Federation," Zelenskyy said at the beginning of the meeting.
In turn, Nehammer assured that Austria is on the side of Ukraine in this war and it will continue to expand aid to the country.
14:40 The Head of the Luhansk Regional Military Administration Serhiy Haidai: Enemy shells Luhansk region. One killed in Severodonetsk, four injured in Rubizhne.
Russian invaders shelled Luhansk region, killing a woman and injuring four other people in Severodonetsk on Saturday.
Head of the Luhansk Regional Military Administration Serhiy Haidai wrote this on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.
"In the morning, the orcs again started their favorite business - destroying residential areas of peaceful cities. In Rubizhne, four people were injured in shelling of a residential building… A woman was found dead in the old district of Severodonetsk,” the governor wrote.
14:00 Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Liudmyla Denisova: City authorities confirm data on 360 civilians killed in Bucha.
The city authorities have confirmed that at least 360 civilians, including at least 10 children, have been killed in Bucha in Kyiv region.
Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Liudmyla Denisova wrote this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.
She clarified that in Bucha on Yablunska Street, rashists set up a real torture chamber, and that the survivors said that there was a headquarters of the Chechen military, called Kadyrovites, who shot people to death, burned their eyes, cut off body parts, tortured to death not only adults but also children.
13:45 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine posts the result of Ukrainian guerrillas hard work in Chernihiv Oblast.
13:20 EU resumes diplomatic presence in Kyiv.
The European Council's diplomatic mission in Ukraine is returning from Polish Rzeszow to Kyiv, the press service of the European External Action Service in Brussels (EEAS) has reported. Read more.
12:55 President holds meeting with leadership of law enforcement agencies and NSDC.
The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a conference call with members of the Cabinet of Ministers, the leadership of law enforcement agencies and the National Security and Defense Council of Uraine (NSDC).
The head of state wrote about this on Telegram, - Ukrinform reports.
"Meeting with government members, the leadership of law enforcement agencies and the National Security and Defense Council. We believe in the strength of our army. We negotiate with foreign leaders on the supplies of weapons to our country. We strengthen international support for Ukraine. We work every day," said the President.
According to the press service of the Armed Forces, the participants of the conference call discussed the state of readiness of the army to perform current tasks to repel Russia's armed aggression.
In addition, the National Security and Defense Council reported on the analysis of the situation. The needed efforts to consolidate Ukraine's international support were discussed.
12:30 Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olga Stefanishyna: Ukraine to be granted EU candidate country status in June.
Olga Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, said Ukraine was “ready to move fast” with its application to become a member of the European Union, - The Guardian reports.
Her remarks come a day after the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, pledged to offer a speedy response to Ukraine’s bid for bloc membership.
At a joint news conference with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Von der Leyen handed the Ukrainian president a questionnaire that will form a starting point for a decision on membership, saying: “It will not as usual be a matter of years to form this opinion but, I think, a matter of weeks.”
Zelenskiy told the same news conference he would come back with answers in a week.
11: 55 The Head of Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Oleh Syniehubov: Russian troops attempt to bypass Ukrainian positions near Izium but suffer losses.
Near the city of Izium, Kharkiv Region, Russian troops are attempting to bypass the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine but suffer losses on a daily basis.
The relevant statement was made by Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Head Oleh Syniehubov on Telegram, - Ukrinform reports.
“The Izium direction is remaining challenging. Russians are attempting to bypass Izium, the Ukrainian Army’s positions, and concentrate their troops on Donetsk Region and Luhansk Region, increasing their military presence there. But, thanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, every day the enemy suffers really heavy losses within these areas, in terms of equipment and manpower,” - Syniehubov wrote.
The evacuation measures are also underway within this direction, namely from Barvinkove and Lozova, as these settlements are likely to become the area of hostilities.
According to Syniehubov, a total of 15,000 people were evacuated from Balakliia, and about 50,000 people remained there. About 3,000 people left Barvinkove, and about 1,500 people remained there.
Over the past day, Russian occupiers have launched about 50 strikes on Kharkiv Region with artillery systems, mortars, tanks and multiple rocket launcher systems. In Kharkiv, infrastructure facilities were damaged within such districts as Saltivka, Kholodna Hora, Oleksiivka and KhTZ.
Russians were also extensively shelling the city of Derhachi. Residential houses, hospital and outpatient department premises were damaged. No casualties were reported.
11:35 The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has posted the new summary of total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02 to 09.04. Find them in an infographic by Defense Express:
So far, the list of enemy's combat losses is the following:
Personnel - more 19 100,
Tanks ‒ 705 units,
APV ‒ 1895 units,
Artillery systems – 335 units,
MLRS – 108 units,
Anti-aircraft warfare systems – 55 units,
Aircraft – 151 units,
Helicopters – 136 units,
Vehicles – 1363 units,
Boats / cutters - 7 units,
Fuel tanks - 76,
UAV operational-tactical level - 112 units,
Special equipment – 25,
Mobile SRBM system - 4.
Data are being updated. The calculation is complicated by the intensity of hostilities.
11:00 Russia has reorganized the command of its battle operations in Ukraine, installing a new general with extensive experience in Russian operations in Syria, according to a western official.
The commander of Russia’s southern military district, Gen Alexander Dvornikov, now leads the invasion, the source told the BBC, - The Guardian reports.
The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “That particular commander has a lot of experience of operations of Russian operations in Syria. So we would expect the overall command and control to improve.”
The instatement was done in an attempt to improve coordination between units, as Russian forces had previously been organized and commanded separately, the official said.
Russia has so far struggled to achieve its war goals since launching its invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, failing to capture any major Ukrainian cities.
Moscow has since reframed its ambitions to focus on territory claimed by Russian-backed separatists in Donbas, although Ukrainian officials have warned Russia’s long-term objective is to seize the entire country.
The official added: “Unless Russia is able to change its tactics, it’s very difficult to see how they succeed in even these limited objectives that they’ve reset themselves.”
10:30 Deputy Prime Minister - Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Iryna Vereshchuk: Ten humanitarian corridors agreed for Saturday, April 09.
Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said 10 humanitarian corridors for people from besieged regions have been agreed.
This includes one for people evacuating by private transport from the city of Mariupol, Vereshchuk said.
10:00 The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine Some 176 children die in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion began.
As a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, 176 children were killed and more than 324 were injured, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine reports.
"More than 500 children suffered in Ukraine due to the full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation. Among them, 176 children were killed and more than 324 were injured. These figures are not final, since work is underway to establish them in places of active hostilities, in temporarily occupied and liberated territories," the Facebook post said.
Children suffered the most, according to the data received, in Donetsk region - 102, Kyiv - 91, Kharkiv - 76, Chernihiv - 50, Mykolaiv - 40, Luhansk - 35, Zaporizhia - 22, Kherson - 29, the capital - 16, Sumy - 16 , Zhytomyr region - 15.
In particular, as a result of the shelling of the railway station in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region by Tochka-U by Russian troops, on the territory of which more than 4,000 people were waiting for evacuation, five children were killed and 16 were injured.
"The missile that bombed the station had the inscription 'For Children" on it" the Prosecutor General's Office said.
Also, near Hostomel in Kyiv region, a shot car was found, in which a family with a child a little over a year old, died.
Tortured and burned bodies of three people, one of whom is a child, were found in Izium district of Kharkiv region.
A total of 928 educational institutions were damaged, 84 of them were completely destroyed.
09:15 The head of the regional military administration Dmytro Lunin: Invaders attack Myrhorod.
Russian invaders last night fired at an infrastructure facility in the town of Myrhorod, Poltava region. According to preliminary reports, two people were injured in the attack.
The head of the regional military administration, Dmytro Lunin, said this on Telegram, - Ukrinform reports.
"Last night, the Russian occupiers again launched a missile attack against infrastructure in Myrhorod. There's significant damage. Unfortunately, two people were injured. They are receiving all necessary assistance," Lunin said.
08:40 Institute for the Study of War (USA): Ukrainian forces retain control of defensive positions in eastern and southwestern Mariupol.
In its latest analysis, the US-based Institute for the Study of War says that Ukrainian forces retain control of defensive positions in eastern and southwestern Mariupol, - The Guardian reports.
Russian forces are continuing to attempt to redeploy troops withdrawn from northeastern Ukraine to support an offensive in eastern Ukraine. However, such troops are “unlikely to enable a Russian breakthrough and face poor morale”, ISW says.
Here are its key takeaways:
Ukrainian forces continued to hold out against Russian assaults in areas of southwestern and eastern Mariupol, notably in the port and the Azovstal Metallurgy plant, respectively.
Ukrainian forces continued to repel daily Russian assaults in Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.
A Russian Tochka-U missile struck a civilian evacuation point at the Kramatorsk rail station in eastern Ukraine, killing at least 50 and wounding around a hundred evacuees.
Russian forces continued attacks south of Izyum toward Slovyansk and Barvinkove but did not take any new territory.
Ukrainian counterattacks have likely taken further territory west of Kherson, threatening Russian control of the city.
08:20 The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense: Russian operations are continuing to focus on the Donbas region, Mariupol and Mykolaiv
The UK’s Ministry of Defense says in its latest update the folloving :
- Russia continues to hit Ukrainian non-combatants, such as those killed in yesterday’s rocket strike on Kramatorsk railway station in eastern Ukraine.
- Russian operations continue to focus on the Donbas region, Mariupol and Mykolaiv, supported by continued cruise missile launches into Ukraine by Russian naval forces.
- Russian air activity is expected to increase in the south and east of Ukraine in support of this activity.
- However, Russian ambitions to establish a land corridor between Crimea and the Donbas continue to be thwarted by Ukrainian resistance.
07:45 Pentagon confirms Russians fired Tochka-U missile at Kramatorsk train station.
A Tochka-U missile attack against the Kramatorsk rail station in the Donetsk region on April 8, which killed more than 50 people, was carried out by the Russian military, despite attempts by the Russian command to absolve itself of any responsibility.
A senior official of the U.S. Department of Defense said this at a closed briefing for journalists, - Ukrinform reports, citing Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
"Obviously, we are not buying the denial by the Russians that they weren't responsible [for the missile attack]. I would note that they originally claimed a successful strike, and then only retracted it when there were reports of civilian casualties," the official said.
He also said that the Russian military is going to apply the 18th Motorized Rifle Division of the Russian Armed Forces in the Kramatorsk area.
"We can talk about one unit in particular that we know, the 18th Motorized Rifle Division, they're being transferred to the eastern borders of Ukraine. It's a new division that was formed only in 2021, consists of three mechanized infantry regiments as well as an armored regiment. And our assessment is that they're expected to be applied in eastern Ukraine in the Kramatorsk area, in the area near where that train station was. So, we're seeing the movement of units and the application of more force in that part," the senior defense official said.
"It is a major rail hub in the eastern part of Ukraine, a rail station. And it is in a very strategic location. […] And we've seen them on this line of axis coming out of Izium to the south and southeast to try to move in deeper into the Donbas and to fix and hold Ukrainian armed forces there. Well, if that's your goal and you look just a little bit to the south and you see Kramatorsk where there's a rail station," he added.
At least 52 people were killed and 109 injured after Russian forces launched a missile attack against the train station in Kramatorsk on April8. At the time of the shelling, there were thousands of people waiting to be evacuated to the safer regions of Ukraine.
07:35 General Staff: operational information as of on 06.00 on April 9, 2022 regarding the Russian invasion. Key points:
- The russian federation continues to conduct full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine. The occupiers continue to prepare for the offensive in the east of Ukraine in order to establish full control over the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.
- There were no changes in the position and actions of the enemy in the Volyn direction.
- The occupiers did not take active action in the Polissya direction. Some units that were withdrawn from the territory of Ukraine continue to be located on the territory of the republic of belarus. According to available information, in order to regroup troops, the enemy is moving units from the 35th General Army of the Eastern Military District and the 76th Assault Division of the Airborne Forces of the russian Armed Forces in Belgorod and Voronezh regions.
- In the Siversky direction, the enemy completes the regrouping of forces and the restoration of combat capability of units of the Central Military District in Bryansk and Kursk regions, as well as the relocation of individual units from the 41st General Army and 90th Tank Division to Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.
- In the Slobozhansky direction, the enemy continues intense shelling and partial blockade of the city of Kharkiv.
- In the Izyum direction an offensive in the direction of the settlements of Brazhkivka and Sulyhivka was launched by the enemy, but had no success.
- Occupiers continues to storm in the Donetsk direction. The main efforts are focused on taking control of the settlements of Rubizhne, Nyzhne, Popasna and Novobakhmutivka and establishing full control over the city of Mariupol.
- In the South Buh direction, the enemy intensified reconnaissance and artillery shelling of some settlements.
- In the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, defenders of Ukraine repulsed seven enemy’s attacks, destroyed nine tanks, seven armoured units and five units of enemy vehicles.
- The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has hit four air targets in the previous day: two helicopters, one UAV and one cruise missile.
07:00 Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine: Russian troops regrouping before advancing toward Kharkiv.
The Russian military regrouping in the east of Ukraine and plans to advance toward the city of Kharkiv. Head of the Ukraines Defense Intelligence Major General Kyrylo Budanove said this in an interview with CNN on Friday, - Ukrinform reports.
"They are regrouping towards the [Ukrainian] city called Izium via Belgorod. They are moving through Belgorod. They get additional troops in Belgorod in order to compensate their losses in Ukraine. They plan to advance towards Kharkiv first of all. They will try to finish off the city of Mariupol and only after that, they might try to initiate advances towards Kyiv," - Budanov said.
Budanov called on Ukraine's allies to provide "really serious" military support to help it counter the Russian offensive. He said heavy artillery, anti-aircraft missile systems and combat planes were needed to use "against [Russian] ground forces."
"Ukraine needs really serious support in heavy armament, and we need it not tomorrow, we need it today," - he said.
Budanov said the weaknesses of the Russian military were on display in Ukraine. Russia's troops were "defeated" in the Kyiv region and its military effort hampered by logistics, he said.
Earlier the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine stated that Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence had sources in the Kremlin and warned of "Real Hell" for russia's occupiers on Ukrainian soil.
06:20 G7 countries to help Ukraine rebuild hospitals after war.
The Ministry of Health has agreed with the Group of Seven (G7) countries on increasing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including for the rebuilding of the country's health care system after the war.
Ukraine's Deputy Health Minister Oleksii Yaremenko said this on Facebook, - Ukrinform reports.
"The G7 countries will help Ukraine build its health care system after the war. In particular, we are talking about restoring medical facilities in the territories liberated from the occupiers," Yaremenko said.
He noted that now Ukraine's medical system also needs assistance.
"We have agreed with our colleagues from the G7 countries that the leading countries will increase humanitarian support for Ukraine, especially when it comes to providing vital medicines. Our medical system will be strengthened by foreign doctors who will work with Ukrainian crews and provide assistance to victims," Yaremenko said.
According to the Ministry of Health, 291 hospitals have been damaged, 18 of them completely destroyed, since the beginning of full-scale hostilities in Ukraine. Some 73 ambulances were damaged by shelling and 105 more were seized by the occupiers.
05:30 The United States has blacklisted two Russian state-owned enterprises, United Shipbuilding Corp and the Alrosa diamond mining company, denying them access to the US financial system over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The US Treasury Department said it on Thursday, April 07.
“Through these designations, Treasury is cutting off additional sources of support and revenue for the Government of the Russian Federation to wage its unprovoked war against Ukraine,” the US officials said in a press release
04:00 Australia has sent its first convoy of 20 refitted Bushmaster vehicles to Ukraine.
Aircraft C-17 Globemasters leaved Brisbane on Friday, April 9, - The Guardian reports.
It is part of a $50m support package worth of military vehicles to the country.
The armoured vehicles have been repainted olive green with Ukraine’s flag stencilled on each side and the words ‘United with Ukraine’ emblazoned in both English and Ukrainian in a pledge of solidarity.
“Australia may be thousands of kilometres away but we’re standing side by side with Ukraine against this illegal invasion with arms, equipment, aid and even energy sources,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
“Our Australian-designed and made Bushmasters are known around the world for their usefulness in a combat zone and they will help boost Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s unprovoked and illegal violence.”
02:10 The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky: Delay in arms supplies would mean willingness to help Russian leaders.
Any delay in providing Ukraine with the necessary weapons would mean willingness of foreign politicians to help the Russian leadership.
That's according to President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, who spoke in a video address to the nation on Friday, April 9, - Ukrinform reports.
“Russia's war against our people may end in victory of freedom much sooner than many in the world think if Ukraine simply receives the weapons the list of which we have provided. Any delay in providing such weapons to Ukraine, any excuses can mean only one thing: the relevant politicians want to help the Russian leadership more than us Ukrainians,” the Ukrainian president said.
No matter what, Ukrainians “will continue to protect our land and our people.”
“Yes, not everyone in the world has found the courage we have. But we have powerful and principled partners and friends. Real friends who help Ukraine to really protect us. To really protect freedom in Europe,” Zelensky stressed.
The president has expressed conviction that Ukraine's victory “is only a matter of time.”
“And I will do my best to reduce this time,” Zelensky concluded.
00:44 The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanks Slovakia for weapons aid for Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Slovakia's Prime Minister Eduard Heger, who is on a visit to Ukraine.
The press service of the Ukrainian President’s Office wrote this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.
“The head of state thanked Slovakia's people and the head of Slovakia's government not only for supporting Ukraine verbally, but also for the weapons aid for our country to resist the Russian invasion," the report says.
00:30 The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Another Russian war crime to be heard at tribunal.
A missile strike by Russian troops on a railway station in Kramatorsk should be among the charges at a future tribunal for Russia's crimes against Ukraine.
This was emphasized by President Volodymyr Zelensky in a video address to the nation, Ukrinform reports.
“The missile strike on Kramatorsk should be one of the accusations voiced at the tribunal, which will definitely take place. All international forces will be aimed at identifying who gave certain orders, where the missiles were launched from, who transported them, who voiced the order, and how this strike was approved. Accountability is inevitable," Zelensky declared, having emphasized that this is yet another war crime committed by Russia.
00:20 Deputy Prime Minister - Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk: More than 6,600 people evacuated through humanitarian corridors on Apr 8. Read more.
Key points regarding the current state of warfare:
- Ukraine managed to establish the defense, the Russian offense has stalled, in some directions, the Ukrainian military intensively push back the invaders, numerous villages and small cities were liberated, horrific facts of genocide 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 the war in Ukraine.
- Ukraine is willing to join the European Union, has 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.
Read more: Day 44th of War Between Ukraine and Russian Federation (Live Updates)
