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Day 67th of War Between Ukraine and Russian Federation (Live Updates)

Defense Express collects operative information on Russia's invasion of Ukraine – official sources and senior Ukrainian authorities' announcements
Day 67th of War Between Ukraine and Russian Federation (Live Updates)

Ukraine shows a good sample of national resistance repulsing enemy attacks for 66 days in russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian warriors destroy a dozens of enemy’s military equipment and eliminate hundreds of troops every day. Russian troops continue an offensive operations in eastern Ukraine but they do not have desired success. Meanwhile, Ukraine has received the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system from partner countries, that has significantly strengthened air defense in the southern region, as well as 200 tanks from Poland

Brief facts:

  • Russian forces resume massive shelling of Azovstal plant after evacuation effort
  • The President of Ukraine Volodomyr Zelenskiy said that evacuations from Mariupol will continue tomorrow if “all the necessary conditions” are met
  • Another russia’s advanced Ka-52 helicopter shot down by Ukraine’s Stugna-P ATGM
  • The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a four-hour meeting with Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, to discuss assistance to Ukraine, including the possibilities of a lend-lease program and tougher sanctions against Russia
  • Denmark and Sweden say a Russian spyplane violated their air space
  • The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Evacuation of civilians from Azovstal began
  • In the Donetsk and Luhansk directions, the Ukrainian military successfully repulsed 9 Russian attacks
  • Ukraine Army regains control over four settlements in Kharkiv Region – General Staff
  • 20 civilians evacuated from Azovstal
  • Odesa Airport’s runway destroyed in Russia’s missile strikes
  • Ukraine, Turkey discuss development of effective security guarantees

Last news

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Read more: The 66th Day of the War: Russian Casualties in Ukraine

01:00 Russian forces resume massive shelling of Azovstal plant after evacuation effort.

The invaders have resumed massive strikes on the Azovstal metallurgical plant in Mariupol shortly after a group of civilians sheltering there was evacuated earlier on Sunday.

This was announced on national television by Commander of the 12th National Guard Brigade, Denys Schleha, Ukrinform reports.

According to the commander, every day the enemy is pushing harder and harder to seize control of the site.

Russian forces resume massive shelling of Azovstal plant after evacuation effort, Defense Express
Russian forces resume massive shelling of Azovstal plant after evacuation effort / Photo credit: Sky News

"When the invaders failed to implement their priority plans, they began destroying the area with heavier weapons. Over the last two days, while the operation to remove the local population from the plant was being carried out, a ceasefire was announced, and two days went peacefully. But as soon as the last civilian (from the group approved for evacuation on Sunday - ed.) left the plant, (soon after that - ed.), the plant came under fire, again, as all kinds of weapons were employed," Schleha said.

Separately, the commander clarified that, according to their estimates, there are still several hundred civilians remaining in the Azovstal bunkers, including up to 20 children.

"We would also really like to see our wounded, about 500 people so far, be allowed out of Azovstal, and we want our fallen comrades-in-arms to be taken away, which is also a very large number," said the National Guardsman.

He stressed that the Ukrainian forces holding the plant would keep performing their tasks till the end.

"The guys have been repelling (the enemy - ed.) for 67 days already and, I believe they have done everything possible and impossible, and continue to do so. And we will fulfill all the tasks set before us and defend our Homeland. But it is necessary to provide an opportunity to complete the effort related to the civilians (the evacuation effort - ed.), to get the wounded and dead out of there, and if possible - to evacuate the garrison personnel," he said.

The first group of about 100 civilians, approved for evacuation from the Azovstal metallurgical plant in Mariupol, which is being continuously shelled by Russian occupation forces, is now heading to the Ukrainian-controlled territory, earlier reports said.

00:30 Media: Russian forces are continuing their attacks on Ukraine's industrial heartland in the eastern Donbas region.

Sky News' Alex Rossi visits the positions of 93rd brigade south of Kharkiv, and speaks to Ukrainian troops ahead of an expected advance.

00:10 Operational and Tactical Group East: Dozens Invaders, Tank, Over 20 Units of Enemy Equipment Eliminated in Eastern Ukraine

On May 1, in the east of the country, the Armed Forces of Ukraine repelled five attacks of the russian troops. Ukrainian defenders killed 57 russian invaders and destroyed an enemy tank and more than 20 units of enemy equipment in the area of responsibility of the Operational and Tactical Group East.

The Operational and Tactical Group East reported this on Facebook.

Find more details on the theme in a publication by Defense Express:

Operational and Tactical Group East: Dozens Invaders, Tank, Over 20 Units of Enemy Equipment Eliminated in Eastern Ukraine

the invaders' ammunition warehouses were discovered and came under artillery fire, Defense Express
According to the report, the invaders' ammunition warehouses were discovered and came under artillery fire.

23:50 The head of Kharkiv Regional State Administration: 3 civilians killed, 8 wounded by Russian shelling in Kharkiv Oblast on Sunday.

Russian shelling intensified in Kharkiv and Kharkiv Oblast, targeting residential areas, the head of Kharkiv Regional State Administration Oleh Synehubov posted on Telegram. According to the post, 3 civilians killed, 8 wounded by Russian shelling in Kharkiv Oblast on Sunday, May 1.

"Here the enemy continues to try to conduct offensive operations. Thanks to the effective actions of our defenders, these attempts are unsuccessful. Today, the Russian occupiers once again suffered heavy losses in manpower and equipment," Oleh Synehubov stated.

The head of Kharkiv Regional State Administration 3 civilians killed, 8 wounded by Russian shelling in Kharkiv Oblast on Sunday, Defense Express
The head of Kharkiv Regional State Administration Oleh Synehubov: 3 civilians killed, 8 wounded by Russian shelling in Kharkiv Oblast on Sunday, May 1

23:20 The President of Ukraine Volodomyr Zelenskiy said that evacuations from Mariupol will continue tomorrow if “all the necessary conditions” are met.

“Today, for the first time in all the days of the war, this vital corridor has started working,” he said. “For the first time there were two days of real ceasefire on this territory,” Volodomyr Zelenskiy stated, The Guardian reports.

The President of Ukraine Volodomyr Zelenskiy said that evacuations from Mariupol will continue tomorrow if “all the necessary conditions” are met, Defense Express
The President of Ukraine Volodomyr Zelenskiy said that evacuations from Mariupol will continue tomorrow if “all the necessary conditions” are met

In his latest address, he said:

“We will continue to do everything to evacuate our people from Azovstal, from Mariupol in general. The organization of such humanitarian corridors is one of the elements of the ongoing negotiation process. It is very complex. But no matter how difficult it was, more than 350,000 people were rescued from the areas of hostilities...

Today, Russian troops continued to strike at the territory of our state. The targets they choose prove once again that the war against Ukraine is a war of extermination for the Russian army. They targeted the warehouses of agricultural enterprises. The grain warehouse was destroyed. The warehouse with fertilizers was also shelled. They continued shelling of residential neighborhoods in the Kharkiv region, Donbas, etc.

They are accumulating forces in the south of the country to try to attack our cities and communities in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

What could be Russia’s strategic success in this war? Honestly, I do not know. The ruined lives of people and the burned or stolen property will give nothing to Russia. It will only increase the toxicity of the Russian state and the number of those in the world who will work to isolate Russia.”

22:45 Another russia’s advanced Ka-52 helicopter shot down by Ukraine’s Stugna-P ATGM.

Once again Russia’s Ka-52 attack helicopter got destroyed by Ukraine’s Stugna-P ATGM which was recorded on video.

Watch the video and find more details on the theme in a publication by Defense Express:

Another russia's Ka-52 Helicopter Shot Down By Ukraine’s Stugna-P ATGM (Video)

russia's Ka-52, Stugna-P anti-tank missile system manufactured by Luch Design Bureau already deserves to be called anti-helicopter missle system”, Defense Express
russia's Ka-52 / Open source photo
Stugna-P anti-tank missile system manufactured by Luch Design Bureau already deserves to be called “anti-helicopter missile system”, Defense Express
Stugna-P anti-tank missile system manufactured by Luch Design Bureau already deserves to be called “anti-helicopter missile system”

22:20 Warriors of the National Guard of Ukraine seized enemy equipment in battles.

Soldiers of the National Guard of Ukraine seized new trophies for the Ukrainian troops during the fierce battles.

"A multi-purpose light-armored towing vehicle, Ural and Kamaz vehicles, as well as a Tornado armored vehicle. Ukraine’s Guard members now use this equipment to defend the eastern borders of our country," the press service of the National Guard of Ukraine informs.

As noted, the technicians of the Northern Operational-Territorial Unit of the National Guard repaired, restored the vehicles, and equipped them with the necessary weapons.

Warriors of the National Guard of Ukraine seized enemy equipment in battles, Defense Express
Warriors of the National Guard of Ukraine seized enemy equipment in battles

As reported earlier,

National Guard destroyed enemy BMP-2 IFV, damaged tank near Izium

21:55 Zelensky, Pelosi discuss lend-lease program, tightening of sanctions against Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a four-hour meeting with Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, to discuss assistance to Ukraine, including the possibilities of a lend-lease program and tougher sanctions against Russia.

The head of state said this in his video address, Ukrinform reports.

"We had four hours of very substantive talks with Ms. Pelosi, covering many aspects, including defense supplies, macro-financial assistance, sanctions policy and political engagement with the United States," Zelensky said.

He added that he thanked for the revival of the historic lend-lease program, which once helped protect freedom in Europe and could do so a second time.

"We discussed specific areas - how the lend-lease program can work to strengthen our state and help in our fight for freedom. I also thanked for the preparation of a large package of aid to Ukraine worth $33 billion," Zelensky said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a four-hour meeting with Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives on Sunday, May 1, Defense Express
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a four-hour meeting with Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives on Sunday, May 1

He added that they discussed with Pelosi how to strengthen sanctions against Russia in such a way as to most effectively encourage it to end the war and to limit any opportunities for Russia to circumvent existing and future sanctions.

Zelensky also expressed gratitude to Ukraine's partners, who are sending such important signals of strong support for Ukraine to the world and Russia, visiting the Ukrainian capital at a difficult time.

21:30 The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has released an operational update on the state of warfare as of 18.00 on May 1, 2022.

According to the report, the enemy continues to conduct full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine and offensive operations in the Eastern Operational Zone.

In Mykolayiv direction, the enemy regroups its units. In order to clarify the situation and identify the positions of our units, the enemy conducted air reconnaissance with the involvement of UAVs in the eastern part of Mykolayiv and the north-western part of Kherson regions.

Find more details on the theme and key points of the report in a publication by Defense Express:

Ukraine’s General Staff Operational Report: Enemy regrouping in Mykolayiv direction

Ukraine’s General Staff Operational Report: Enemy regrouping in Mykolayiv direction, Defense Express
Ukraine’s General Staff operational report: Enemy regrouping in Mykolayiv direction

20:50 Denmark and Sweden say a Russian spyplane violated their air space.

Officials said the plane entered Danish airspace on Friday evening east of the Danish Baltic island of Bornholm before flying into Swedish airspace, The Guardian reports citing AFP:

“The Russian ambassador is summoned to the foreign ministry tomorrow,” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod tweeted on Sunday, referring to a “new Russian violation of Danish airspace”.

The Swedish foreign ministry also said the Russian ambassador would be summoned in Stockholm.

“There exist established procedures for this kind of case. It concerns notably summoning the representative of the implicated nation to the foreign ministry,” it said in an email.

A Russian AN-30 propeller plane violated Swedish airspace on Friday evening, the Swedish defense ministry said in a statement, adding that its teams had followed the incident and photographed it
“A Russian AN-30 propeller plane violated Swedish airspace on Friday evening,” the Swedish defense ministry said in a statement, adding that its teams had followed the incident and photographed it / Photo credit: Swedish Armed Forces via TT

Kofod added it was “totally unacceptable and particularly worrying in the current situation”, alluding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and rising tensions with NATO, where Denmark is a member.

Henrik Mortensen, a Danish Defence Command press officer, told AFP on Sunday about the incident.

“It was a reconnaissance plane that was in our airspace for a very brief moment. Two Danish F-16 immediately intervened,” Mortensen said, adding that such incidents are rare.

Denmark is a member of NATO, unlike Sweden where a debate is taking place over whether it should abandon its non-aligned status and join the alliance.

Questioned by the Dagens Nyheter newspaper, the Swedish defence minister said there was no proof that the breach was linked to current discussions on Stockholm eventually joining NATO.

Russia has already signaled that Stockholm and Helsinki, which is also contemplating membership, should consider the consequences of such a move on bilateral relations and Europe’s overall security architecture.

20:25 UN confirms evacuation of civilians from Azovstal.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs confirmed on Sunday the evacuation of civilians from the Azovstal plant in Mariupol.

The United Nations is conducting a "safe passage operation" for civilians from the Azovstal steel works in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, a spokesperson for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Saviano Abreu, told Reuters.

The operation began on April 29 and is being coordinated with the International Committee of the Red Cross, Ukraine and Russia, he noted.

Abreu said the operation arrived at the steel works on Saturday morning. He added that no further details could be released so as not to jeopardise the safety of evacuees and the convoy.

UN confirms evacuation of civilians from Azovstal, Defense Express
UN confirms evacuation of civilians from Azovstal

19:50 National Guard destroys enemy BMP-2, damages tank in Izium direction

Warriors of the National Guard of Ukraine destroyed an enemy BMP-2 and damaged a tank in Izium direction.

Video of the combat was published the press service.

Find more details on the theme in a publication by Defense Express:

National Guard destroyed enemy BMP-2 IFV, Damaged Tank Near Izium

19:25 The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine: Russian troops steal, destroy medical equipment in occupied areas.

Citizens who remain in the occupied territories are virtually cut off from medical services. Hospitals are being closed, there is a shortage of doctors, and the delivery of medicines from territories controlled by Ukraine is prohibited, The Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reports.

Specifically, Russian troops have stolen all equipment from the infectious disease unit of a hospital in the city of Starobilsk, Luhansk Oblast, Defens. The new equipment was donated by international organizations after 2014.

The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine: Russian troops steal, destroy medical equipment in occupied areas, Defense Express
The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine: Russian troops steal, destroy medical equipment in occupied areas

18:50 The occupiers are annihilated by all possible means in Ukraine, one of the most unexpected ones is applying ordinary drones which drop common mines on russian heads and armored vehicles.

Watch a video compilation of such drone attacks in the article by Defense Express

Ukraine’s Drones Destroy russian Occupiers and Armored Vehicles (video compilation), Defense Express, war in Ukraine, Russian-Ukrainian war

18:25 Operational Command "South" press service: russian forces fired cluster munitions on Mykolaiv suburbs.

“Uragan MLRS struck with cluster munitions again. Private houses and courtyards are damaged. No information about casualties”, the report states.

17:50 The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Evacuation of civilians from Azovstal began.

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Evacuation of civilians from Azovstal began, Defense Express, war in Ukraine, Russian-Ukrainian war
The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Open source photo

“Evacuation of civilians from Azovstal began,” wrote President Volodymyr Zelensky. “The first group of about 100 people is already heading to the (government) controlled area,” he added. Zelensky said that, together with the UN, his office is working to continue the evacuation. According to Ukraine’s estimates, around 1,000 civilians, mostly women and children, are still trapped at Azovstal steel mill, Kyiv Independent reports.

17:20 Ukraine’s pilots have proved their skills many times on the battlefield, completing objectives and striking the targets in the sky and on the ground.

But there was one task, which tested not only pilot’s skills, but also his luck.

Read and watch more in the Defense Express: Ukraine’s MiG-29 Escapes Rocket Strikes While Taking Off (Spectacular Video)

Ukraine’s MiG-29 Escapes Rocket Strikes While Taking Off (Spectacular Video), Defense Express, war in Ukraine, Russian-Ukrainian war

16:40 Operational Command "South" press service: russia increases activity of its fleet in Black Sea.

Operational Command
Ilustrative photo from open sources

"Enemy naval forces have increased their activity. After Armed Forces struck another attack on Zmiiny [Island] using Raptor high-speed patrol boats, the enemy tried to evacuate and replenish its remaining units on the island," the report says.

The threat of missile strike on the territory of Ukraine by Russia’s ships and a submarine remains to be high, the Operational Command “South” said, Ukrinform reports.

16:20 The Operational Command "South": Russian invaders destroyed about 600 kg of fertilizers in Mykolaiv region.

The Operational Command
Photo credit: Vitaliy Kim Telegram

“Continuing artillery and mortar attacks on Mykolaiv region, the enemy hit an agricultural warehouse with fertilizers. About 600 kg of fertilizers exploded, a fire broke out," the report says.

It is noted that the rescue services responded quickly. There is no chemical threat to the environment and people, Ukrinform reports.

16:00 Every armored vehicle is precious no matter the age and origin as well. That’s why captured russian vehicles come in service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine straightaway. Moreover, they get equipped with some western “extras”, such as Browning M2 machine gun.

Read more in the article by Defense Express: The Armed Forces of Ukraine Will Destroy the Occupiers Using Seized Tornado-U Armored Truck Equipped with American Weapons

The Armed Forces of Ukraine Will Destroy the Occupiers Using Seized Tornado-U Armored Truck Equipped with American Weapons, Defense Express, war in Ukraine, Russian-Ukrainian war
Seized Tornado-U Armored Truck / Open source photo

15:30 Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Valentyn Reznychenko: Russian missiles hit grain silos in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Two grain storage facilities in the region’s Synelnykove District were destroyed but there are no casualties, he said, Kyiv Independent reports.

15:00 The President's representative in the Constitutional Court Fedir Venislavsky: Coming days to be decisive in the war.

The President's representative in the Constitutional Court Fedir Venislavsky: Coming days to be decisive in the war, Defense Express, war in Ukraine, Russian-Ukrainian war
The President's representative in the Constitutional Court Fedir Venislavsky / Open source photo

“I believe we are now at the turning, critical point. The offensive operations of Russian troops have transformed from strategic into semi-tactical, as the enemy has failed to achieve any strategic success. There are some tactical advances for several kilometers in the direction of our positions, but they do not give any benefits to the enemy. Thus, I think the coming days will be decisive,” Venislavskyi told during telethon, Ukrinform reports.

14:30 Mariupol City Council: There’s an attempt for evacuation from Mariupol on May 1.

Mariupol City Council on Telegram stated that an evacuation from besieged Mariupol to Ukrainian-controlled Zaporizhzhia may start at 4 p.m. near the Port City shopping mall, Kyiv Independent reports.

13:45 Joint Forces Operation press service: Russian invaders shelled 14 settlements in JFO area over past day, casualties reported.

Joint Forces Operation press service: Russian invaders shelled 14 settlements in JFO area over past day, casualties reported, Defense Express, war in Ukraine, Russian-Ukrainian warn
Illustrative photo from open sources

“Over the past day, 14 settlements have come under enemy fire: Sievierodonetsk, Rubizhne, Popasna. Lysychansk, Hirske (Luhansk Region); Mariupol, Avdiivka, Dobropillia, Lyman, Ocheretyne, Drobysheve, Novosilka, Dibrova, Pisky (Donetsk Region). Russian troops launched barbaric air, artillery and mortar strikes, having destroyed or seriously damaged about 16 residential houses and several social facilities. There are casualties among civilians,” the report states, Ukrinform reports.

13:02 Russians were planning to shot down a civilian aircraft

Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has detained a saboteur group plotting a provocative terroristic attack. According to the SBU, the saboteurs received a direct order from one of the senior commanders at russian general staff to obtain a Stinger surface-to-air missile from Ukrainian Armed Forces and use it to shoot a russian or belarussian passenger plane. Then russia would accuse Ukraine of doing it, since Stinger missiles are used by the Ukrainian army.

Nevertheless, the Security Service of Ukraine managed to find out their plans when the saboteurs were trying to gain the Ukrainian military's trust under the disguise of Ukrainian volunteers and steal away a Stinger.

12:51 Satellite imagery shows the destruction of Mariupol

Maxar Technologies company that provides satellite imagery, has published pictures of Azovstal iron and steelwork in Mariupol. The image shows the structures ruined from airstrikes and artillery shelling by the russian army. The imagery was provided by Maxar via Suspilne media.

Azovstal plant is the place where the Ukrainian defenders of Mariupol – Azov Regiment, marines, border guards, police and territorial defense – are currently stationed.

12:46 28th Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian Armed Forces shared footage of a russian tank successfully eliminated

12:36 More than 450 russian pieces of artillery are now destroyed in Ukraine

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 01.05. Find them in an infographic by Defense Express:

The invaders are facing non-stop military losses on Ukrainian soil. About 23,500 aggressor's troops were eliminated, 592 air targets of invaders were shot down, thousands of tanks, armored vehicles and tracks were destroyed by defenders of Ukraine. A detailed statistics are provided here:

The 67th Day of the War: Russian Casualties in Ukraine

Russian BTR-82A APC, that was destroyed in Ukraine

12:15 Ukrainian armed forces struck Zmiinyi island again

"With another attack on enemy objects on Zmiiniy three air defense installations and an air defense system were demolished, as well as a communication vehicle – a server with telecommunication equipment," said in a daily report Vladyslav Nazarov, the representative of the Operational Command "South" of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In addition to the equipment losses, russians have lost 42 personnel.

Also, Ukrainian defenders of the south took down two "Orlan-10" UAVs and destroyed the enemy's electronic warfare station "Repellent-1" with an artillery strike.

11:50 Russians were planning to stage riots in Odesa on May 2

Ukrainian police together with investigators detained a group of saboteurs and collaborators who planned to organize riots in Odesa on May 2. It was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. The saboteurs has explosive material, weapons and instructions from their command. The special operation of Ukrainian law enforcers is going on.

11:28 Russia has forcibly deported 1,002,429 people from Ukraine since February 24

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has forcibly deported 1,002,429 people, Defense Express reports citing its sources. These include 183,168 children. Before resettlement, people are moved to processing camps where their documents are confiscated. Such actions violate the Geneva Convention.

After passing detention camps, Ukrainians are sent to economically depressed areas in russia. In particular, to the North and Sakhalin. Russia offers official employment, but with a ban on leaving the regions for 2 years.

Putin repeats the steps of Stalin, who in the first half of the 20th century also forcibly deported Ukrainians to special settlements in remote regions of the USSR. From 10 to 20% of the population from Western Ukraine were forcibly deported to Siberia, the Volga region, Kazakhstan and the North only during the years 1939-1940.

11:04 Russians used an anti-ship missile to attack an airport

The invaders fired a missile at Odesa International Airport on Saturday, April 30. As Maksym Marchenko, Head of the Odesa regional administration reported, no one was killed in the incident, but the airport's runway was completely destroyed and unfit for further use.

As the official noted in his address, the Russians used Bastion-P coastal defense missile system, located in the occupied Crimea, to strike the Odesa airport. Defense Express explained why using anti-ship missiles against ground targets is a bad idea:

Russians "Confused" Odessa Airport with Aircraft Carrier, Strike it with K-300P Bastion-P Coastal Defense Missile System

Defense Express / Position of the K-300P Bastion-P coastal defense missile system in the temporarily occupied Crimea / Day 67th of War Between Ukraine and Russian Federation (Live Updates)
Position of the K-300P Bastion-P coastal defense missile system in the temporarily occupied Crimea / Illustrative photo from open sources

10:56 Ukrainian paratroopers destroy another russian tank with "Stugna" ATGM

25th Airborne Brigade has published footage of a russian tank being eliminated with a high-range strike with "Stugna-P" anti-tank guided missile of Ukrainian design.

10:27 Russians hit storage with saltpeter fertilizers

Vitaliy Kim, Head of the Mykolaiv region administration published a photo captioned "Occupiers against Ukrainian fertilizers". A few minutes later he posted another one and stated the cloud was already of white color, and the air analysis showed no threat of saltpeter pollution.

Defense Express / A red cloud was seen above a facility in the Mykolaiv region / Day 67th of War Between Ukraine and Russian Federation (Live Updates)
A red cloud was seen above a fertilizer storage facility in the Mykolaiv region / Photo credit: Vitaliy Kim, Head of the Mykolaiv region state administration

09:55 Air Force Command revealed the meaning of "Ghost of Kyiv"

"The Ghost of Kyiv – is a superhero-legend, whose image was created by the Ukrainians. It is more of a collective image og the pilots from the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade of the Air Force, who defend the capital's skies. Who suddenly appear where nobody is expecting them!" said the statement from the Air Force press center.

Recently, Ukrainian artists have revealed a chevron made specially for the 40th Brigade, based in Vasylkiv. It has not been confirmed as the official chevron yet. The information and the photo were provided by designer Iryna Kostyrenko.

The statement also urges for "information hygiene" and not to spread fake, including the one mentioning Ukrainian pilot Stepan Tarabalka, who heroically died in combat against russians, as the famous "Ghost of Kyiv".

09:22 Russian occupiers shut down Internet and mobile service in Kherson and part of Zaporizhzhia regions

Special Communication Service (SSSCIP) of Ukraine informs that the occupiers cut off the fiber optic backbone and power supply of mobile service operators. These measures are another attempt of the invading forces to deprive the residents living on temporarily occupied territories of information about the current state of the war, SSSCIP stated.

The telecom service draws the connection between the shutdown of network and russia's plans to establish a quasi-republic out of the Kherson region, along with the forced putting russian rubles into circulation and the obligation of local manufacturers to pay taxes into russian budget. The shutdown must isolate the region, create an image of existence of such an "independent" entity and legitimacy of a sham referendum for the russian audience in the first place.

09:01 Ukraine has closed four occupied sea ports

Port of Mariupol / Photo credit: TASS

Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine decided to close four ports – in Berdyansk, Mariupol, Skadovsk and Kherson – due to russian occupation, Stratcom Centre reports. This is a temporary measure until the cities are liberated and the control over the ports is regained.

"The adoption of this measure is caused by the impossibility of provision of service to vessels and passengers, carrying out cargo, transport and other related economic activities, ensuring the appropriate level of navigation safety and compliance with international agreements of Ukraine".

08:40 Russia is trying to cover up its offensive in Donbas

General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has released another operational report on the situation on the frontlines. It turns out, due to strong Ukrainian resistance, russian armed forces need to deploy more equipment and troops trying to gain a foothold on captured territories and continue offensive.

Up to 300 weapons and military equipment and about a thousand mobilized troops arrived from the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Two anti-aircraft missile divisions armed with Buk-M2 (SA-17 "Grizzly") and Tor-M (SA-15 "Gauntlet") were deployed to cover the advancing russian air forces in four designated areas.

Defense Express has provided the key points of the report here:

General Staff Operational Report: Russia Trying to Cover Up Offensive

russian howitzers "Msta-B" torn to shreads with Ukrainian precise artillery attacks / Photo credit: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

07:26 2664 explosives were found and neutralized by Ukrainian deminers in Kyiv and Chernihiv regions over the last month

General Staff has published the statistics provided by the State Special Transport Service of Ukraine under the Ministry of Defense. According to the data, the territories left by russian occupiers in the end of March – early April are still being cleared of explosive materials. 486 kilometers of the railroad were inspected, in particular in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, the nuclear power plant, railway stations and the Kyiv subway. 203 hectares of adjacent areas were looked through, too.

05:32 Russian armed forces equipped the tanks with cages and side bags

While preparing for the invasion of Ukraine, russia was considering the large quantities of western anti-tank weapon such as Javelin and NLAW in Ukraine. Consequently, all russian tanks (such as T-72B, T-80BV, T-90A) got equipped with additional protection and Relikt reactive armor. Defense Express has analyzed various types of armor, whether they are truly effective against modern anti-tank weapons. Spoiler: no, they are not.

Read the full story:

Russia’s Bizarre Reactive Armor: Barbeque Cages and Side Bags Really Help?

Defense Express / Destroyed russia's T-72B3 with barbecue cages / Day 67th of War Between Ukraine and Russian Federation (Live Updates)
Destroyed russian T-72B3 with "barbecue" cages / Open source photo

04:20 The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has destroyed nine enemy air targets on Thursday, April 30

The relevant statement was made by the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook.

“On April 30, 2022, a total of nine air targets of Russian occupiers were destroyed: two planes Su-25, seven unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Su-25 was shot down from the Stinger portable anti-aircraft missile system.” the report states.

The Air Forces of Ukraine shoot down two Su-25 aircrafts
The Air Forces of Ukraine shoot down two Su-25 aircrafts

As Defense Express reported, russians are facing non-stop military losses on Ukrainian soil. About 23200 agressor's troops eliminated, 577 air targets of invaders were shot down thousands of tanks, armored vehicles and tracks were destroyed by defenders of Ukraine.

More Details:

Ukraine’s Air Force Shot Down Nine Enemy Air Targets Previous Day

Also, russian total combat losses from 24.02 to 30.04 you can find in a publication by Defense Express:

The 66th Day of the War: Russian Casualties in Ukraine

Read more: ​Day 66th of War Between Ukraine and Russian Federation (Live Updates)
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