Closing summary
We’re ending our live coverage of the Ukraine war for the day. Here is a round-up of the day’s main developments.
The Russian military has attacked the command headquarters of the Ukrainian army’s southern grouping, using missiles and artillery, Russia’s defence ministry said. The claims are yet to be independently verified.
Ukraine’s special services claimed responsibility for a drone attack that hit a Russian oil refinery in Ryazan, south of Moscow, early on Wednesday morning. It said the attack took place about 2:00am (2300 GMT). The governors of the Kursk and Voronezh regions in southwest Russia that border Ukraine also reported drone attacks on their territories, saying there was no damage or injuries.
Russia attacked the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine with guided bombs on Wednesday, killing at least two people and injured two others, the regional governor said. The two people were killed when a car was struck in the village of Zolochiv, where a private home was also struck, governor Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram.
Ukrainian forces defending the strategic eastern stronghold of Chasiv Yar say they are still waiting for fresh ammunition after the US approved a major military aid package. Oleh Shyriaiev, commander of Ukraine’s 225th Separate Assault Battalion that is fighting near the town, said more artillery shells would help his unit hold their positions. “I hope we receive artillery shells soon,” he said. Chasiv Yar is emerging as a key battleground because of its position on elevated ground that could serve as a gateway to the cities of Kostiantynivka, Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
The US Senate has unanimously approved legislation to ban imports of Russian uranium, after the House of Representatives passed the bill in December. The US president, Joe Biden, is expected now to sign the uranium imports bill into law.
Ukraine’s defence minister, Rustem Umerov, spoke with his Irish and Australian counterparts on Wednesday, thanking them for their continued support.
Umerov said he held an “important call” with the Australian defence minister, Richard Marles.
Commenting on the meeting, Umerov said: “I expressed my gratitude for the recently provided military aid package for Ukraine valued at $100 million. We discussed cooperation in the defense industry, and the possibility of establishing joint ventures with the Australian defense industry.
“Despite the significant distance between our countries, Australian support remains unwavering. Together, we will drive the enemy out of Ukrainian land.”
Later on Wednesday, Umerov said he had a call with the Irish defence minister, Micheal Martin. He said he “thanked him for the constant political and practical support for Ukraine in repelling Russian aggression.”
Umerov said he briefed Martin about the situation on the battlefield. “Ukraine is actively building fortifications. The Ukrainian army needs more weapons and ammunition both to protect the civilian population and to support our operations on the frontlines. Urged my Irish colleague to invest in Ukrainian defence companies,” he said.
🇺🇦 🇮🇪 Had a telephone conversation with the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defense and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Micheal Martin.
— Rustem Umerov (@rustem_umerov) May 1, 2024
Thanked him for the constant political and practical support for Ukraine in repelling russian aggression.
Ireland will continue…
