Russia carried out one of its largest aerial attacks on Ukraine on Saturday, firing dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones, mainly targeting Dnipro but also striking several other regions.
Air defences intercepted most of the incoming weapons, according to The Kyiv Independent, but the strikes still hit residential and industrial sites, killing at least 10 people and injuring at least 67.
Dnipro was hit in repeated waves, including daytime attacks on the same residential area, with fears that more victims could be trapped under rubble.
Two Royal Air Force jets were scrambled in the early hours of Saturday morning to respond to the threat of Russian drones on the Nato border.
Romanian defence ministry said two Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets –part of a British air-policing mission in Romania – were scrambled to monitor from the air after drone fragments from a Russian attack on Ukraine were recovered.
It comes as Ukraine sacked a military commander after images of severely undernourished frontline soldiers sparked outrage across the country.
The photos, shared by the wife of one of the servicemen, showed troops with visible rib cages and extreme weight loss after months on the front in the Kharkiv region with little access to food or water.
Prince Harry makes direct plea to Putin to ‘stop this war’ during unannounced visit to Ukraine
Trump says Prince Harry ‘is not speaking for the UK’ after Duke of Sussex plea to support Ukraine
Ukraine says it is in ‘strongest frontline position in a year’ as Russian advance grinds to a halt
US still delivering weapons to Ukraine, Zelenskyy says, as Prince Harry visits Kyiv
EU finally approves €90bn Ukraine loan – how will it aid the fight against Russia?
Key Points
- Russian strikes on Dnipro kill 10 after hours-long wave of attacks
- RAF fighter jets scrambled to threat of Russian drones on Nato border
- Russia attacks Ukraine overnight with over 660 drones and missiles
- Ukraine says it killed 12 FSB officers in an attack on command post
- Russian diplomats say new EU sanctions are 'economic blackmail'
- Ukraine ready to hold peace talks with Russia in Azerbaijan, says Zelensky
Russian strikes on Dnipro kill 10 after hours-long wave of attacks
07:11 , Maroosha MuzaffarTen people were killed in Russian strikes on the south-eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro and other regions, officials said.
Regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported that eight people died and 49 were injured in Dnipro, which has been repeatedly targeted during more than four years of war with Russia.
“For more than 20 frightening hours, the Russians attacked Dnipro in waves,” Hanzha wrote on Telegram.
“They hit with missiles and drones. They hit deliberately. They hit residential areas.”
Two more people were killed in northern Ukraine.
Zelensky signs security and defence deals with Azerbaijan
06:59 , Maroosha MuzaffarUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said he signed agreements on security and energy cooperation with Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev during a visit to Baku on Saturday, as Kyiv looks to draw on its experience in defending airspace against Russian attacks.
In the wake of renewed conflict in the Middle East, triggered by US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran in late February, several countries have turned to Ukraine for its expertise in countering Iran’s long-range drones.
Zelensky added that the two sides also reached a deal on military-industrial cooperation.
EU finally approves €90bn Ukraine loan – how will it aid the fight against Russia?
03:00 , Rebecca WhittakerThe European Union formally approved on Thursday a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia. This decision came ahead of an informal summit in Cyprus, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The loan is set to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's needs for the next two years. Economists had warned Ukraine would run out of money by June without the EU loan, necessitating deep cuts to public services.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen stated: "While Russia doubles down on its aggression, we are doubling down on our support to the brave Ukrainian nation enabling Ukraine to defend itself and putting pressure on Russia’s war economy." The move underscores the EU's continued commitment to Kyiv.
Read more here:
EU finally approves €90bn Ukraine loan – how will it aid the fight against Russia?
Watch: 'How's his wife?': Trump slams Prince Harry after Duke of Sussex’s plea to support Ukraine
02:00 , Rebecca WhittakerRecap: China condemns EU's inclusion of Chinese entities in sanctions package against Russia
01:00 , Rebecca WhittakerChina’s commerce ministry has expressed its “firm opposition” to the inclusion of Chinese entities in the European Union’s 20th round of sanctions against Russia.
The ministry demanded their immediate removal from the list and said said the move “runs counter to the spirit of the consensus reached between Chinese and EU leaders, and seriously undermines mutual trust and the overall stability of bilateral relations”, according to a statement shared by a spokesperson.
The EU sanctions package targets third-country suppliers of critical high-tech items, including China-based entities accused of providing dual-use goods or weapons systems to Russia's military-industrial complex.
Recap: Russia 'terrorising' residential areas, says Zelensky
Saturday 25 April 2026 23:50 , Rebecca WhittakerPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of “terrorising” residential areas as he said that rescue efforts continued to get underway in Dnipro, where at least five people have been killed and more than 40 injured including children.
“The rescue operation continues in Dnipro after Russia’s strikes on the city,” wrote the Ukrainian leader on X on Saturday afternoon.
“All services are engaged – medical teams, rescuers. I am grateful to everyone on the ground who is truly helping people.
“Since last night, Russia has been terrorizing Dnipro with missile and drone attacks.
“Strikes have hit ordinary residential buildings, energy facilities, civilian sites. During the day, the Russians once again attacked the same residential area they had struck overnight. There have been numerous casualties.
“As of now, more than 40 people have been reported wounded in Dnipro, including children. Twenty‑three people have been hospitalized. Two more are missing – their search will continue until their fate is determined.”
Comment: Prince Harry is on a one-man mission to make sure the world does not forget Ukraine … or Prince Harry
Saturday 25 April 2026 22:50 , Rebecca WhittakerThe royal with a gift for grabbing attention has done what he does best on a surprise trip to Kyiv – and managed to annoy Donald Trump while he’s at it, says Samuel Fishwick
Prince Harry really wants you to remember Ukraine – and Prince Harry
Watch: Ukraine kills 12 Russian officers in drone strike
Saturday 25 April 2026 21:50 , Rebecca WhittakerPictured: Ukraine's Zelenskyy in Azerbaijan for meeting with Aliyev
Saturday 25 April 2026 20:50 , Rebecca Whittaker
RAF fighter jets scrambled to threat of Russian drones on Nato border
Saturday 25 April 2026 19:50 , Rebecca WhittakerTwo RAF jets were scrambled in the early hours of Saturday morning to respond to the threat of Russian drones on the Nato border.
The Romanian defence ministry said it recovered drone fragments in the southeastern city of Galati after an overnight Russian attack on neighbouring Ukraine, with an electricity pole and a household annex damaged.
It is understood that two Eurofighter Typhoons were scrambled from Borcea Air Base in Romania, which shares a 650-km land border with Ukraine and has seen Russian drones repeatedly breach its airspace as Moscow attacks Ukraine ports on the other side of the Danube river.
Read more here by Political Correspondent Millie Cooke:
RAF fighter jets scrambled to threat of Russian drones on Nato border
In pictures: Aftermath of Russian drone and missile strike in Dnipro
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:50 , Rebecca Whittaker
Ukraine says it is in ‘strongest frontline position in a year’ as Russian advance grinds to a halt
Saturday 25 April 2026 18:20 , Rebecca WhittakerUkraine’s foreign minister has said the country’s frontline position is the “strongest” it has been in a year.
Andrii Sybiha credited the progress to Kyiv’s superiority in drone warfare and air defence, which he claimed had the ability to shoot down up to 90 per cent of attacks.
Read more by Maira Butt here:
Ukraine says it is in ‘strongest frontline position’ against Russia in a year’
Zelensky had 'productive meetings' with EU leaders in Cyprus as support package approved
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:50 , Rebecca WhittakerUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with EU leaders in Cyprus, where he discussed sanctions pressure on Russia.
In a post on X he said: “This is essential for Ukraine. We are facing such attacks that we cannot afford to lose time. We must protect energy, logistics – everything. And I am grateful for this support.”
“The financial support package has been unblocked, and the 20th sanctions package against Russia has been imposed,” he added.
It comes as the European Union formally approved on Thursday a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia.
Half of the 90 billion euros will be disbursed to Ukraine this year, with the remainder coming in 2027. The bulk of the loan is earmarked for military spending, with around 17 billion euros each year destined for general budget needs such as health and education.
We had very productive meetings in Cyprus. It is important to thank our partners – three European countries that confirmed new contributions to the PURL initiative. This is essential for Ukraine. We are facing such attacks that we cannot afford to lose time. We must protect…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 25, 2026
Putin could cause the next Chernobyl through reckless strikes on nuclear plants, experts warn
Saturday 25 April 2026 17:20 , Rebecca WhittakerFour decades ago, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded in the worst nuclear accident the world has ever seen.
Today, some of the world’s leading nuclear experts warn Alex Croft that Russia’s actions there and in Zaporizhzhia show the lessons of the past have not been learnt.
Read more here:
Putin ‘could cause the next Chernobyl through reckless strikes on nuclear plants’
Watch: Trump slams Prince Harry after Duke of Sussex’s plea to support Ukraine
Saturday 25 April 2026 16:50 , Rebecca WhittakerChina condemns EU's inclusion of Chinese entities in sanctions package against Russia
Saturday 25 April 2026 16:20 , Maira ButtChina’s commerce ministry has expressed its “firm opposition” to the inclusion of Chinese entities in the European Union’s 20th round of sanctions against Russia.
The ministry demanded their immediate removal from the list and said said the move “runs counter to the spirit of the consensus reached between Chinese and EU leaders, and seriously undermines mutual trust and the overall stability of bilateral relations”, according to a statement shared by a spokesperson.
The EU sanctions package targets third-country suppliers of critical high-tech items, including China-based entities accused of providing dual-use goods or weapons systems to Russia's military-industrial complex.
Russia 'terrorising' residential areas, says Zelensky
Saturday 25 April 2026 15:50 , Maira ButtPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of “terrorising” residential areas as he said that rescue efforts continued to get underway in Dnipro, where at least five people have been killed and more than 40 injured including children.
“The rescue operation continues in Dnipro after Russia’s strikes on the city,” wrote the Ukrainian leader on X on Saturday afternoon.
“All services are engaged – medical teams, rescuers. I am grateful to everyone on the ground who is truly helping people.
“Since last night, Russia has been terrorizing Dnipro with missile and drone attacks.
“Strikes have hit ordinary residential buildings, energy facilities, civilian sites. During the day, the Russians once again attacked the same residential area they had struck overnight. There have been numerous casualties.
“As of now, more than 40 people have been reported wounded in Dnipro, including children. Twenty‑three people have been hospitalized. Two more are missing – their search will continue until their fate is determined.”
Russian troops capture village in northeastern Ukraine, TASS reports
Saturday 25 April 2026 15:20 , Maira ButtRussian forces captured the village of Bochkove in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, the TASS state news agency reported on Saturday, citing the Russian Defence Ministry.
The Independent could not independently confirm the battlefield report.
The claim comes amid a recent analysis by AFP and the Institute for the Study of War, which showed that Russia has lost almost 23.2 square miles of land in Ukraine since 1 March.
Watch: Ukraine kills 12 Russian officers in drone strike
Saturday 25 April 2026 14:50 , Maira ButtParts of second drone found in Romania after overnight Russian attack on Ukraine
Saturday 25 April 2026 14:30 , Maira ButtFragments of a second drone have been found in Tulcea county in southeast Romania after a Russian overnight attack on Ukraine, Romania's defence ministry said in a statement on Saturday, hours after announcing that parts of a drone had been recovered in the city of Galati.
Putin approval rating declines for seventh week in a row
Saturday 25 April 2026 14:20 , Maira ButtPresident Vladimir Putin’s approval rating has declined for the seventh week in a row according to results published by Russian state-owned polling institution All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) on Friday.
The results are from a poll for the week commencing 13 April and showed a drop in support for the Russian leader from 66.7 per cent the week before to 65.6 per cent.
Trust in Putin fell from 72 per cent to 71 per cent in the same period.
However, the Kremlin-linked Public Opinion Forum (FOM) found his approval rating at 76 per cent, a 10-point difference.
Comment: Prince Harry is on a one-man mission to make sure the world does not forget Ukraine … or Prince Harry
Saturday 25 April 2026 13:50 , Maira ButtPrince Harry’s reputation as a peacemaker has been on the skids since he, you know, rather famously fell out with his own brother. But a two-day “surprise visit” to Ukraine will surely change all that. Following a pleasant working holiday in Australia as a sort of bouncy accessory to his wife Meghan, the Duke of Sussex has turned his mind to the serious business of securing world peace. And so he has turned up in Kyiv to sort everything out.
These days, we do need certain things explained. Why exactly is Harry here? He had been invited, he said, to “remind people back home and around the world what Ukraine is up against”. This does perhaps suggest that he thinks everyone else back home – and in fact around the world – has forgotten about Ukraine completely, apart from Harry. Maybe that’s being unfair. Or, indeed, brutally honest.
Samuel Fishwick reports:
Prince Harry really wants you to remember Ukraine – and Prince Harry
In pictures: Aftermath of Russian drone and missile strike in Dnipro
Saturday 25 April 2026 13:20 , Maira Butt
Russian attacks kill 3 and wound more than 20 in Ukraine’s Dnipro
Saturday 25 April 2026 12:50 , Maira ButtRussian drone and missile strikes on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro killed at least three people and wounded 21, local authorities said Saturday.
The bodies of the three were found in the ruins of a house destroyed in the overnight attacks, Dnipropetrovsk regional head Oleksandr Ganzha said, adding that people might still be trapped in the rubble.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that there were “11 people in hospitals in Dnipro after the Russian attack on the city.”
“The Russians have been hitting Dnipro and other cities and communities practically all night,” Ganzha wrote on Telegram of the attacks, which caused fires to break out across Dnipro and partially destroyed several apartment buildings, businesses and a private house.
Read the full story below
Russian attacks kill 3 and wound more than 20 in Ukraine’s Dnipro
Russian bank lowers interest rates for third time this year and eighth time in 12 months, ISW reports
Saturday 25 April 2026 12:20 , Maira ButtOn Friday, the Russian Central Bank announced that it had lowered its key interest rate from 15 to 14.5 per cent, which marks the third time the institution has done so this year, according to the Institute for the Study of War.
The last time the Bank lowered its key interest rates was on 13 February and 20 March 2026.
This is in contrast to Russian attempts to portray the economy as stable.
“The Russian Central Bank claimed that Russian unemployment remains at historic lows and that wage growth continues to outpace productivity growth,” the ISW wrote in an update on Friday.
“The Russian Central Bank claimed that Russia’s annual inflation as of April 20 was 5.7 percent. The Russian Central Bank acknowledged that the Russian economy slowed and that core inflation rose in the first quarter of 2026 but claimed that the rise in inflation was due to ‘one-off factors.’”
Russian Central Bank Chairperson Elvira Nabiullina said that the move to increase interest rates was motivated by “significantly” increased inflationary risks due to the conflict in the Middle East and potential changes to Moscow’s fiscal policy.
“Elevated Russian oil revenues may enable the Kremlin to continue to finance its war against Ukraine in the medium term but are unlikely to reverse the years of poor economic policy,” the ISW said.
RAF fighter jets scrambled to threat of Russian drones on Nato border
Saturday 25 April 2026 11:50 , Maira ButtTwo RAF jets were scrambled in the early hours of Saturday morning to respond to the threat of Russian drones on the Nato border.
The Romanian defence ministry said it recovered drone fragments in the southeastern city of Galati after an overnight Russian attack on neighbouring Ukraine, with an electricity pole and a household annex damaged.
It is understood that two Eurofighter Typhoons were scrambled from Borcea Air Base in Romania, which shares a 650-km land border with Ukraine and has seen Russian drones repeatedly breach its airspace as Moscow attacks Ukraine ports on the other side of the Danube river.
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
RAF fighter jets scrambled to threat of Russian drones on Nato border
Ukraine's Zelenskyy in Azerbaijan for meeting with Aliyev, spokesperson says
Saturday 25 April 2026 11:20 , Maira ButtPresident Volodymyr Zelensky is in Azerbaijan on Saturday for a meeting with his counterpart Ilham Aliyev, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian leader told reporters.
It is the leader’s first visit to the country since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan escalated over the last year after the deaths of ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia, reportedly rounded up by police in connection with decades-old murder investigations, alongside Baku's accusation that Moscow was responsible for the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet.
President Vladimir Putin later admitted that Russian air defences were to blame for the crash, which killed 38 people.
Breaking: Ukraine ready to hold peace talks with Russia in Azerbaijan, says Zelensky
Saturday 25 April 2026 10:48 , Maira ButtPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine is ready to hold peace talks with Russia in Azerbaijan as he visited the country on Saturday.
US-brokered trilateral negotiations have largely faltered since America attacked Iran on 28 February and has been embroiled in a war with the country ever since.
Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s president, said that talks with Zelensky had focused on energy and military-industrial cooperation.
US arms keep flowing to Ukraine as Kyiv steps up deep strikes inside Russia
Saturday 25 April 2026 10:30 , Shweta SharmaUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said US weapons deliveries have continued despite the Iran war, as Kyiv intensifies long-range attacks on Russian infrastructure.
“Of course, we are hitting what is painful for Russia, and it is very painful,” he said, claiming the strikes have caused tens of billions of dollars in losses.
Russian officials say key oil and industrial facilities have been hit, including targets more than 1,000km inside the country.
Ukraine says it is in ‘strongest frontline position in a year’ as Russian advance grinds to a halt
Saturday 25 April 2026 10:00 , Shweta SharmaUkraine’s foreign minister has said the country’s frontline position is the “strongest” it has been in a year.
Andrii Sybiha credited the progress to Kyiv’s superiority in drone warfare and air defence, which he claimed had the ability to shoot down up to 90 per cent of attacks.
“We have minimised the Russians’ advantage in manpower through the use of drones,” Mr Sybiha said on Thursday.
Ukraine says it is in ‘strongest frontline position’ against Russia in a year’
Germany says no prospect of Ukraine’s 'immediate accession' to the EU
Saturday 25 April 2026 09:30 , Shweta SharmaGermany has poured cold water on Ukraine’s hopes of fast-tracking EU membership, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz saying there is no prospect of “immediate accession”.
He suggested Kyiv could instead be brought into EU meetings without voting rights – a sign that integration may come in stages rather than swiftly.
The comments come as Ukraine pushes to accelerate its bid while fighting Russia’s invasion, with recent political shifts in Hungary raising cautious optimism about progress.
Meanwhile, German prosecutors have opened a spying investigation into phishing attacks targeting lawmakers on the Signal app.
Officials warn of a growing wave of cyber threats, espionage and sabotage attempts since the start of the war – allegations Moscow continues to deny.
EU finally approves €90bn Ukraine loan – how will it aid the fight against Russia?
Saturday 25 April 2026 09:00 , Shweta SharmaThe European Union formally approved on Thursday a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia. This decision came ahead of an informal summit in Cyprus, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The loan is set to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's needs for the next two years. Economists had warned Ukraine would run out of money by June without the EU loan, necessitating deep cuts to public services.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen stated: "While Russia doubles down on its aggression, we are doubling down on our support to the brave Ukrainian nation enabling Ukraine to defend itself and putting pressure on Russia’s war economy." The move underscores the EU's continued commitment to Kyiv.
EU finally approves €90bn Ukraine loan – how will it aid the fight against Russia?
Zelensky seeks to develop security co-operation after Saudi visit
Saturday 25 April 2026 08:30 , Shweta SharmaUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday visited Saudi Arabia for the second time in a month, as Kyiv seeks to bolster security co-operation and advertise its battle-tested technology in the Middle East amid the Iran war.
Zelensky said he discussed defence, energy and food security co-operation during a "very productive" meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as the sides seek to develop a security agreement signed earlier.
"There is a strategic security arrangement that we are actively developing across three key areas," Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian leader said this included exports of Ukrainian military expertise and air defence capabilities, energy co-operation to help Ukraine, and food security.
"Yesterday, at a meeting with European leaders, we secured financial guarantees for our resilience. Today, we are advancing our agreements with Saudi Arabia in the areas of security, energy, and infrastructure," Zelensky said on X upon arrival.
Zelensky did not mention the city, but Saudi state TV said he arrived in Jeddah. During his visit to Saudi Arabia in late March, Kyiv and Riyadh reached an agreement on defence co-operation that Zelensky described as laying a vast foundation for future contracts.
Zelensky has said Ukraine's assistance is delivering results in the Middle East, and also offered Kyiv's expertise to help restore free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Two RAF jets shoot down Russian drone, report says
Saturday 25 April 2026 08:28 , Shweta SharmaTwo Royal Air Force jets on a Nato patrol shot down Russian drones for the first time, DailyMail reported.
Two Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets - part of a British air-policing mission in Romania - were scrambled to monitor from the air, the Romanian defence ministry said.
Military radars detected drones near Romanian airspace in Tulcea County, prompting the scramble of RAF Eurofighter Typhoon jets from a base in Fetești.
The aircraft tracked targets near Reni in Ukraine and were authorised to engage.
“On the morning of Saturday, April 25, Russian forces resumed drone attacks on civilian and infrastructure targets in Ukraine, near the river border with Romania, in Tulcea County,” it said in a statement.
'Two Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft of the British Air Force from the Reinforced Air Police combat service took off at 02:00 from the 86th Air Base in Fetești.
“The National Military Command Centre notified IGSU [General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations] regarding the establishment of measures to alert the population in the localities of Grindu and Isaccea, in Tulcea County, and at 02:14, a RO-ALERT message was transmitted,” it added.
“The Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft had radar contact with a target located 1.5 km [1 mile] from Reni, above Ukrainian territory.
“The pilots had authorisation to engage the drones.”
It came as Romania recovered drone fragments in the southeastern city of Galati after an overnight Russian attack on neighbouring Ukraine, with an electricity pole and a household annex damaged, its defence ministry said in a statement.
There were no casualties, the ministry said.
Zelensky says four people killed and many wounded in Russia's Dnipro attack
Saturday 25 April 2026 08:12 , Shweta SharmaAt least four people have been killed and more than 30 wounded in overnight Russian attacks across Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky said.
In Dnipro, 11 people are in hospital after a strike on a residential building, with rescue operations ongoing amid fears more civilians remain trapped under the rubble.
“A rescue operation continues at the site of the strike on a residential building. People may still be trapped under the rubble. Throughout nearly the entire night, the Russians struck Dnipro and our other cities and communities,” he said.
He said there are also casualties in the Chernihiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv regions
“Most targets are civilian infrastructure in cities. Residential buildings, energy facilities, and businesses have been damaged. Each such strike must remind our partners that the situation requires immediate and decisive action,” he said, calling for rapid strengthening of air defence
Ukraine, Russia swap 193 prisoners of war each in US
Saturday 25 April 2026 08:05 , Shweta SharmaUkraine and Russia conducted a prisoner of war swap on Friday, sending back 193 captured personnel each in an exchange both sides said was facilitated by the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
"It is important that there are exchanges and that our people are returning home," said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in a post on Telegram.
His chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, and Russia's defence ministry said the US and the UAE had assisted with the exchange. Russia and Ukraine have conducted many prisoner swaps over four years of war, exchanging thousands of captives in total.
Zelensky said some of the returned captives, who included soldiers, border guards and police, had injuries, while others had faced criminal charges in Russia.
In Ukraine, returning captives streamed off buses, many draped in their country's flag and overwhelmed with emotion.
"It still hasn't sunk in that I'm home, I was in captivity for three years ... our Ukrainian sky, our trees -- this is happiness," said Serhiy, a soldier, who gave only his first name.
Ukraine dismisses commander after images of emaciated soldiers spark shock
Saturday 25 April 2026 07:45 , Shweta SharmaUkraine has sacked a military commander after images of emaciated soldiers left at the front for months sparked nationwide outrage.
The photos, shared by the wife of one of the servicemen, showed troops with visible rib cages and extreme weight loss after months on the front in the Kharkiv region with little access to food or water.
Ukraine’s military said the commander responsible for the unit’s supplies had been dismissed, acknowledging serious logistical failures. The brigade said deliveries were sporadic and often dependent on risky air drops due to the unit’s proximity to enemy lines.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about conditions for troops on the frontline, even as fighting intensifies.
Romania says drone fragments damage property during overnight Russian attack on Ukraine
Saturday 25 April 2026 07:30 , Shweta SharmaDrone fragments were recovered in the southeastern Romanian city of Galati after a Russian attack on neighbouring Ukraine overnight, with an electricity pole and a household annex damaged, Romania's defence ministry said in a statement.
There were no casualties, the ministry said.
Drone fragments have repeatedly fallen on Romanian territory since Russia began attacking Ukrainian infrastructure across the Danube river from the country, but this marks the first incident when property has been damaged.
Russia attacks Ukraine overnight with over 660 drones and missiles
Saturday 25 April 2026 06:58 , Shweta SharmaRussia attacked Ukraine overnight with 619 drones and 47 missiles, Ukraine's air force said on Saturday.
It said that several regions were hit, with the southeastern city of Dnipro being the main target.
The air force said in a statement on Telegram that it downed 580 drones and 30 missiles.
Poland casts doubt on US willingness to help NATO in case of Russian aggression
Saturday 25 April 2026 03:00 , James ReynoldsEurope's "biggest, most important question" is whether the United States is ready to come to its aid in case of a Russian attack, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told the Financial Times.
Warning a potential Russian attack could come in months, rather than years, Mr Tusk said it was important to know that all allies will treat their NATO obligations “as seriously as Poland”.
He also called for the European Union to become a "real alliance" in protecting the continent, reflecting growing worries about Trump's unpredictable policies and threats towards his European partners.
"For the whole eastern flank, my neighbours... the question is if NATO is still an organisation ready, politically and also logistically, to react, for example against Russia if they try to attack," he said in an interview published in the newspaper on Friday.
Putin may attend G20 summit in Miami after US invitation
Saturday 25 April 2026 02:00 , James ReynoldsVladimir Putin could travel to the G20 summit in Miami in December, the Kremlin said on Friday after Donald Trump suggested it would be helpful for him to attend.
The United States has invited Russia to the annual meeting of Group of 20 countries that Washington is holding this year in Miami, and Moscow has accepted the invitation, a US official familiar with the matter said on Friday.
Putin has not attended a G20 summit since 2019 due to the COVID pandemic and then Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
"President Putin may go to Miami as a member of the G20, or he may not go, or another Russian representative may go," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state television correspondent Pavel Zarubin.
With Reuters
Watch: Ukraine kills 12 Russian officers in drone strike
Saturday 25 April 2026 01:00 , James ReynoldsIn pictures: Britain's Prince Harry visits Ukraine
Saturday 25 April 2026 00:00 , James Reynolds
Ukraine says it is in ‘strongest frontline position in a year’
Friday 24 April 2026 23:00 , James ReynoldsUkraine’s foreign minister has said the country’s frontline position is the “strongest” it has been in a year.
Andrii Sybiha credited the progress to Kyiv’s superiority in drone warfare and air defence, which he claimed had the ability to shoot down up to 90 per cent of attacks.
Read the full report:
Ukraine says it is in ‘strongest frontline position’ against Russia in a year’
Half of young people say they would never fight for Britain in a war, poll shows
Friday 24 April 2026 22:00 , James ReynoldsRecap: Poland scrambles F-16s to intercept Russian jets
Friday 24 April 2026 21:00 , James ReynoldsPolish F-16 fighter jets intercepted two Russian SU-30 jets over the Baltic Sea, deputy defence minister Cezary Tomczyk said on Friday.
"Every violation of Poland's and the region's security will be met with an immediate NATO response," Tomczyk wrote on X.
A defence ministry spokesperson said that the jets did not violate Polish airspace.
Poland casts doubt on US willingness to help NATO in case of Russian aggression
Friday 24 April 2026 20:00 , James ReynoldsEurope's "biggest, most important question" is whether the United States is ready to come to its aid in case of a Russian attack, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told the Financial Times.
Warning a potential Russian attack could come in months, rather than years, Mr Tusk said it was important to know that all allies will treat their NATO obligations “as seriously as Poland”.
He also called for the European Union to become a "real alliance" in protecting the continent, reflecting growing worries about Trump's unpredictable policies and threats towards his European partners.
"For the whole eastern flank, my neighbours... the question is if NATO is still an organisation ready, politically and also logistically, to react, for example against Russia if they try to attack," he said in an interview published in the newspaper on Friday.
Comment: Prince Harry is on a one-man mission to make sure the world does not forget Ukraine … or Prince Harry
Friday 24 April 2026 19:00 , James ReynoldsThe royal with a gift for grabbing attention has done what he does best on a surprise trip to Kyiv – and managed to annoy Donald Trump while he’s at it, says Samuel Fishwick:
Prince Harry really wants you to remember Ukraine – and Prince Harry
In full: EU finally approves €90bn Ukraine loan
Friday 24 April 2026 18:00 , James ReynoldsThe European Union formally approved on Thursday a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia. This decision came ahead of an informal summit in Cyprus, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The loan is set to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's needs for the next two years. Economists had warned Ukraine would run out of money by June without the EU loan, necessitating deep cuts to public services.
In full, read how the loan will help Ukraine in its fight against Russia:
EU finally approves €90bn Ukraine loan – how will it aid the fight against Russia?
Russia 'planned terror attacks at Ukrainian schools', claims SBU
Friday 24 April 2026 17:00 , James ReynoldsUkraine claims to have foiled a Russian plot to carry out terror attacks on schools.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said on Thursday that it had foiled efforts by the Russian special services to recruit children who “were supposed to blow up their lyceums” in Odesa and Kirovohrad regions, and “shoot their classmates with firearms”.
The SBU said an investigation revealed the children had been recruited through groups on Telegram and TikTok used to manipulate children into carrying out illegal activities.
They said the “young men”, who have been detained, were recruited under threat of reprisals against relatives and encouraged to punish bullies.
“Russian special services pushed the schoolchildren not only to commit terrorist acts, but also to commit suicide immediately after the “main crime”. In this way, the Russians hoped to get rid of “extra witnesses”,” the SBU said.
Watch: 'How's his wife?': Trump slams Prince Harry after Duke of Sussex’s plea to support Ukraine
Friday 24 April 2026 16:00 , James ReynoldsIn pictures: Britain's Prince Harry visits Ukraine
Friday 24 April 2026 15:05 , James Reynolds
EU to prepare blueprint for mutual assistance pact, amid NATO doubts
Friday 24 April 2026 15:00 , James ReynoldsEU leaders have asked officials to prepare a blueprint for how the bloc's obscure mutual assistance clause would work, amid doubts over the US commitment to NATO.
Worries about president Donald Trump's criticism of NATO for failing to back the war with Iran, along with his threats earlier this year to seize Greenland, have created greater urgency to define the EU's mutual assistance provisions.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday that EU leaders agreed that it was time to flesh out the pact, set out in Article 42.7 of the bloc's core treaty.
"We agreed last night that the (European) Commission will prepare a blueprint on how we respond in case a member state triggers Article 42.7. There are a number of questions that we need to have an answer to," Christodoulides said.
Unlike NATO's Article 5 collective defence pact, which is seen as the bedrock of European security, the EU's mutual assistance clause is not backed by detailed operational plans or military structures.
It has been activated only once, by France after Islamist attackers killed 130 people in Paris in 2015, when member states stepped in with contributions to EU and international military missions, freeing up France to redeploy its troops.
With Reuters
Poland scrambles F-16s to intercept Russian jets
Friday 24 April 2026 14:40 , James ReynoldsPolish F-16 fighter jets intercepted two Russian SU-30 jets over the Baltic Sea, deputy defence minister Cezary Tomczyk said on Friday.
"Every violation of Poland's and the region's security will be met with an immediate NATO response," Tomczyk wrote on X.
A defence ministry spokesperson said that the jets did not violate Polish airspace.
Trump says Prince Harry ‘is not speaking for the UK’ after Duke of Sussex plea to support Ukraine
Friday 24 April 2026 14:00 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump has dismissed the Duke of Sussex's comments on the Ukrainian conflict, saying that Prince Harry "is not speaking for the UK".
The remarks followed an impassioned speech by Harry at the Kyiv Security Forum on Thursday, where he urged "American leadership" to "honour its international treaty obligations" in its "enduring role in global security".
The King’s youngest son, in a rare input on global matters, clarified he was "not here as a politician" but as "a soldier who understands service" and "a humanitarian", though he did not mention Mr Trump by name.
Read the full story:
Trump says Prince Harry ‘is not speaking for the UK’ before message to Meghan Markle
Russia 'planned terror attacks at Ukrainian schools', claims SBU
Friday 24 April 2026 13:00 , James ReynoldsUkraine claims to have foiled a Russian plot to carry out terror attacks on schools.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said on Thursday that it had foiled efforts by the Russian special services to recruit children who “were supposed to blow up their lyceums” in Odesa and Kirovohrad regions, and “shoot their classmates with firearms”.
The SBU said an investigation revealed the children had been recruited through groups on Telegram and TikTok used to manipulate children into carrying out illegal activities.
They said the “young men”, who have been detained, were recruited under threat of reprisals against relatives and encouraged to punish bullies.
“Russian special services pushed the schoolchildren not only to commit terrorist acts, but also to commit suicide immediately after the “main crime”. In this way, the Russians hoped to get rid of “extra witnesses”,” the SBU said.
EU now pushing for 21st round of sanctions after approving major package
Friday 24 April 2026 12:00 , James ReynoldsThe EU has begun its push for a 21st round of sanctions against Russia, after adopting the 20th package and approving a 90bn euro loan to support Ukraine.
The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said on Friday: "We're really pushing to go on with the 21st package of sanctions.”
She told reporters in Cyprus that such a move “sends a very clear signal to Russia that they can't outwait us”.
“It also sends a clear signal to Russia that Ukraine is more important to us than it is to them, and we will keep on supporting them.”
Ukraine's defence minister says country's 'red lines' won't change
Friday 24 April 2026 11:00 , Arpan RaiUkraine’s defence minister Kyrylo Budanov has said his country’s negotiating position on giving up territory in peace talks is not going to change.
“No one in the world deals with the weak, and international law does not work without strength. To succeed in negotiations, we must be strong on the battlefield and united on the home front,” he said at the Kyiv Security Forum.
“Our ‘red lines’ remain unchanged: we will not recognise any territorial losses, and we are not going to trade our land. Any compromise must, first and foremost, serve Ukraine’s interests,” he said, in a post on X.
One of the main sticking points in talks between Russia and Ukraine so far has been Moscow's demands that Kyiv forfeit more of its territory in the east, which Ukrainian officials have said is non-negotiable and will not be sacrificed.
No one in the world deals with the weak, and international law does not work without strength. To succeed in negotiations, we must be strong on the battlefield and united on the home front. I shared my views today at the Kyiv Security Forum.
— Kyrylo Budanov (@Kyrylo_Budanov) April 23, 2026
Our “red lines” remain unchanged: we… pic.twitter.com/7oX9Gs0jOk
