Russia Suffers Heaviest Losses of the Year in Ukraine Offensive
Russian forces have endured their deadliest week of the year, with more than 8,000 troops killed or seriously wounded, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In his nightly address, Zelensky stated that Moscow has attempted to intensify offensive operations, capitalising on improved spring weather conditions. However, these efforts have resulted in significant casualties for the Russian army, with no substantial territorial gains reported.
Zelensky Raises Alarm Over Patriot Missile Shortages
President Zelensky has issued a stark warning regarding the potential depletion of US-supplied Patriot air defence missiles if the conflict in the Middle East continues. He highlighted that the United States produces approximately 60 to 65 Patriot missiles monthly, equating to roughly 600 to 700 annually. Notably, 103 missiles were used on the first day of the Iran war alone. Zelensky emphasised that a deficit is "definitely" looming, questioning when stockpiles in the Middle East will be exhausted. He asserted that for Russian President Vladimir Putin, a prolonged war in Iran is advantageous as it drains resources.
Drone Attack Ignites Fuel Reservoir in Russian Port
A fuel reservoir at Russia's Baltic Sea port of Primorsk caught fire following a drone attack this morning, as confirmed by Alexander Drozdenko, governor of the northwestern Leningrad region. Drozdenko reported that 35 drones have been shot down over the region in recent assaults, underscoring the ongoing aerial threats faced by Russian infrastructure.
Kenya Grants Amnesty to Nationals Fighting for Russia
Kenyan foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi announced that Kenyan nationals enlisted by Russia to fight in Ukraine will be granted amnesty upon their return home. According to a statement, 44 Kenyans have been safely repatriated, while 11 are missing or killed in action, and 38 are hospitalised in Russian facilities with restricted access. Approximately 160 Kenyans remain actively involved in the conflict. Mudavadi negotiated a deal allowing those unwilling to continue fighting to be disengaged and freed to travel back. An intelligence report revealed that at least 1,000 Kenyans were recruited under false promises of jobs in Russia before being deployed to the front lines.
Russia Claims Capture of Border Village in Sumy Region
The Russian defence ministry announced that its forces have captured Potapivka, a small village near the Russian border in Ukraine's northern Sumy region. Using a Russian name for the village, the ministry stated that units of the Northern grouping established control over the area. Ukraine has not immediately responded to these claims. Russia has been intensifying efforts to create a "buffer zone" in the Sumy region for months, but Ukrainian forces have largely repelled advances, with Moscow struggling to gain a meaningful foothold.
Zelensky Expresses Concerns Over Middle East Conflict
In an interview with the BBC, President Zelensky shared his "very bad feeling" about the implications of the Middle East conflict for Ukraine. He noted that diplomatic meetings, including trilateral discussions, are frequently postponed due to the war in Iran. Zelensky reiterated that Putin desires a prolonged conflict in Iran, viewing it as beneficial for Russia as resources diminish.
Ukraine Collaborates with Gulf Nations
President Zelensky revealed that Ukraine is actively working with Gulf countries, providing expertise and tangible support on a daily basis. He emphasised the need for global contributions to stabilisation efforts, calling for joint decisions and collaborative work to enhance security for all nations.
Polish PM Suspects Hungary of Sharing EU Council Details with Russia
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Poland "had our suspicions" in response to a Washington Post report alleging Hungary's government has provided Russia with detailed information from EU Council meetings for years. The report, citing European security officials, claimed Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó regularly updates Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov during meeting breaks. Tusk remarked that this news should not surprise anyone, explaining his cautious approach in council discussions. Szijjártó dismissed the allegations as "fake news".
Patriot Missiles: Key Role in Iran and Ukraine Conflicts
Discussions are underway between the US and South Korean militaries regarding the potential relocation of American Patriot missile defence systems from South Korea to support efforts in the Iran war. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun confirmed close cooperation, with decisions on deployment to be made case-by-case. Earlier reports indicated US troops in South Korea have moved Patriot batteries to Osan Air Base, suggesting possible deployment to the Middle East. Zelensky noted that over 800 Patriot missiles were used in just three days of fighting in the Middle East, a quantity Ukraine deployed over four years against Russian invasion.
Ukrainian Drones Target Russian Air Defence Systems
Ukrainian forces destroyed two Buk air defence systems in Russia's Bryansk Oblast through a drone attack on Sunday. Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, shared footage showing the strikes, which targeted a Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile system and a transporter-loader vehicle of a Buk-M2 system.
