April
01.04.2025
•
Tuesday
•

Day Trump Rejected Putin's External Administration While China Reaffirmed Alliance

⌨
Russian media reported Trump rejecting Putin's external administration proposal for Ukraine, contrary to previous days' framing of US-Russia alignment on Ukraine's future. This marked a significant development in the ongoing narrative fluctuation between cooperation and conflict with the US.

China-Russia relations dominated coverage with Wang Yi's Moscow visit. Putin met with the Chinese Foreign Minister, exchanging warm greetings and discussing their "successful joint work" in international organizations. Komsomolskaya Pravda framed this as countries exchanging "symbols of highest trust" amid Western pressure.

Military operations continued with reports of Russian forces liberating Razliv village in DPR and repelling a Ukrainian incursion into Bryansk region. Energy infrastructure attacks remained contentious, with Russia providing the US evidence of Ukraine's moratorium violations.

By evening, reports emerged of Trump's "irritation" with both Russia and Ukraine, with Fox News claiming the US planned harsh sanctions against Russia's oil "shadow fleet."
02.04.2025
•
Wednesday
•

Day Strategic Bomber Crashed While US-Russia Negotiator Arrived

⌨
Morning coverage focused on Ukrainian drone attacks across 93 Russian regions and on Taganrog, allegedly targeting energy infrastructure, which Russia framed as violations of previous agreements. By midday, Putin created a new Service for Citizenship and Foreign Registration, while ordering compensation for Kursk residents affected by Ukrainian attacks.

Diplomatic developments dominated as RFPI head Dmitriev arrived in Washington for meetings with Trump's Ukraine negotiator Witkoff. This follows days of reporting about Trump's "fury" and "psychological deadline" regarding Ukraine negotiations. Putin unfroze assets of an American bank ahead of these talks.

The evening brought shocking news of a Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crash in Irkutsk region, with reports the pilot steered away from residential areas before impact.

Trump's announcement of 25% tariffs on automobile imports notably excluded Russia from the list of targeted countries, suggesting potential alignment despite recent tensions.
03.04.2025
•
Thursday
•

Day Russia Escapes Trump's Global Tariff Sweep

⌨
Russian media extensively reported Russia's exclusion from Trump's sweeping global import tariffs. The US Treasury explained this omission by citing existing comprehensive sanctions against Russia. This development coincided with Russian Fund for Direct Investment head Dmitriev conducting negotiations with Trump administration representatives in Washington, later describing these talks as "three steps forward."

By midday, the Duma granted veteran status to all fighters in the Kursk region, while military operations continued with Russian forces claiming liberation of Veseloe in DPR and Lobkovoe in Zaporizhzhia. Reports emerged of innovative homemade military transport vehicles supporting the Kursk front.

Ukrainian President Zelensky visited border regions and signaled potential territorial compromises—a notable shift following days of tense US-Russia negotiations. Russia's air defense systems remained active throughout the day, with multiple reports of drone interceptions near Moscow and in border regions.
04.04.2025
•
Friday
•

Day Ballistic Strike on Kryvyi Rih Marked Negotiation Impasse

⌨
Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed striking Kryvyi Rih with a ballistic missile early morning, claiming it targeted a Ukrainian military command meeting with foreign instructors. Moscow Times reported 14 civilian casualties, contradicting official narratives.

Diplomatic tensions escalated as US Secretary of State gave Putin "several weeks" for a final Ukraine decision, while NATO intelligence claimed Putin plans to continue the war despite recent US-Russia talks. The Pentagon's representative Dmitriev, following Washington meetings, positioned Putin's proposal as implementing Trump's peace initiatives.

Economic concerns mounted with Brent crude falling below $65 per barrel for the first time since 2021, prompting Russia's Finance Ministry to announce FNB currency sales. China's retaliatory 34% tariffs against US goods further complicated global markets.

Security services reported intercepting 107 Ukrainian drones overnight and foiling a terror plot against a military academy dormitory, allegedly orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence.
05.04.2025
•
Saturday
•

Day Ovechkin's Record Overshadowed Markets Crash While Chubais Faced Justice

⌨
Ovechkin's matching of Gretzky's NHL record dominated morning coverage, with multiple outlets reporting he achieved this milestone in one fewer game than the Canadian legend. Simultaneously, Russian markets crashed following Trump's tariffs and oil price collapse, with shares reportedly losing 2 trillion rubles in two days.

Military operations continued with extensive reporting on Ukrainian drone attacks, with Russia claiming to have intercepted 49 UAVs overnight across multiple regions. A facility in Mordovia was specifically targeted, later identified by Moscow Times as Russia's only manufacturer of optical fiber for drones.

The afternoon brought news of Russian gymnasts refusing to compete under neutral status and a State Duma proposal to ban weekend alcohol sales nationwide. By evening, a significant legal development emerged as Rosnano filed a 5.6 billion ruble lawsuit against former CEO Anatoly Chubais, with the court freezing his assets and those of seven other former executives.
06.04.2025
•
Sunday
•

Day Ovechkin Broke Record As Russia-US Talks Resumed

⌨
Russia conducted extensive missile strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian regions, claiming to target military infrastructure while continuing advances in Sumy region with the capture of Basovka. The White House revealed Russia was excluded from Trump's global tariffs due to ongoing negotiations, with RDIF head Dmitriev announcing new Russia-US diplomatic contacts expected next week.

Military operations intensified with Russia claiming destruction of 11 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory, while Ukraine reportedly suffered "colossal losses" in contested areas. International tensions escalated with Iran placing its military on high alert and the EU preparing $28 billion in countermeasures against US tariffs.

Domestic news featured a 5.6 billion ruble lawsuit against former Rosnano head Chubais, continuing the previous day's story. By evening, Russian media celebrated Alexander Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL goal record with his 895th goal, an achievement that dominated late coverage across all outlets.
07.04.2025
•
Monday
•

Day Ovechkin's Hockey Glory Masked Economic Storm

⌨
Alexander Ovechkin's record-breaking 895th NHL goal dominated Russian media throughout the day, with Putin personally congratulating him. This sports triumph overshadowed escalating economic turmoil as Russian oil prices plummeted 25% below budget projections. Markets crashed globally following Trump's tariff announcements, with American indices falling 2-3%.

Military claims continued with reports of Ukrainian forces losing $2.7 billion worth of NATO equipment in Kursk region. Peace negotiations gained visibility as Peskov stated Putin supports a ceasefire in Ukraine while demanding guarantees from Kyiv. Russian sovereign fund chief Kirill Dmitriev emerged as a key diplomatic backchannel following his recent US visit.

Trump further escalated trade tensions by threatening China with 50% tariffs if Beijing enacted countermeasures, while the European Commission proposed retaliatory 25% tariffs on US goods. By evening, Trump announced direct negotiations with Iran on a nuclear deal.
08.04.2025
•
Tuesday
•

Day 104% Tariffs Declared While Istanbul Talks Advanced

⌨
Morning coverage continued focusing on Trump's tariff policies, with nearly 70 countries seeking negotiations with the US while even Trump-supporting billionaires criticized the measures. Military news highlighted Russian advances in Guevo, Kursk region, which was later declared liberated by afternoon. Reports claimed Ukrainian forces were planning an "echeloned defense" in the remaining occupied areas.

By midday, diplomatic breakthroughs emerged with Russian Foreign Ministry announcing Russia-US talks in Istanbul on April 10, to be headed by Darchiev and Coulter. Continuing the previous day's Russia-US rapprochement theme, NASA-Roscosmos cooperation was highlighted with joint Soyuz MS-27 launch.

Evening headlines were dominated by US escalating the trade war against China with 104% tariffs to begin April 9, prompting Beijing to initiate a WTO dispute. Simultaneously, Brent oil prices fell below $62 per barrel for the first time since April 2021, putting further pressure on the Russian economy.
09.04.2025
•
Wednesday
•

Day 125% Tariff Struck While Ukrainian Drones Targeted Turkish Pipeline

⌨
Morning headlines focused on Trump's coal industry revival orders and Chinese tariffs, with Russia claiming air defense destroyed 158 Ukrainian drones overnight. Actor Mikhail Efremov's release on parole received significant coverage.

By midday, Ukrainian forces reportedly attacked the Turkish Stream gas pipeline infrastructure in Kuban, a strategic escalation targeting Russian energy exports to Europe. Simultaneously, Ukraine's commander confirmed Russia launched a new offensive in Sumy and Kharkiv regions, while General Popov returned to command after his earlier appeal to Putin.

Trade war intensified throughout the day with the EU approving €22 billion in retaliatory tariffs against the US. China responded to Trump's 104% tariffs with its own 84% duties, prompting Trump to immediately escalate to 125% by evening. Moscow Exchange index fell alongside oil prices, which dropped below $61 per barrel for the first time since March 2021.
10.04.2025
•
Thursday
•

Day Russia-US Exchange Prisoners While Trade War Intensifies

⌨
Morning headlines captured the escalating US-China trade war with Trump raising tariffs to 125%. Simultaneously, Russian-American diplomatic negotiations began in Istanbul, focusing on practical issues like visas and direct flights restoration. By mid-morning, news broke about a prisoner exchange between Russia and the US that took place in the UAE, with Putin pardoning US-Russian dual national Ksenia Karelina who was swapped for Arthur Petrov.

The Istanbul talks concluded after six hours, described as "constructive" by the State Department, producing agreements on easing diplomat movement and a roadmap for Russian diplomatic properties in the US. Military reports described Russian forces downing 42 Ukrainian drones overnight and liberating Zhuravka in Sumy region.

By evening, Trump dramatically escalated the trade war, raising Chinese tariffs to 145%, while Russian media highlighted concerns about restricting foreign encryption protocols and potential regulation of AI technologies with "threatening risk levels."
11.04.2025
•
Friday
•

Day Four-Hour St. Petersburg Talks While Putin Threatens New Offensives

⌨
Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in St. Petersburg for his third meeting with Putin in two months, continuing the diplomatic trajectory that began with the prisoner exchange yesterday. Morning headlines reported increased Ukrainian drone activity with Russian air defense claiming to have destroyed 30 drones overnight. By early afternoon, Witkoff met with RDIF head Kirill Dmitriev before his talks with Putin.

Putin and Witkoff's meeting lasted over four hours, with Peskov suggesting a possible Putin-Trump call might follow. Reuters reported Witkoff allegedly advised Trump to recognize Russia's newly annexed regions, while RBC claimed he proposed dividing Ukraine "almost like Berlin." This diplomatic push occurs as Trump reportedly threatens new sanctions if Putin doesn't agree to a ceasefire by month's end.

Meanwhile, military reports indicated Russian forces began storming the last Ukrainian stronghold in Kursk region, while Ukrainian forces were reportedly reinforcing positions near Sumy in anticipation of a new Russian offensive.
12.04.2025
•
Saturday
•

Kellogg Division Proposal Echoes Through Diplomatic Channels

⌨
Trump's envoy Keith Kellogg's proposal to divide Ukraine "like Berlin" dominated Russian media following yesterday's St. Petersburg talks. Russia transferred data to US officials about Ukraine's alleged violations of energy infrastructure moratorium, presenting this as evidence of Kyiv's unreliability. Foreign Minister Lavrov, prominent at Turkey's Antalya Forum, claimed the US now acknowledges territorial questions must be addressed in Ukraine.

Russian military reporting claimed Ukrainian forces lost an F-16 fighter jet, with suggestions it might have been shot down by Ukraine's own air defense. Meanwhile, Russian troops reportedly entered Gornal in Kursk region.

Trump extended Russia sanctions initially imposed by Biden while simultaneously exempting electronics from his global tariff regime. The emerging narrative across Russian media frames current discussions as centered on territorial concessions rather than ceasefire arrangements, reflecting a shift from earlier negotiation parameters.
13.04.2025
•
Sunday
•

Day Missile Strike On Sumy Killed 34 While Putin-Trump Meeting Path Cleared

⌨
Morning coverage focused on US-Iran nuclear talks "going well" per Trump, while Peskov framed Witkoff's recent visit as a step toward a Putin-Trump summit, building on Kellogg's Ukraine division proposal from previous days. By mid-morning, Russian media reported extensively on a missile strike on Sumy that killed 34 civilians, with Ukrainian sources claiming it targeted a city center while Russian outlets suggested military personnel were gathered there.

Diplomatic momentum continued with news of scheduled Russia-Ukraine talks on Black Sea shipping in Ankara - the first direct negotiations in three years. Russian military claimed to have shot down a Ukrainian F-16 jet for the first time and advanced on multiple fronts including Konstantinovka direction. Throughout the day, reports highlighted Ukrainian drone attacks on Belgorod and Bryansk regions, with one truck driver killed.
14.04.2025
•
Monday
•

Day Sumy Strike Narrative Shifts While Lavrov Claims Western Officers Present

⌨
Russian media significantly shifted its narrative about the deadly Sumy strike that killed 34 people yesterday. By morning, military officials claimed it targeted a meeting of Ukrainian commanders, with Foreign Minister Lavrov later asserting Western officers were present, providing an evolving justification for civilian casualties. Trump characterized the strike as a "mistake" while calling the Ukraine conflict "Biden's war," reinforcing his emerging position as potential mediator.

The FSB reported detaining multiple alleged Ukrainian agents, including a Moldovan citizen supposedly tasked with bombing operations in Crimea. This security narrative complemented diplomatic messaging as Lavrov indicated constructive developments with US officials on embassy operations while claiming Europe is determined to preserve Zelensky's regime.

Economic headlines focused on cryptocurrency seizure mechanisms, increased deposit insurance limits, and European companies reportedly considering restoration of Russian gas imports—suggesting economic adaptation to prolonged conflict conditions.
15.04.2025
•
Tuesday
•

Day Kursk Homes Shattered While Peace Terms Defined

⌨
Russian media extensively covered an overnight Ukrainian drone attack on Kursk, reporting 115 drones intercepted across five regions with one elderly woman killed and 24 apartment buildings damaged. Russian authorities opened a terrorism investigation as footage of destruction circulated throughout the day.

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff emerged as a central figure in peace negotiations, with Russian outlets highlighting his statement that Putin's "five territories" demand is key to any settlement. The Kremlin claimed both countries are "working intensely" toward peace, while Foreign Intelligence Service head Naryshkin outlined Russia's conditions including Ukraine's non-nuclear status.

By afternoon, Russia's military claimed to have surrounded Ukrainian forces in Gornal monastery in Kursk region, intercepting their communications. Evening coverage transitioned to Putin's domestic agenda, with demands to reform mortgage programs and reduce bureaucracy in construction amid signs of a building sector crisis.
16.04.2025
•
Wednesday
•

Day Former Kursk Governor Arrested While Boeing Deal Floated

⌨
Russian media extensively covered the arrest of former Kursk Region Governor Alexei Smirnov on fraud charges related to border fortification construction. Initially reported as a detention by mid-afternoon, Smirnov was formally charged with embezzling 1 billion rubles and sentenced to two months pre-trial detention.

A significant diplomatic development emerged with multiple sources reporting Russia had requested Boeing aircraft purchases in exchange for frozen assets as part of potential ceasefire arrangements, continuing previous days' peace negotiation narratives. Military operations continued with Russian forces claiming liberation of Kalinovo in DPR and reporting intense fighting at a monastery in Kursk region where Ukrainian forces allegedly refused to leave despite Orthodox Easter approaching.

Drones remained central to conflict coverage with Russia reporting interception of 26 Ukrainian drones overnight and the first Ukrainian heavy drone attack on Ivanovo region, possibly targeting a foundry.
17.04.2025
•
Thursday
•

Day Trump Three-Day Ultimatum While Taliban Ban Lifted

⌨
Russia's Supreme Court lifted the ban on the Taliban movement, removing it from the terrorist organization list—a significant policy shift amid Russia's evolving Central Asian strategy. Russian forces reported liberating Preobrazhenka in DPR while military operations continued around Kursk region and Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

The day's diplomatic engagement featured Putin's meeting with Qatar's Emir, resulting in a new investment platform agreement. Russia requested UN Security Council consultations on an energy infrastructure strikes moratorium, continuing previous days' ceasefire discussions.

By evening, Trump dominated coverage with reports he gave Putin three days to respond to Ukraine ceasefire proposal terms. This ultimatum follows yesterday's Boeing deal floated as part of peace negotiations and earlier reports of intense diplomatic work. Russia's Prosecutor General filed a lawsuit against German energy firm Wintershall Dea, suggesting continued economic confrontation with Western companies despite peace overtures.
18.04.2025
•
Friday
•

Day US Peace Plan Offered Russia Territory While Trump Threatened Exit

⌨
The Bloomberg revelation of a US peace plan dominated Russian media, with reports claiming Washington would allow Russia to retain newly occupied territories and potentially recognize Crimea while offering sanctions relief. This plan follows the previous days' three-day ultimatum from Trump, who reinforced the pressure by threatening US withdrawal from negotiations and cessation of military aid to Ukraine.

Security incidents featured prominently with FSB reporting the arrest of an SBU agent allegedly planning to bomb a military facility in Novorossiysk. Russian defense authorities claimed 56 Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight while announcing the liberation of Valentinivka village in DPR.

The religious dimension intensified as Moldova reportedly blocked an Orthodox bishop from traveling to Jerusalem for the Holy Fire ceremony, which Russian officials and media characterized as "spiritual terror" and religious freedom violation, aligning with coverage of upcoming Orthodox Easter.
19.04.2025
•
Saturday
•

Day Orthodox Easter Ceasefire Declared While Peace Proposals Accelerate

⌨
The morning began with extensive reports of US considering recognizing Russian control of Crimea and lacking serious plans for new weapons deliveries to Ukraine, building on previous days' peace negotiation coverage. By afternoon, Putin declared an Orthodox Easter ceasefire that went into effect at 6:00 PM Moscow time, though both sides later accused each other of violations. This unilateral move came amid accelerating diplomatic activity, with Ukraine eventually agreeing to the temporary truce and suggesting its extension.

A significant prisoner exchange occurred simultaneously, with Russia receiving 246 servicemen from Ukrainian captivity, continuing the pattern of humanitarian gestures accompanying diplomatic maneuvers. Religious themes dominated naturally with Orthodox Easter preparations—the Holy Fire descended in Jerusalem as Putin attended Easter service at Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow. Military developments continued with Russian forces reportedly liberating Oleshnya in Kursk region and Shevchenko in DPR.
20.04.2025
•
Sunday
•

Day Ceasefire Violations Counted While Trump Hopes For Agreement

⌨
The Easter ceasefire declared by Putin on April 19 dominated Russian media throughout Orthodox Easter Sunday. By morning, Russian Defense Ministry claimed 444 Ukrainian attacks during the night despite the truce, with allegations escalating to 1,300 violations by afternoon. Both sides accused each other of breaking the temporary peace, with Russian media extensively covering alleged Ukrainian HIMARS strikes and attempts to break through in Belgorod region.

The Kremlin's Peskov clarified by afternoon that Putin had not ordered an extension of the ceasefire beyond its scheduled end. By evening, US State Department statements welcoming a potential extension received coverage alongside Zakharova's dismissive response highlighting alleged Ukrainian violations. As the truce expired at 9:22 PM, Trump's statements expressing hope for a Russia-Ukraine agreement "next week" gained prominence, connecting to his three-day ultimatum reported on April 17 and subsequent peace plan discussions.
21.04.2025
•
Monday
•

Day Pope Francis Dies While Easter Truce Lapses

⌨
The 30-hour Easter ceasefire declared by Putin expired at midnight, with Russian media immediately reporting resumed strikes against Ukraine. By morning, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed 4,900 Ukrainian violations during the truce period. As military operations resumed, attention shifted to the sudden death of Pope Francis at age 88, with reports indicating he suffered a stroke.

Putin praised the late pontiff while signing a strategic partnership treaty with Iran and offering direct negotiations with Ukraine on stopping strikes against civilian infrastructure. He justified the attack on Sumy and claimed Russia would ultimately be victorious. Putin's statements aligned with accelerating diplomatic activity, as Trump expressed hope for a Russia-Ukraine deal "this week," building on previous days' reports of US peace proposals that might recognize Russia's territorial gains.

Economic concerns surfaced with government warnings about potential Soviet-era food shortages and forecasts of inflation and ruble devaluation.
22.04.2025
•
Tuesday
•

Day Gold Peaked While Peace Proposals Revealed

⌨
Gold prices reached historic highs, exceeding $3,500 per ounce, amid news of sculptor Zurab Tsereteli's death at 91 and ongoing peace negotiations. Media extensively covered visits by Trump envoy Witkoff to Moscow, with the Kremlin emphasizing Russia's readiness for bilateral talks with Ukraine if "legal obstacles" are removed.

By afternoon, Russian forces claimed liberation of the Gornalsky Monastery in Kursk region and the settlement of Sukhaya Balka in DPR. Washington Post and Financial Times reports dominated evening coverage, suggesting the US would propose Crimea recognition by Ukraine while Putin allegedly suggested freezing conflict along current front lines - claims quickly dismissed by Kremlin as "fake news" and by Zelensky as unacceptable.

The day ended with emergency measures declared in Vladimir region after ammunition detonation at a military facility injured four people, requiring evacuation of seven settlements.
23.04.2025
•
Wednesday
•

Day London Peace Talks Collapsed While Trump Criticized Zelensky

⌨
The planned London peace talks on Ukraine collapsed, with Russian media extensively documenting how foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany withdrew from the meeting. Multiple sources connected this to Ukraine's refusal to recognize Russian sovereignty over Crimea, with Russian outlets citing Western media reports that Kyiv's document torpedoed negotiations.

By midday, Putin appeared in military-industrial contexts, emphasizing the need for increased weapons production, AI application at the front, and FPV drone manufacturing. He claimed militaries worldwide study Russia's combat experience.

Trump dominated evening coverage with direct criticism of Zelensky, with Russian media amplifying his statement that Ukraine "can fight for three more years before losing everything." The White House reportedly expressed disappointment with Zelensky's position.

Military developments included Russian forces claiming liberation of Tarasovka in DPR and Shoigu announcing the imminent "cleansing" of all Kursk region territory from Ukrainian forces.
24.04.2025
•
Thursday
•

Day Trump Demands Putin Stop Kyiv Strikes While Shoigu Threatens Nuclear Response

⌨
Russian media extensively covered a massive missile strike on Kyiv that killed at least 8-12 people, prompting an unusually direct rebuke from Trump, who told Putin "Vladimir, stop!" and called the timing "very bad" for peace efforts. This contrasted with yesterday's collapsed London talks.

By midday, outlets reported General Ivan Popov's sentencing to five years in prison on fraud charges, with military correspondents portraying him as "a winner" despite his conviction.

Throughout the day, Russia maintained contradictory messaging: Defense Minister Shoigu threatened nuclear weapon use against Western aggression while claiming the US understood Russia's ceasefire position. Multiple outlets covered Politico's report that the White House might lift Nord Stream 2 sanctions.

The FSB's alleged foiling of a drone terror plot in Nizhny Novgorod featured prominently, while by evening, Russian media highlighted Trump's comments that Ukraine would find it "difficult" to reclaim Crimea and that Russia made "significant concessions" by not claiming all of Ukraine.
25.04.2025
•
Friday
•

Day General Assassinated While Putin Receives Trump's Envoy

⌨
Russian media extensively covered the assassination of Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik, deputy chief of the General Staff's Main Operational Directorate, killed by a car bomb in Balashikha near Moscow. The Investigative Committee opened a murder case.

The day's central diplomatic event was Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff's three-hour meeting with Putin in the Kremlin, where they discussed the possibility of direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Kremlin aide Ushakov described the talks as "constructive" and bringing Russian and American positions "closer."

Following the meeting, Trump urged Ukraine to "immediately sign" an agreement with the US regarding rare earth resources, while describing the meeting as "good." Russian media cited Reuters reporting that Trump's peace plan includes returning Kharkiv region to Ukraine while allowing Russia to retain Crimea, which Trump explicitly stated would "stay with Russia."

Defense Minister Belousov inspected Russian forces in Kursk region, praising their combat performance.
26.04.2025
•
Saturday
•

Day Kursk Finally Liberated While Peace Talks Beckon

⌨
Russian media extensively covered the complete liberation of Kursk region, with Chief of General Staff Gerasimov reporting to Putin that Ukrainian forces had been "completely defeated" after nearly nine months of occupation. The operation reportedly involved North Korean troops, with Zakharova citing a "partnership agreement" justifying their presence.

Trump's diplomatic efforts dominated morning coverage, with reports claiming "most key points" in a Ukraine peace deal were already agreed upon. By early afternoon, Putin declared Russia's readiness for negotiations without preconditions while Trump met Zelensky at Pope Francis's funeral in Rome.

The FSB announced the detention of an alleged SBU agent in the assassination of General Moskalik from yesterday, claiming the explosive was remotely triggered from Ukraine.

By evening, Trump threatened Russia with sanctions after meeting Zelensky, while Macron claimed Zelensky was ready for an "unconditional ceasefire."
27.04.2025
•
Sunday
•

Day Lavrov Drew Peace Lines While Kursk Victory Proclaimed

⌨
Russian media reported complete liberation of Kursk region, with Putin congratulating military commanders and forces reportedly advancing toward Sumy. North Korean military participation was acknowledged, with photos circulating of DPRK soldiers who helped "defeat" Ukrainian forces.

Foreign Minister Lavrov dominated diplomatic coverage, confirming Russia's willingness to make concessions in Ukraine negotiations while firmly declaring Crimea status and territorial integrity non-negotiable. Multiple outlets highlighted Senator Rubio's statement that this is a "critically important week" for Ukraine settlement, with the US reportedly avoiding new sanctions to facilitate talks.

The suspect in General Moskalik's assassination was formally charged with terrorism and detained, with reports claiming he was promised $18,000 for the killing.

Military operations continued with Russian forces reportedly striking Ukrainian HIMARS ammunition depots and claiming destruction of Ukrainian drones over Bryansk, Crimea and the Black Sea.
28.04.2025
•
Monday
•

Day North Korean Forces Recognized While Victory Day Ceasefire Declared

⌨
Following yesterday's reports of Kursk's liberation, Putin officially thanked North Korean troops for their participation in defeating Ukrainian forces, with Russia's Defense Ministry releasing first-ever footage of DPRK soldiers in combat operations. The Kremlin indicated Russia's readiness to provide military assistance to North Korea in return.

Russian forces captured Kamenka in Kharkiv region, continuing their offensive into Ukrainian territory.

By mid-day, Putin announced a 72-hour ceasefire for the 80th Victory Day anniversary (May 8-11), which Kremlin officials characterized as a "goodwill gesture" and expression of Russia's readiness for peaceful resolution. Ukraine responded skeptically, with Kyiv unable to guarantee compliance from all its units according to Russian sources.

Ukrainian drone attacks continued, with Russian air defense reportedly intercepting 115 drones overnight. A civilian was killed in Bryansk, while Moscow Times reported a drone strike targeted a facility producing chips for Iskander missiles.
29.04.2025
•
Tuesday
•

Day Putin Renamed Stalingrad While Rejecting Frontline Freeze

⌨
Russia reported intercepting over 90 Ukrainian drones overnight, with two civilians killed in Belgorod by a drone strike. Trump's vice presidential nominee Vance repeatedly stated Ukraine "cannot win" the conflict, warning of nuclear escalation risks.

By afternoon, Bloomberg reported Putin rejected freezing conflict along current frontlines during meetings with U.S. envoy Uitkoff, instead demanding all four annexed regions. Simultaneously, Russian forces claimed capturing Doroshevka in Kharkiv region, continuing their offensive after Kursk's reported liberation.

Putin and Lukashenko met in Volgograd for WWII commemorations, with Putin calling Victory Day "sacred" for Russia and post-Soviet states. Late evening, Putin signed a decree renaming Volgograd airport to "Stalingrad," continuing the week's historical memory emphasis.

Foreign Minister Lavrov characterized Russia's ceasefire proposal as the beginning of direct negotiations, while Zelensky allegedly hinted at possible strikes against Moscow's Victory Day parade.
30.04.2025
•
Wednesday
•

Day Ukraine Agents Failed Attack While Peace Terms Emerged

⌨
Russian media focused heavily on Ukrainian agents reportedly caught preparing an attack in Khanty-Mansiysk, with multiple sources claiming they accidentally detonated their own bomb while targeting a Russian military officer. Several sources reported Russia downing 34 Ukrainian drones overnight.

The US-Ukraine natural resources agreement dominated afternoon coverage, with reports of its imminent signing followed by confirmation of its completion by evening. Defense Minister Shoigu articulated Russia's conditions for resolving the Ukraine conflict, while Putin spoke at a "Knowledge" marathon event, claiming Ukrainian forces had been expelled from Kursk region with "remnants hiding in basements."

By evening, multiple outlets reported statements from US diplomat Kellog that Ukraine is prepared to partially accept Russia's territorial demands. Putin expressed openness to renaming Volgograd back to Stalingrad, expanding on his decision yesterday to rename the city's airport.
Russia Live Headlines