The following are the main events occurring on day 1,156 of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The latest situation as of Friday, April 25:
Combat operations
- Russian strikes and drones resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals in Kyiv, marking the most significant assault on the Ukrainian capital this year. The assault comprised 145 drones and 70 missiles, including 11 ballistic missiles, according to Ukrainian forces.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is using its air strikes on Ukrainian cities to facilitate the advancement of its ground troops, as reported by military officials.
- President Zelenskyy communicated through social media that one of the ballistic missiles launched at Kyiv was manufactured in North Korea. Earlier reports from Reuters identified it as a North Korea KN-23 (KN-23A) ballistic missile.
- Russia’s military claimed that its strikes were aimed at the Ukrainian military-industrial complex and not intended for civilian targets.
- Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that seven regions remain under Russian attack, in addition to Kyiv.
Politics and diplomacy
- United States President Donald Trump issued a rare criticism of Russian leader Vladimir Putin following the attack on Kyiv.
- “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” Trump stated on Truth Social.
Economic matters
- Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko informed Reuters that Ukraine is expediting a critical minerals agreement with the Trump administration, which could grant the US increased access to Ukraine’s natural resources in exchange for military assistance.
- Trump had previously stated that he expected to sign the minerals deal this week, but this outcome remains uncertain.
Ceasefire discussions
- Trump mentioned a potential ceasefire agreement for Ukraine, indicating that he continues to apply pressure on Ukraine and Russia.
- The US president noted that the Kremlin had made a significant concession by expressing openness to “stopping the war, stopping taking the whole country”.
- Trump also hinted that Ukraine might not be able to reclaim Crimea.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on the US CBS program, Face the Nation, that negotiations are “moving in the right direction,” but precise details require further refinement.
