Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of an “Easter escalation” after at least five people were killed in strikes.
Officials said two people died after residential and civilian infrastructure in central Zhytomyr and Kyiv regions was attacked on Friday. The governor of the eastern Donetsk region also said a Russian bomb strike killed three people in Kramatorsk.
The Ukrainian president had proposed a halt in strikes for Easter, telling Russia it would reciprocate if it stopped attacks on the energy sector.
In a post on social media, Zelensky said: “Not a single hour of peace for our people, and this is Russia’s response to our proposal for an Easter ceasefire. Essentially, the Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation.”
It follows earlier comments from Zelensky that Vladimir Putin’s advances have stalled, and the frontline situation for Ukraine was the best it has been in 10 months.
"The offensive they were planning for March was thwarted by the actions of our armed forces. That is why the Russians will now simply step up their assault operations," he said.
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Key Points
- Zelensky accuses Russia of 'Easter escalation'
- Frontline situation best for Ukraine in the last 10 months, says Zelensky
- Watch: Russia launch overnight drone attack on Ukraine
- Sweden seizes sanctioned oil tanker suspected of being source of spill
- Russia conducting large rolling aerial attack on Ukraine, Kyiv says
Ukraine rescues eight children from occupied territories
04:00 , Harriette BoucherUkraine has brought back eight children and teenagers from occupied territories, a Ukrainian humanitarian NGO has announced.
Mykola Kuleba, the founder of Save Ukraine, said they had all been living in conditions of pressure and fear, and their lives were under constant threat.
One 14 year old, Zoryana, was among those rescued. Mr Kuleba said she had been separated from her father by Russians, who was stripped of his documents and deported.
The girl was forced to study in a Russian school, where she was told about the greatness of Russia and taught to use weapons, he said.
Mr Kuleba wrote: “They are all in our Hope and Recovery centers and are receiving psychological support, documentation assistance, housing, and care — everything to help them regain a sense of security and start building a future.
“But thousands of children still remain under occupation. They are forced to be silent, conformed, and prepared for war. But we are not stopping.”
Zelensky urges lawmakers to act as Ukraine funding hangs in balance
03:00 , Harriette BoucherVolodymyr Zelensky called on lawmakers to pass key legislation next week to avert a funding crisis, help Ukraine fight the war against Russia, and enact key reforms required for European Union accession.
Due to lagging reforms and slow legislative progress in late 2025 and early 2026, Ukraine missed deadlines to unlock billions from its key lenders, economists said.
With the need for external financing standing at $52 billion this year - equivalent to around a quarter of annual economic output - the budget situation is desperate.
Zelensky said: “I have a list of key draft laws that are critical for securing funding.” They range from strengthening the court system to reforming energy sector procedures.
“I believe that members of parliament from all parties must understand the importance of these bills for Ukraine's budget,” said Zelensky.
David Arakhamia, head of the ruling Servant of the People faction, said lawmakers planned to meet on Monday to discuss the legislation with the key ministers. Voting is planned for 7 and 8 April.
Ukraine depends on Western financial support as it fights a bigger and better-equipped enemy. Since the 2022 invasion, Kyiv has received about $174 billion in economic aid.
But this year, key funding has been stalled after Hungary's prime minister Viktor Orban, who maintains close ties with Moscow, blocked a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine. By contrast, Russia will benefit from the surge in global oil prices due to the war in Iran.
Russian gymnast turns back during Ukrainian national anthem after Ukraine’s victory
02:00 , Harriette BoucherRussia warns citizens not to travel to states that have extradition treaties with US
01:00 , Harriette BoucherRussia has issued a stark warning to its citizens, advising them against travel to countries with extradition treaties with the United States.
In a travel advisory on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry stated that "the intensity of Washington's punitive justice" has increased since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It cautioned that individuals risk lengthy prison sentences if extradited to the US.
"With numerous extraterritorial sanctions targeting strategic segments of the domestic economy, many Russians, without even realising it, risk finding themselves in the crosshairs of American law enforcement and intelligence agencies," the ministry said.
It said, without providing evidence or examples, that "U.S. intelligence agencies often engage in fraudulent schemes to lure Russian citizens abroad with lucrative commercial or tourist offers".
Russia warns citizens not to travel to states that have extradition treaties with US
Recap: Russia made no frontline gains in Ukraine during March
00:00 , Harriette Boucher- Russia made no frontline gains in Ukraine during March, marking the first time in two and a half years, with Ukrainian forces recapturing 9 square kilometres.
- The slowdown in Russian advances is attributed to Ukrainian counteroffensives and communication issues, including Russia's ban on Starlink terminals and attempts to restrict Telegram.
- Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Donald Trump's threat to withdraw from NATO, citing a lack of support for his war in Iran, appears to be 'Putin's dream plan'.
- Trump indicated he was 'seriously considering' Washington's withdrawal from the military alliance, claiming members 'were not there for us' during his conflict in Iran.
- Ukraine's military has refuted Russia's assertion of having taken complete control of the eastern Luhansk region, reporting no significant changes on the battlefield.
Zelensky accuses Russia of 'Easter escalation' as massive daytime attack kills five
23:48 , Harriette BoucherA large-scale daytime Russian strike killed at least two people in Ukraine on Friday, officials said, in what President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced as an "Easter escalation," as Moscow shifts tactics to avoid Ukrainian air defences.
Since the beginning of the war more than four years ago, Russia has mainly carried out major drone and missile strikes at night. In recent weeks, it has repeatedly sent hundreds of drones and missiles during the daytime, setting a record for the number of weapons used in one such strike on March 24.
On Friday, drones struck residential and civilian infrastructure in central Zhytomyr and Kyiv regions, killing one person in each, their governors said on the Telegram app.
"Essentially, the Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation," Zelensky said on X.
On Friday evening, the governor of the eastern Donetsk region, Vadym Filashkin, said a Russian bomb strike killed three people in Kramatorsk, a frequent target in four years of conflict.
In pictures: Ukrainian rescuers work to extinguish a fire in a damaged residential building after a drone attack in Kharkiv on Thursday
22:00 , Harriette Boucher Ukraine rescues eight children from occupied territories
21:00 , Harriette BoucherUkraine has brought back eight children and teenagers from occupied territories, a Ukrainian humanitarian NGO has announced.
Mykola Kuleba, the founder of Save Ukraine, said they had all been living in conditions of pressure and fear, and their lives were under constant threat.
One 14 year old, Zoryana, was among those rescued. Mr Kuleba said she had been separated from her father by Russians, who was stripped of his documents and deported.
The girl was forced to study in a Russian school, where she was told about the greatness of Russia and taught to use weapons, he said.
Mr Kuleba wrote: “They are all in our Hope and Recovery centers and are receiving psychological support, documentation assistance, housing, and care — everything to help them regain a sense of security and start building a future.
“But thousands of children still remain under occupation. They are forced to be silent, conformed, and prepared for war. But we are not stopping.”
Zelensky speaks with Pope as Russia stages 'Easter escalation'
20:00 , Harriette BoucherVolodymyr Zelensky spoke with Pope Leo on Friday as Russia attacked Ukraine with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles.
The Ukrainian president said the two spoke on the phone about the ongoing negotiations with the US and thanked him for helping returning abducted children and for the humanitarian aid provided by the Vatican.
“Today I spoke with Pope Leo XIV. Right during this conversation, the Russians attacked Ukraine again—hundreds of "Shaheds" and dozens of missiles against our cities and communities,” he said.
“In fact, the attack has been ongoing in waves since the night, and at least five regions have already come under fire.
“Not a single hour of peace for our people, and this is Russia's response to our proposal for a ceasefire at Easter. In fact, the Russians have only increased the intensity of the strikes and, instead of silence in the skies, are staging an Easter escalation.
“I am especially grateful that the Pope remembers Ukraine, Ukrainians, and prays for peace for our people.”
Russia's FSB says it foiled a Ukrainian attack near Moscow business centre
19:00 , Harriette BoucherRussia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said it had foiled an attack planned by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) against a senior law enforcement official near a business centre in Moscow, state-run RIA news agency reported.
The FSB did not give details on the intended target or when the attack was due to take place, but said in a statement on Friday: “The SBU planned to remotely detonate the explosive device during the target's visit to the business centre, having identified him through organized video surveillance.”
Russia strikes targets in Kyiv region as Ukraine holds door open for Easter truce
17:00 , Rebecca Whittaker Russia strikes targets in Kyiv region as Ukraine holds door open for Easter truce
Oil refinery hit in Russia, according to Ukraine military
16:00 , Rebecca WhittakerUkraine's military said on Friday it struck Russia's Bashneft-Novoil oil refinery over 1,400 kilometres (870 miles) from the Ukrainian border.
The attack sparked a fire, the general staff said on the Telegram app.
Russia suffers biggest monthly losses since the start of war, Zelensky claims
15:46 , Harriette BoucherNearly 34,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or seriously wounded in March, the highest level since the start of the war, according to Volodymyr Zelensky.
Another 1,363 Russians were “eliminated” in artillery and other strikes over the month, bringing Russian losses to more than 35,000 in March.
“Importantly, the results in the destruction of Russia’s air defence systems have also significantly increased, with 274 such systems hit in March alone,” Ukraine’s leader wrote on social media.
“There have also been tangible results in the destruction of Russian depots and military logistics. The Ministry of Defence, together with the Armed Forces, will present a detailed report to the public for March – data that may be made public.”
Watch: Russia launch overnight drone attack on Ukraine, reportedly damaging hospital
15:30 , Rebecca WhittakerRussia launched a 'massive' missile and drone strike
15:00 , Rebecca WhittakerRussia launched a "massive" missile and drone strike on Friday near the Ukrainian capital, killing one person and injuring eight, regional authorities reported.
"The Kyiv region is once again under a massive Russian missile and drone attack," said Mykola Kalashnyk, head of the regional military administration, in a Telegram post on Friday morning.
According to Kalashnyk, one person died and at least eight more suffered injuries as a result of strikes on three of Kyiv's satellite towns — Bucha, Fastiv and Obukhiv.
Insurers to appeal billion-dollar ruling on jets stranded in Russia after Ukraine invasion
14:30 , Rebecca Whittaker Insurers to appeal billion-dollar ruling on jets stranded in Russia
Poland scrambles military jets due to Russian strikes on Ukraine
14:00 , Namita SinghPoland has scrambled fighter jets due to Russian air strikes on Ukraine, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said this morning.
"Duty fighter jets have been scrambled, and ground-based air defence systems as well as radar reconnaissance have reached a state of maximum readiness," the army said on X.
Watch: Ukraine and Bulgaria working on gas corridor, says Zelensky
13:30 , Rebecca WhittakerZelensky says frontline situation best for Ukraine in the last 10 months
13:00 , Namita SinghPresident Volodymyr Zelensky said the frontline situation for Ukraine was the best in 10 months, adding that Kyiv's troops had foiled a Russian offensive last month.
"The offensive they were planning for March was thwarted by the actions of our armed forces. That is why the Russians will now simply step up their assault operations," Zelensky said, in remarks released by his office this morning.
The Ukrainian leader said that he invited US negotiators to visit Kyiv during an online meeting earlier this week and had heard "positive signals" in response to his proposal.
"Overall, the front line is holding ... The situation is complex, but the best it has been in the last 10 months," he said, citing data from the Ukrainian and British intelligence.
Recap: Russia made no frontline gains in Ukraine during March
12:30 , Rebecca Whittaker- Russia made no frontline gains in Ukraine during March, marking the first time in two and a half years, with Ukrainian forces recapturing 9 square kilometres.
- The slowdown in Russian advances is attributed to Ukrainian counteroffensives and communication issues, including Russia's ban on Starlink terminals and attempts to restrict Telegram.
- Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Donald Trump's threat to withdraw from NATO, citing a lack of support for his war in Iran, appears to be 'Putin's dream plan'.
- Trump indicated he was 'seriously considering' Washington's withdrawal from the military alliance, claiming members 'were not there for us' during his conflict in Iran.
- Ukraine's military has refuted Russia's assertion of having taken complete control of the eastern Luhansk region, reporting no significant changes on the battlefield.
Poland says its airspace was not violated during Russian strikes on Ukraine
12:00 , Namita SinghMilitary aviation operations in Polish airspace linked to Russian strikes on Ukraine have ended and no violations of Polish airspace were recorded, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said today.
"Activated ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have returned to standard operational activities," the army wrote on X. "We inform that no violation of the airspace of the Republic of Poland was observed."
Sweden seizes sanctioned oil tanker suspected of being source of spill
11:30 , Namita SinghThe Swedish Coast Guard said this morning it had seized an oil tanker in the Baltic Sea that is believed to be part of the Russian shadow fleet and suspected to be the source of a 12km oil spill off the island of Gotland.
The Swedish Coast Guard has stepped up efforts to stop vessels connected with Russia in recent months. The tanker, Flora 1, was seized off Sweden's southern coast, it said.
Flora 1 had embarked from Russian port Primorsk, with an unclear destination, according to MarineTraffic data.
The oil spill is not expected to reach shore, the Coast Guard said.It said it had started an investigation regarding a suspected environmental crime. It said it understood the vessel was on the EU sanctions list, adding that its flag status was unclear.
"The Russian shadow fleet, consisting of older, poorly insured tankers that evade sanctions, poses a significant security and environmental threat," Swedish minister for civil defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin said on X, naming the Flora 1 in his comments.
"The government is taking the incident seriously, even though this time it is not a major oil spill."
European nations have increased efforts to disrupt the so-called shadow fleet of tankers used by Moscow to fund its four-year war against Ukraine. Russia has condemned such moves as hostile.
Frontline situation best for Ukraine in the last 10 months, says Zelensky
11:24 , Rebecca WhittakerPresident Volodymyr Zelensky said the frontline situation for Ukraine was the best in 10 months, adding that Kyiv's troops had foiled a Russian offensive last month.
"The offensive they were planning for March was thwarted by the actions of our armed forces. That is why the Russians will now simply step up their assault operations," he said.
The Ukrainian leader said that he invited US negotiators to visit Kyiv during an online meeting earlier this week and had heard "positive signals" in response to his proposal.
"Overall, the front line is holding ... The situation is complex, but the best it has been in the last 10 months," he said, citing data from the Ukrainian and British intelligence.
Kremlin says Ukraine must withdraw from Donbas
11:15 , Namita SinghKremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said today that Ukraine must withdraw its troops from areas of Donbas that it still controlled and that this would allow a settlement.
Ukraine says it struck Russian oil refinery in Ufa
11:13 , Namita SinghUkraine's military said today it struck Russia's Bashneft-Novoil oil refinery over 1,400km from the Ukrainian border.
The attack sparked a fire, the general staff said on the Telegram app.
North Korean leader Kim visits Memorial Museum of Combat Feats, KCNA says
11:00 , Namita SinghNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un gave field guidance at the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats at the Overseas Military Operations, state media KCNA said, a place to commemorate the death of the fallen soldiers sent to support the Russian army in the war in Ukraine.
The construction of the museum is almost complete and Kim said the opening ceremony will be held in mid-April, marking the first anniversary of the deployment of the North Korean soldiers.
Zelensky says frontline situation best for Ukraine in the last 10 months
10:30 , Namita SinghPresident Volodymyr Zelensky said the frontline situation for Ukraine was the best in 10 months, adding that Kyiv's troops had foiled a Russian offensive last month.
"The offensive they were planning for March was thwarted by the actions of our armed forces. That is why the Russians will now simply step up their assault operations," Zelensky said, in remarks released by his office this morning.
The Ukrainian leader said that he invited US negotiators to visit Kyiv during an online meeting earlier this week and had heard "positive signals" in response to his proposal.
"Overall, the front line is holding ... The situation is complex, but the best it has been in the last 10 months," he said, citing data from the Ukrainian and British intelligence.
Russia offers huge payments to students to join its drone forces in Ukraine
10:00 , Namita SinghStudents across Russia are reportedly being offered significant financial incentives to join drone units fighting in Ukraine, serving as both operators and engineers.
This recruitment drive is further evidenced by documents indicating that companies in Russia's central Ryazan region have been given quotas to enlist workers for the army.
This intensified effort to replenish military ranks comes as Russian forces continue to make battlefield gains in Ukraine, now in the fifth year of the conflict, and as US-brokered peace talks remain on hold due to the Iran war.
The move suggests Moscow is diversifying its recruitment strategies, though the Kremlin has stated that a general mobilisation is not on the agenda.
Poland scrambles military jets due to Russian strikes on Ukraine
09:36 , Namita SinghPoland has scrambled fighter jets due to Russian air strikes on Ukraine, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said this morning.
"Duty fighter jets have been scrambled, and ground-based air defence systems as well as radar reconnaissance have reached a state of maximum readiness," the army said on X.
Six Ukrainian children to be reunited with families as US confirms return effort
09:00 , Namita SinghSix Ukrainian children are set to be returned from Russia to their families, the White House said on 2 April, crediting efforts by first lady Melania Trump.
A further child is expected to be reunited with their family later this month, according to a statement from her office.
Ukraine has said that nearly 20,000 children have been taken to Russia and Belarus, where some have undergone military training and been compelled to fight against Ukrainian forces.
The first lady had previously written to Russian president Vladimir Putin in August 2025 addressing the situation of children separated from their families during the war. The White House said this marked the fourth occasion on which the first lady had helped secure such returns.
“Reunifying children with their loved ones in this region of the world remains one of the most important global issues today. I am encouraged that both sides remain committed to ongoing cooperation, raising the safety and well-being of children above this abhorrent war,” the statement said.
Train derails in Russia, injuring seven people
08:30 , Namita SinghSeven people were injured when a passenger train carrying 412 people derailed in Russia's Ulyanovsk region some 900km from Moscow, Russian officials said this morning.
It was not immediately clear why the train derailed.
Russia conducting large rolling aerial attack on Ukraine, Kyiv says
07:52 , Namita SinghRussia is conducting a large rolling aerial attack on Ukraine since Thursday evening, Ukraine's air force said today, adding that a large quantity of enemy drones were currently in Ukrainian airspace.
Air force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said on state television that Russia had launched over 400 long-range drones in the past 24 hours, as well as ten ballistic missiles which had primarily targeted areas near the frontline.
Zelensky offers Ukraine’s maritime expertise with Strait of Hormuz
07:00 , Namita SinghPresident Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday offered to provide Ukraine's expertise in dealing with freedom of navigation in the Black Sea to countries considering how to keep the Strait of Hormuz open amid conflict in the Middle East.
Mr Zelensky, speaking in his nightly video address, said foreign minister Andrii Sybiha had taken part in a virtual meeting devoted to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, attended by about 40 countries.
"Ukraine has relevant expertise concerning sea waterways, concerning the defence and reopening of maritime traffic," he said.
"If (our) partners are ready to act we will consider how we can strengthen them, how we can apply our expertise, knowledge and technological potential."Mr Zelensky offered no further details.
Ukrainian forces have developed technology, including sea drones, that has enabled them during four years of war to score notable successes over Russian ships in the Black Sea and kept Moscow from controlling the waterway.
The president embarked last week on a tour of Middle Eastern countries as part of a drive to provide them with defence technology it has developed in four years of countering drones, many of them designed in Iran.
He said he was expecting a report on progress in the issue today from Rutstem Umerov, Ukraine's top negotiator in talks on reaching a settlement to the war.
On Wednesday, Mr Zelensky said that Ukraine was already cooperating with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan, and was also in contact with Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq. The government team was also in talks on potential agreements with Turkey and other countries.
Russian territorial gains stall in Ukraine for first time in 30 months
06:00 , Namita SinghRussian territorial gains stalled for the first time in last two and a half years as Vladimir Putin’s army recorded no territorial gain on the front line.
According to AFP analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War, Ukrainian forces recaptured 9sqkm last month as Moscow forces slowed down in the frontline gains.
The figure, however, excludes infiltration operations by Russia beyond the frontline.
Moscow has neither confirmed or denied the ISW data.
In pictures: Ukraine's second largest city under day-long drone strikes
05:00 , Namita Singh Russian forces maintain day-long drone barrage of Ukraine's Kharkiv
03:53 , Namita SinghRussian forces maintained a day-long barrage of drone strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, on Thursday, injuring at least two people, local officials said.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov posted reports on Telegram throughout the day and well into the evening, noting strikes in four city districts. One city official said there had been at least 20 impacts from drones.
Public broadcaster Suspilne reported new explosions in the city after 2am.Mr Terekhov said some of the strikes triggered fires and two people were injured in an evening attack, including an eight-year-old girl.
Reuters Television footage showed firefighters spraying water on a smouldering residence struck by a drone. Parts of the facade were badly damaged and furniture and fixtures in apartments were smashed.
Further south, in the city of Zaporizhzhia, regional governor Ivan Fedorov said a Russian attack damaged a high-rise apartment building and a local business. No injuries were reported.
Over the border in Russia's Belgorod Region, regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said 13 people were injured in a series of drone attacks, 11 of them in the village of Shebekino, just inside the border.
In Moscow, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on Telegram that air defence units had downed a Ukrainian drone which was heading for the capital well after midnight. Two other drones had been intercepted on Thursday.
Russia warns citizens against travelling to dozens of countries
03:00 , Harriette BoucherRussia has issued a stark travel warning to its citizens, advising them to avoid countries with extradition treaties with the United States, citing an increase in "Washington's punitive justice" since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
In a travel advisory, the Foreign Ministry cautioned that Russians risk lengthy prison sentences if handed over to the US.
It highlighted concerns that "with numerous extraterritorial sanctions targeting strategic segments of the domestic economy, many Russians, without even realising it, risk finding themselves in the crosshairs of American law enforcement and intelligence agencies."
The ministry also alleged, without providing evidence or specific examples, that "US intelligence agencies often engage in fraudulent schemes to lure Russian citizens abroad with lucrative commercial or tourist offers," leading to immediate detention upon arrival in a third country.
This advisory is specifically aimed at Russians who "have reasonable grounds to believe they may be subject to criminal prosecution by US authorities" or those appearing on US sanctions lists.
Russia warns citizens against travelling to dozens of countries
Ukraine already preparing for next winter, says Zelensky
02:00 , Harriette BoucherUkraine is already preparing for next winter and working to protect 245 facilities across the country from Russia.
In a post on social media, Volodymyr Zelensky said: “Resilience plans have been approved across the country for every region. Road repairs are also underway after the winter. It is important – at the community level, at the level of regional authorities – not to lose time.
“Every important facility must be protected. There are clear tasks for the regions and major cities regarding alternative generation and the restoration of facilities. Government officials have now ensured the necessary resources and decisions to add cogeneration units to the system.”
Ukraine suffered its coldest winter in more than a decade this year, as Russia launched relentless attacks on its energy system and left Ukrainians without power for much of the winter months.
Russia suffered attacks on five strategic plants in March, Ukraine says
01:00 , Harriette BoucherUkraine hit five strategic plants and 10 oil refining facilities in March, its ministry of defence has said.
In an update of Thursday, it said Ukraine had carried out a series of large-scale strikes against Russia’s defence industry infrastructure, which spanned from occupied Crimea and the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts to deep rear regions of Russia, including Leningrad Oblast.
“Each such strike on russia was part of a systematic effort to dismantle the enemy’s war machine.”
Customers officer suspected of killing enlistment officer in Ukraine
Friday 3 April 2026 00:00 , Harriette BoucherA customers officer in Lviv has been detained on suspicion of murdering an enlistment officer who was fatally stabbed in the neck during a document check on Thursday.
It comes amid growing tension over mobilisation efforts in Ukraine.
The defence ministry said: “Today, Ukraine relies on the military, which in different regions and in different positions, including non-combat, ensure the defence of the state.
“Anyone who kills a soldier - at the front or in the rear - acts against Ukraine. The murderer will face inevitable punishment. This is the only acceptable position.
“The mobilisation system needs changes, and they will be implemented in the near future. But no problem in the system can justify the murder.Condolences to the family. A bright memory to the deceased.”
Zelensky offers Ukraine's maritime expertise with Strait of Hormuz
Thursday 2 April 2026 23:00 , Harriette BoucherPresident Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday offered to provide Ukraine's expertise in dealing with freedom of navigation in the Black Sea to countries considering how to keep the Strait of Hormuz open amid conflict in the Middle East.
Zelensky, speaking in his nightly video address, said foreign minister Andrii Sybiha had taken part in a virtual meeting devoted to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, attended by about 40 countries.
"Ukraine has relevant expertise concerning sea waterways, concerning the defence and reopening of maritime traffic," he said.
"If (our) partners are ready to act we will consider how we can strengthen them, how we can apply our expertise, knowledge and technological potential."
Zelensky offered no further details.
Ukrainian forces have developed technology, including sea drones, that has enabled them during four years of war to score notable successes over Russian ships in the Black Sea and kept Moscow from controlling the waterway.
The president embarked last week on a tour of Middle Eastern countries as part of a drive to provide them with defence technology it has developed in four years of countering drones, many of them designed in Iran.
He said he was expecting a report on progress in the issue on Friday from Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's top negotiator in talks on reaching a settlement to the war.
On Wednesday, Zelensky said that Ukraine was already cooperating with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan, and was also in contact with Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq. The government team was also in talks on potential agreements with Turkey and other countries.
Trump's threat to leave Nato is Putin's 'dream plan'
Thursday 2 April 2026 22:00 , Harriette BoucherThe threat of Nato’s break-up alongside the energy crisis is Europe “looks like Putin’s dream plan”, the Polish prime minister has stated.
Donald Tusk, who was previously president of the European Council, wrote on social media: “The threat of NATO’s break-up, easing sanctions on Russia, a massive energy crisis in Europe, halting aid for Ukraine and blocking the loan for Kyiv by Orbán - it all looks like Putin’s dream plan.”
It comes after Donald Trump said he was seriously considering withdrawing the US from Nato.
Ukraine asks Olympics committee to examine 'neutral' status of Russian athletes
Thursday 2 April 2026 07:35 , Arpan RaiSports authorities in Ukraine asked the International Olympic Committee to examine the "neutral" status of Russian athletes they accused of having links to the military or competing in events that violated Olympic sanctions.
The IOC allowed a limited number of athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2026 Milan Winter Games with no flags or anthems, subject to vetting.
This included stipulations that athletes not be linked to the military or have supported Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
An appeal signed by Ukrainian sports minister Matvii Bidny and National Olympic Committee head Vadym Guttsait said they had compiled evidence that some athletes had flouted recommendations established by the IOC in 2023 – more than a year after Russia's full-scale invasion.
The appeal cited in particular "systematic violations" in sports climbing and its governing federation, the IFSC.
"The Ukrainian side has provided evidence of direct links between a number of athletes and the military structures of the aggressor state," the statement said.
It cited several athletes the officials alleged had links with the military, supported the invasion or had trained in Crimea, seized and annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014.
It also said an international competition was held in Moscow last November under the auspices of the CISM (International Military Sports Council) in violation of IOC rules.
"This confirms the involvement of Russian military structures in the international sports movement with the aim of legitimising Russia's aggressive policy," the appeal said.
"The Ukrainian side calls on the leadership of the IOC and the IFSC to conduct a comprehensive review of these facts and to suspend the individuals in question from international competitions.”