War
Russia wants to launch a spring-summer offensive and capture Donbas by September — Main Intelligence Directorate
Russia wants to deploy a further 20,000 troops in Ukraine in order to prepare for a new spring-summer offensive in south-eastern Ukraine.
The Special Operations Forces struck a base belonging to the classified Russian ‘Rubicon’ UAV centre near Mariupol
On the night of 17 April, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces used drones to strike a logistics base belonging to the secret Russian unmanned systems centre ‘Rubicon’ in the occupied town of Mangush in the Donetsk region.
Romania has reported that a Russian drone may have crashed on its territory
The Romanian military detected an airspace violation during Russia’s night-time attack on Ukraine on 17 April. One of the drones disappeared from radar over an uninhabited area.
Trump has announced that a new round of talks with Iran could take place as early as this weekend
US President Donald Trump has stated that a second round of talks with Iran could take place as early as this weekend. He also expressed the view that the war could come to an end in the near future.
France and the UK will hold a summit on reopening the Strait of Hormuz without US participation
The leaders of France and the United Kingdom are organising an international meeting to discuss the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Dozens of countries will take part in the summit, though the United States will not be attending.
The US is postponing arms deliveries to some European countries due to the war with Iran
The United States has informed a number of European countries of possible delays in the delivery of weapons already contracted. This is due to the increasing strain on stocks caused by the war with Iran.
Russia is stepping up its attacks and preparing a new offensive in south-eastern Ukraine
Russian forces have launched one of the largest air strikes of the year and are simultaneously preparing a new ground offensive. This was stated by Vadym Skibitsky, a representative of Ukrainian intelligence.
Zelenskyy has stated that the US is paying less attention to Ukraine due to the war with Iran
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that, against the backdrop of the war with Iran, the US is paying less attention to Ukraine. At the same time, he highlighted Germany’s role as a key partner.
Putin could attack Europe as early as this spring
Experts believe that following the war against Ukraine, Russia could pose an even greater threat to Europe. The US stance on NATO is a particular cause for concern against the backdrop of a possible escalation.
Trump described Russia’s massive strike on Ukraine as horrific
US President Donald Trump has responded to the large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine on 16 April. He described the attack as horrific and said he would like to see the situation resolved, but that Washington is currently focused on Iran.
Russian strikes on regions of Ukraine have caused destruction and injured civilians
During the night and on the morning of 17 April, Russian forces attacked a number of Ukrainian regions. Damage to infrastructure, fires and civilian casualties have been reported.
Trump has announced a ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a ten-day ceasefire, which is due to begin on the evening of 16 April. This was announced by US President Donald Trump.
