The Kyiv Independent

2023-04-21 05:01:21 Russia fighter jet accidentally fires ammunition in Belgorod, injuring 2.

A Russian fighter-bomber jet accidentally fired its ammunition on the Russian city of Belgorod on April 20, injuring two women, Russian state-controlled media Tass reported, citing the Russian Defense Ministry. Open / Comment

2023-04-21 03:52:47 Lithuanian lawmakers impose softer restrictions on Belarusian citizens.

The Lithuanian parliament decided on April 20 to override President Gitanas Nauseda's bid to introduce the same restrictions for Russians and Belarusian nationals. Open / Comment

2023-04-21 02:20:56 Group of Republicans urge Biden to stop sending ‘unrestrained’ aid to Ukraine.

A minority group of 19 Republican lawmakers has urged the Biden administration to stop sending “unrestrained” aid and weapons to Ukraine amid the ongoing war. Open / Comment

2023-04-21 01:26:10 Air defense active in Kyiv Oblast.

Air defense is at work in Kyiv Oblast early on April 21, according to Kyiv Oblast Military Administration. Open / Comment

2023-04-21 01:10:19 Ukraine war latest: Stoltenberg declares ‘Ukraine’s rightful place’ in NATO, Zelensky demands to know timeframe and ‘concrete steps’

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on April 20 made his first wartime visit to Kyiv, where he met President Volodymyr Zelensky and reiterated that Ukraine’s future is with the alliance.

“Ukraine’s rightful place is in NATO,” Stoltenberg said at a joint press conference after talking with Zelensky about the war-torn country’s future membership in the alliance.

Photo: NATO press service Open / Comment

2023-04-21 00:07:47 Minister: Estonia to send Ukraine ammunition under EU program.

Estonia will send Ukraine 155 mm shells as part of the European Union's plan of delivering one million artillery rounds, Hanno Pevkur, the country's defense minister, said on April 20.

In addition, Estonia will supply night vision devices and 5.56 mm ammunition to the Ukrainian army, according to the official. He didn't specify how many rounds would be delivered. Open / Comment

2023-04-20 23:11:09 Media: Slovenia to join EU ammunition procurement program.

Slovenia's Defense Minister Marjan Sarec will sign an agreement with the European Defense Agency (EDA) on participating in a joint purchase of ammunition for Ukraine, RTV Slovenija reported on April 20. Open / Comment

2023-04-20 22:13:41 Kyiv Independent investigation into International Legion shortlisted for European Press Prize.

The Kyiv Independent's investigation into alleged leadership misconduct in the Ukrainian army's International Legion has been shortlisted for the European Press Prize in the Special Award: Ukraine Reporting category.

The European Press Prize, which "celebrates the highest achievements in European journalism," was founded in 2012 and is awarded on a yearly basis. The 2023 edition of the Prize selected 25 articles and projects among hundreds of submissions from 40 countries. Open / Comment

2023-04-20 21:08:04 Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia Oblast kills family.

Russian forces hit the village of Mala Tokmachka on April 20, killing a family of two, according to the regional administration.

A 54-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman were in their yard when a Russian projectile hit it, reads the report. Open / Comment

2023-04-20 20:29:15 Bloomberg: US, Ukraine allies weigh near-total ban on exports to Russia.

Several Ukraine's key partners, including the U.S., are considering an almost complete ban on exports to Russia over its war, Bloomberg reported on April 20, citing people familiar with the issue.

Ahead of a G7 summit in Japan, the group's officials are discussing an idea that would reverse the existing sanctions regime, with all exports banned unless exempted, the people said. Under the current system, all exports are allowed if they are not subject to sanctions. Open / Comment