April 2021 - Ukraine Special Weapons News

With FBI Searches Targeting Trump Lawyer Giuliani, Ukraine Slips Back Into U.S. Politics RFE/RL 30 Apr 2021 -- When FBI agents knocked on the door of Rudy Giuliani's Manhattan apartment just after dawn on April 28, they brought with them search warrants to seize computers and devices like cell phones from the former U.S. attorney and personal lawyer to former President Donald Trump.
US Sees Russia's Forces Withdrawal From Ukraine Border as Constructive Step, White House Says Sputnik 30 Apr 2021 -- The United States considers Russia's withdrawal of troops from the Ukraine border as a constructive step, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Friday.
Blinken Heads to Ukraine After Russia Sends 150K Troops to Border VOA 30 Apr 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to Ukraine next week as Washington coordinates closely with Kyiv over Russia's recent military buildup along Ukraine border.
Blinken To Visit Ukraine Amid Russia's 'Ongoing Aggression' RFE/RL 30 Apr 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Ukraine next week to reiterate Washington's support for the country amid Russia's "aggression" and to push for further reforms in the former Soviet republic.
EU, U.S. Criticize Sacking Of Ukraine's Naftogaz CEO RFE/RL 30 Apr 2021 -- Kyiv's Western backers have raised deep concerns over the Ukrainian government's unexpected decision to replace the head of state-owned oil and gas company Naftogaz.
No Agreement Reached On Easter Truce In Ukraine RFE/RL 29 Apr 2021 -- Negotiators in the conflict in eastern Ukraine have failed to agree a truce ahead of Orthodox Easter later this week amid a surge in fighting since the start of the year.
Zelenskiy Warns That Russian Troops Can Return At 'Any Moment' RFE/RL 27 Apr 2021 -- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged the Ukrainian military to remain on alert despite Russia's drawdown of its troops from the country's borders, saying they could return "at any moment."
Ukrainian Security Service Says It Prevented Cyberattack Ordered By Moscow RFE/RL 27 Apr 2021 -- Ukraine's SBU security service says it has arrested a local resident suspected of planning a Russian-ordered cyberattack on Ukrainian state institutions.
Kyiv Expels Russian Consul in Odesa In Latest Tit-For-Tat Move RFE/RL 27 Apr 2021 -- Ukraine has declared the Russian consul in the Black Sea port city of Odesa as 'persona non grata' after a second Ukrainian diplomat was kicked out of Russia in an ongoing diplomatic spat between the two countries.
Zelenskiy In Chernobyl Exclusion Zone To Mark 35th Anniversary Of Disaster RFE/RL 26 Apr 2021 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on the international community to work together to prevent a repeat of the Chernobyl disaster on the 35th anniversary of what is considered the worst nuclear disaster in history.
'Disasters know no borders' says Guterres, 35 years on from Chernobyl nuclear accident UN News 26 Apr 2021 -- In his message for Chernobyl International Remembrance Day on Monday, the UN chief reminded that "disasters know no borders".
US Keeping Wary Eye on Russian Troops Near Ukraine VOA 26 Apr 2021 -- U.S. officials are not yet convinced Russia is making good on its word to de-escalate in Crimea and along its border with Ukraine following a weekslong military buildup, insisting it is "too soon to tell."
Ukrainian Spy Who Tried to Obtain S-300 Parts Sentenced to 10 Years in Russian Prison Sputnik 26 Apr 2021 -- Ukraine itself still uses several dozen S-300 systems although the models are older than those utilised by Russia. It is unclear, however, why the spy was trying to obtain the parts and if they were for newer versions of the air defence system.
Ukraine receives second batch of COVID-19 vaccine from COVAX People's Daily 24 Apr 2021 -- The second batch of COVID-19 vaccines, namely 367,200 doses from AstraZeneca, arrived in Ukraine on Friday as part of the global COVAX initiative, the press service of Ukrainian Health Ministry said on Friday.
US, West Wary of Russian Claims That Military Buildup Near Ukraine Is Over VOA 23 Apr 2021 -- Claims that Russian troops are beginning to pull back from positions in Crimea and along the Russian border with Ukraine are being met with caution in the West, where officials are demanding that Moscow be more transparent and refrain from additional saber-rattling.
UN Delivers Humanitarian Aid to Separatist-controlled Parts of Ukraine VOA 23 Apr 2021 -- U.N. agencies have delivered 23 tons of hygiene items to civilians in the rebel-controlled part of eastern Ukraine, the United Nations said Friday.
UN-led aid convoy brings 23 tonnes of humanitarian goods across contact line in east Ukraine UN News 23 Apr 2021 -- Twenty-three tonnes of urgently needed aid items have reached the eastern Ukrainian province around Donetsk, after a humanitarian convoy crossed the contact line into non-Government-controlled territory, the UN said on Friday.
Russia Announces Start Of Troop Pullback From Occupied Crimea RFE/RL 23 Apr 2021 -- Russia says it has started moving troops from the annexed Ukrainian region of Crimea to their permanent bases following a major buildup around the areas of eastern Ukraine that had raised concerns in Kyiv and the West.
Putin willing to discuss bilateral ties with Ukraine president in Moscow 'any time' Press TV 23 Apr 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to invite his Ukrainian counterpart to discuss bilateral ties amid a military escalation between the two sides near Ukraine's southern borders and the Crimean Peninsula.
Ukraine's President Says Russian Troop Pullback Eases Tensions VOA 22 Apr 2021 -- Ukraine's president said Thursday that Russia's troop reduction near the Ukraine border was reducing tensions between the countries but cautioned his country must remain alert.
Russia Orders Troops Back To Permanent Bases After Drills In Annexed Crimea RFE/RL 22 Apr 2021 -- Moscow says it has ordered its troops to start returning to their permanent bases following extensive military drills in southern Russia and in and around the occupied Ukrainian region of Crimea, which Moscow annexed in March 2014.
U.S. Senate Committee Advances Bill To Increase Military Support To Ukraine RFE/RL 22 Apr 2021 -- The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee has unanimously advanced a bill to deliver military assistance to Ukraine, including lethal weapons, to help the Eastern European country counter Russian aggression.
Ukraine, Britain agree to expand military cooperation People's Daily 22 Apr 2021 -- Ukraine and Britain have reached an agreement on expanding the Orbital training mission and working on strengthening the Ukrainian Navy, Ukrainian news outlet Ukrayinska Pravda reported on Wednesday.
UK response to Ambassadors Çevik and Grau UK FCDO 22 Apr 2021 -- Ambassador Neil Bush responds to Ambassador Heidi Grau and Ambassador Yaşar Halit Çevik at the OSCE Permanent Council.
Ukraine urges West to act to deter potential Russian military action Press TV 22 Apr 2021 -- The Ukrainian foreign minister has called on Kiev's Western allies to consider imposing a new round of sanctions on Moscow to deter potential Russian military action against his country.
NATO on End of Military Drills in Southern Russia: Steps Towards De-Escalation Important Sputnik 22 Apr 2021 -- NATO believes that "any steps" towards de-escalation are important, a NATO official said on Thursday, when commenting on the Russian Defence Ministry's announcement on the conclusion of military drills in the country's south.
Russia starts major military drills in Crimean Peninsula as Ukraine tensions mount Press TV 22 Apr 2021 -- Russia has launched major military exercises in the Crimean Peninsula under the personal supervision of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu near the southern borders of Ukraine amid exacerbating tensions between Moscow and Kiev.
FSB Says Detained Russian National for Leaking Sensitive Military Data to Ukraine Sputnik 22 Apr 2021 -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Thursday the detention of a Russian citizen in the city of Sevastopol on suspicion of leaking information about the activities of the Black Sea Fleet to Ukraine.
Russian Arrested In Crimea Accused Of Spying For Ukraine RFE/RL 22 Apr 2021 -- A Russian national suspected of spying for Ukraine has been arrested in the Russian-occupied region of Crimea.
Czechs Round Up Suspects Allegedly Planning To Join Russia-Backed Fighting In Ukraine RFE/RL 21 Apr 2021 -- The Czech national unit to combat organized crime has detained at least five Czechs suspected of planning to travel to eastern Ukraine to fight alongside Russia-backed separatists against a backdrop of rising tensions between Prague and Moscow.
Russian defense chief concerned about NATO "provocation" in Black Sea People's Daily 21 Apr 2021 -- The United States and other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) continue "provocative activities" in the airspace and waters of the Black Sea, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Tuesday.
Russia restricts flights over Black Sea, Crimea, as Ukraine tensions mount Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- Russia has restricted civilian flights over the Black Sea and the Crimean Peninsula, amid rising tensions with Ukraine and its Western supporters.
Russia accuses US, NATO of 'provocative activities' in Black Sea Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- Russia has accused the United States and NATO of "provocative activities" in the waters and the airspace of the strategic Black Sea.
Ukraine Calls For 'Painful' Sanctions On Russia In Response To Military Buildup RFE/RL 20 Apr 2021 -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has called for a new round of economic sanctions on Moscow to make it clear that there will be "dire consequences" if it continues its buildup of Russian troops near the border with Ukraine and in Crimea.
EU: Russian Troop Buildup Along Ukraine, Crimea Highest Ever VOA 19 Apr 2021 -- The European Union says roughly 150,000 Russian troops are massed along the border of Ukraine and in Crimea — calling it the highest such military deployment.
Ukraine Tensions Reignite Russian-Turkish Battle over Waterway VOA 19 Apr 2021 -- Russia is continuing to build up its naval presence in the Black Sea, and The Sunday Times newspaper, quoting British naval sources, said Britain is also deploying two warships to beef up NATO's presence, as tensions over Ukraine escalate.
Ukraine, France, Germany, And Russia Meet To Discuss Leaders Summit RFE/RL 19 Apr 2021 -- Top advisers to the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany will hold consultations on April 19 to chart a path for a possible summit aimed at easing tensions in eastern Ukraine.
Russia's Intention to Restrict Navigation in parts of the Black Sea US Dept. of State 19 Apr 2021 -- The United States expresses its deep concern over Russia's plans to block foreign naval ships and state vessels in parts of the Black Sea, including near occupied Crimea and the Kerch Strait.
Bigger Than 2014: US Calls Out Russian Military Buildup Along Ukraine Border VOA 19 Apr 2021 -- The United States renewed concerns about Russian military maneuvers along its border with Ukraine, charging that Moscow has now massed more troops in the area than when it invaded and seized Crimea seven years ago.
A Czech Explosion, Russian Agents, A Bulgarian Arms Dealer: The Recipe For A Major Spy Scandal In Central Europe RFE/RL 18 Apr 2021 -- The explosion was massive, blowing out windows of houses kilometers away, leaving a smoldering crater in the eastern Czech forest, not far from the border with Slovakia.
Ukraine tried to politicize 2020 plane crash amid tensions with Russia, says Iran official Press TV 18 Apr 2021 -- An informed official close to Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) says Ukraine has tried to politicize the January 2020 accidental downing of its passenger plane near Tehran in an attempt to mount pressure on Russia amid tensions between the two neighbors.
UK warships to sail for Black Sea in May as Ukraine-Russia tensions rise: Sunday Times Press TV 18 Apr 2021 -- The UK's Navy warships will sail for the Black Sea next month amid rising tensions between Ukrainian and Russian forces, the Sunday Times newspaper reported, citing senior naval sources.
UK Warships to Sail for Black Sea in May to 'Show Solidarity' With Kiev, NATO Allies - Report Sputnik 18 Apr 2021 -- Warships from the UK Royal Navy will sail for the Black Sea in May in solidarity with Kiev amid an escalation in the Ukraine crisis, The Sunday Times reports.
Ukrainian National Gets 10-Year Sentence In U.S. Hacking Case RFE/RL 17 Apr 2021 -- Ukrainian national Fedir Hladyr has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in the United States after pleading guilty to participating in the FIN7 hacking group.
Russia summons Ukraine's envoy over 'unlawful activity' of consul Press TV 17 Apr 2021 -- Russia has summoned Ukraine's chargé d'affaires to inform the diplomat about of the expulsion by April 22 of a Ukrainian consul detained on the grounds that he 'obtained classified data' from the databases of Russian law-enforcement agencies and the Federal Security Service (FSB).
Russian Military Buildup Raises Tensions, Increases Risk Of Broader Conflict Over Ukraine RFE/RL 17 Apr 2021 -- The pieces for a major surge of fighting in the Donbas continue to fall into place, highlighting an escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine that could potentially play out on the battlefield.
Russia Expels Ukrainian Diplomat; Ukraine Responds In Kind RFE/RL 17 Apr 2021 -- Russia has announced that it has expelled a Ukrainian consul in St. Petersburg, Oleksandr Sosoniuk, after detaining the diplomat on suspicion of trying to obtain classified information.
Iran strongly rejects Ukraine position on 2020 plane crash ISNA 17 Apr 2021 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman categorically rejected remarks by the secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine who, in an interview with Canadian media, claimed the 2020 Ukrainian plane crash in Iran was a deliberate act.
Ukrainian Consul Detained in St. Petersburg Trying to Obtain Classified Data Sputnik 17 Apr 2021 -- A Ukrainian consul was caught red-handed in St. Petersburg while trying to obtain classified information from a Russian citizen, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Saturday.
US, NATO Slam Russian Plan to Block Parts of Black Sea VOA 16 Apr 2021 -- The United States and NATO accused Russia of again ramping up tensions, criticizing Moscow's plans to limit access to the Black Sea and the Kerch Strait for most of the next six months due to military exercises.
NATO Urges Russia to Allow Access to Ukrainian Ports on Sea of Azov Sputnik 16 Apr 2021 -- NATO is concerned about Russia's plans to restrict access to a number of areas of the Black Sea, calls for free access to Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov, as well as freedom of navigation, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said on Friday.
Russia urges leaders of France, Germany to help ease Ukraine tensions Press TV 16 Apr 2021 -- Russia has urged the leaders of France and Germany to help stop Ukraine's "provocative" actions in the restive east of the country and to encourage Kiev to observe ceasefire agreements in its long-running conflict with ethnic Russians there.
Ukraine To Consult With France, Germany On Russian Military Buildup RFE/RL 16 Apr 2021 -- French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel were to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on April 16 in a show of support for Kyiv amid concerns about a buildup of Russian troops along the border with Ukraine and in occupied Crimea.
Iran dismisses Ukraine official's claims on 2020 passenger jet tragedy Press TV 16 Apr 2021 -- Iran has dismissed a claim by Ukraine's security chief that the January 2020 downing of a Ukrainian plane near Tehran — which happened amid heightened military tensions between Iran and the US — was "intentional."
Treasury Sanctions Russian Persons in the Crimea Region of Ukraine US Treasury 15 Apr 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated five individuals and three entities related to Russia's occupation of the Crimea region of Ukraine and its severe human rights abuses against the local population.
US General Sees 'Low to Medium' Risk of Russian Move on Ukraine VOA 15 Apr 2021 -- The U.S. military commander keeping close watch on Russia's massing of military forces in Crimea and along the border of Ukraine says there is only a "low to medium" likelihood that Moscow's forces will invade.
Ukraine Wants NATO's Action to Match Words on Russia VOA 15 Apr 2021 -- Brussels has been the focus this week of a full court diplomatic offensive by U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken who arrived earlier this week and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin who landed in Belgium Wednesday for his first in-person meeting since the coronavirus pandemic began with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
Russia stresses solution to Ukraine crisis should be peaceful Press TV 15 Apr 2021 -- Russia has stressed that the crisis in Ukraine should be resolved peacefully, as the United States and other NATO countries deploy military personnel and equipment to the country, where government forces are fighting ethnic Russians in the east.
Kyiv Extends COVID Lockdown Till End Of April RFE/RL 14 Apr 2021 -- The Ukrainian capital Kyiv will remain on lockdown until April 30 as the daily number of new coronavirus cases and coronavirus-related deaths continues to climb.
Biden calls on Russia to de-escalate on Ukraine in call with Putin People's Daily 14 Apr 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday called on Russia to de-escalate its tensions with Ukraine in his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the White House said.
Germany Says Russia Seeking To 'Provoke' With Troop Buildup At Ukraine's Border RFE/RL 14 Apr 2021 -- Germany has accused Russia of seeking provocation with its troop buildup in the occupied Crimean Peninsula and along the border with Ukraine, while rejecting Moscow's claim that it was responding to threats from NATO.
US Committed to 'Assisting Ukraine With Its Self-Defense Needs', Pentagon Chief Says Sputnik 14 Apr 2021 -- The United States is committed to assisting Ukraine with its defense needs, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday.
Kyiv Urged To Bring Home Ukrainian Women, Children Detained In Syria RFE/RL 13 Apr 2021 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) is urging Kyiv to repatriate dozens of Ukrainian women and children it says are being held in "horrific" conditions in Syrian camps.
NATO-Ukraine Commission addresses security situation in and around Ukraine NATO 13 Apr 2021 -- The NATO-Ukraine Commission met at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday (13 April 2021) to address the security situation in and around Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba briefed Allies on the latest developments in the region.
Joint press point by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba NATO 13 Apr 2021
US has 'unwavering' commitment to Ukraine: Biden Press TV 13 Apr 2021 -- US President Joe Biden has raised concerns with his Russian counterpart about the military build-up in Ukraine where tensions are escalating.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2021
Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba US Dept. of State 13 Apr 2021
Russia says US, NATO turning Ukraine into 'powder keg' Press TV 13 Apr 2021 -- Russia says the United States and other NATO countries are deliberately turning Ukraine into a "powder keg" by increasing arms supplies to Kiev and inflaming tensions in the country's volatile east.
Russia warns Turkey, other states against fueling militarization in Ukraine Press TV 13 Apr 2021 -- Russia has warned Turkey against fueling the Ukrainian government's "never-ending militarization sentiments," amid speculation that Kiev may be planning to launch a new offensive against the Russian-speaking Donbass region in Ukraine.
Biden Warns Putin on Russian Troop Buildup Near Ukraine VOA 13 Apr 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden told Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call Tuesday that the United States is concerned about Moscow's "sudden … military buildup" along Ukraine's border and in occupied Crimea. He called on Russia to "deescalate tensions," the White House said in a summary of the conversation.
Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia The White House 13 Apr 2021
In Call With Putin, Biden Urges De-Escalation At Ukrainian Border, Proposes Summit RFE/RL 13 Apr 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has urged his Russian counterpart to take measures to ease mounting tensions with Ukraine and proposed a summit between the two leaders in a third country as Washington and NATO reaffirmed their support for Kyiv.
G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on the Situation Along Ukraine's Borders US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union.
Two Ukrainian soldiers killed in fresh clashes in troubled east amid rising Kiev-Moscow tensions Press TV 12 Apr 2021 -- Two Ukrainian soldiers have been killed during fresh clashes with pro-Russia forces in the restive eastern part of the country amid rising tensions between Kiev and Moscow over the latter's military build-up on the border.
Ukraine Says Russia Ignoring Calls For Dialogue Amid Rising Tensions RFE/RL 12 Apr 2021 -- Ukraine says it has requested talks with Russia to discuss escalating tensions in eastern Ukraine but has yet to receive an answer, prompting warnings from the West, including calls by Washington for Moscow to explain its actions at an upcoming security meeting.
What Russia Wants from Ukraine VOA 12 Apr 2021 -- Two US warships are expected to arrive in the Black Sea this week as a demonstration of the Biden administration's support for Ukraine as fears mount that Russian President Vladimir Putin is contemplating an assault on his neighbor.
U.S. Warns Of 'Consequences' If Russia 'Acts Recklessly' In Ukraine RFE/RL 11 Apr 2021 -- The United States has warned of "consequences" if Russia "acts recklessly or aggressively" toward Ukraine amid concerns over Moscow's troop buildup near Ukraine's borders.
Turkey's Erdogan vows 'all forms of support' to Ukraine amid tensions with Russia Press TV 11 Apr 2021 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said his country, a NATO member, is ready to provide "all forms of support" for Ukraine amid rising tensions between Moscow and Kiev over the long-running conflict in Donbass.
Erdogan Calls For End To 'Worrying' Developments In East Ukraine After Meeting Zelenskiy RFE/RL 10 Apr 2021 -- Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called for an end to what he described as "worrying" developments in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on April 10.
Russia warns of full-scale war in Ukraine's east amid tensions with Kiev Press TV 10 Apr 2021 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has warned of a full-scale war in eastern Ukraine amid heightened tensions with Kiev.
U.S. "increasingly concerned" by Russian military buildup along Ukraine border People's Daily 09 Apr 2021 -- The White House said on Thursday that the United States is "increasingly concerned" by Russian troop movements on its border with Ukraine, noting Russia now has more troops along the border than any time since 2014.
Kyiv's Western Backers Call On Russia To Calm Tensions In Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 09 Apr 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed with the French and German foreign ministers the need for Russia to stop its military buildup in the occupied Crimean Peninsula and near Ukraine's borders, its "provocations" in eastern Ukraine, and its "inflammatory rhetoric," according to the State Department.
The Week In Russia: The Sound Of Rattling Sabers RFE/RL 09 Apr 2021 -- Military movements and bellicose talk on state TV raise concerns about the Kremlin's intentions regarding Ukraine again, seven years after the seizure of Crimea and the start of a war in the Donbas. Meanwhile, the condition of Russia's most prominent prisoner, Aleksei Navalny, causes growing concern.
Russia sends warships to Black Sea amid US buildup in Ukraine Press TV 09 Apr 2021 -- Russia is sending more than 10 navy vessels, including landing boats and artillery warships, from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea to take part in naval drills near the country's borders with Ukraine, Interfax reports.
Russia Needs to Answer Questions Regarding Military Buildup Near Ukraine DoD News 09 Apr 2021 -- After numerous questions about a Russian buildup in Crimea and along the eastern border of Russia with Ukraine, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby finally got a bit exasperated and told Pentagon reporters that "these are great questions to put to [Defense Minister Sergey] Shoygu in Moscow."
US, Allies Question Moscow's Motives Near Ukraine VOA 09 Apr 2021 -- The United States is accusing Russia of hiding the true intent of its military buildup along the border with Ukraine following consultations with allies about heightening tensions in the region.
Putin accuses Ukraine of provocation, 'purposefully exacerbating' situation in Donbass Press TV 08 Apr 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says the Ukrainian government is "purposefully exacerbating" the situation in the southeastern parts of its own territory through provocative actions.
Top U.S. Official Calls On Ukraine To Crack Down On Oligarchs, Including Gas Billionaire RFE/RL 08 Apr 2021 -- A senior U.S. State Department official has said it is time for Ukraine to tackle corruption and weak institutions, including going after Dmytro Firtash, whose natural-gas holdings have made him one of the country's most notorious, and powerful, oligarchs.
Ukrainian President Visits Eastern Front As Tensions With Russia Rise RFE/RL 08 Apr 2021 -- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has visited the volatile eastern part of the country as rising tensions with Russia over the conflict moved closer to the boiling point.
Readout of Acting Under Secretary of Defense Amanda Dory's Participation in a Multinational Roundtable on Ukraine DoD 07 Apr 2021
The Guns Of April: Six Questions About The New Russia-Ukraine Tensions RFE/RL 07 Apr 2021 -- Train convoys of heavy Russian military equipment, seen on multiple videos on social media, reportedly shipping from Siberia to the border regions of Ukraine.
NATO Military Committee Chairman visits Ukraine NATO 07 Apr 2021 -- Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee and senior military advisor to the Secretary General paid a long-planned visit to Kyiv, Ukraine on 6-7 April 2021. Air Chief Marshal Peach met with the President of Ukraine, Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel-General Ruslan Khomchak.
NATO membership would exacerbate Ukraine's crisis, Russia warns Press TV 07 Apr 2021 -- Russia has warned that Ukraine's potential accession to the Western military alliance of NATO would exacerbate the ongoing conflict in the Russian-speaking east of the country.
Deputy FM's reaction to Ukraine's unconstructive remarks on plane crash ISNA 07 Apr 2021 -- Iran's deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Mohsen Baharvand reacted to remarks made by the Ukrainian foreign minister and his deputy regarding the tragic crash of the Ukrainian flight in Tehran.
U.S. Calling on Russia to Lower Tensions With Ukraine, DOD Official Says DoD News 06 Apr 2021 -- The United States is calling on Russia to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and not provoke or increase tensions, said the Pentagon press secretary.
US Won't Commit to NATO Membership for Ukraine VOA 06 Apr 2021 -- The United States reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity Tuesday but stopped short of publicly backing Kyiv's call for a quicker path to membership in NATO.
Western Public Support For Ukraine Mounts Amid Russian Buildup Near Border RFE/RL 06 Apr 2021 -- Western expressions of support for Ukraine are growing amid an uptick in violence and an increased Russian troop presence across the border that have heightened concerns of a widening conflict.
UK pledges to support Kiev in face of 'destabilizing' Russian actions Press TV 06 Apr 2021 -- In a telephone call with Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has affirmed his government's "unwavering support" for "Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity" in the face of alleged Russian military movements in the Crimea and on the Russia-Ukrainian border.
Russia holds emergency talks with US over Ukraine's Donbass region Press TV 06 Apr 2021 -- Russian and US diplomats have held unscheduled bilateral talks to discuss ways of averting any potential clashes in eastern Ukraine, where a military buildup has occurred.
Iran Charges 10 Officials Over 2020 Downing Of Ukrainian Airliner Near Tehran RFE/RL 06 Apr 2021 -- Iran says it has charged 10 officials over the crash of a Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) jet that was shot down last year, killing all 176 people on board.
Ukraine Assured Of EU's 'Unwavering' Support RFE/RL 05 Apr 2021 -- EU foreign-policy chief Josep Borrell has assured the Ukrainian government of "unwavering EU support" in the conflict with Russian-backed separatists in the east of the country.
Russia's military moves pose no threat to Ukraine, any other country: Moscow Press TV 05 Apr 2021 -- Russia says its military activities in the vicinity of the common border with Ukraine pose no threat whatsoever to Ukraine or any other country, stressing, however, that Moscow is always mindful of its own security.
Russia to Respond to Ukrainian Sanctions in Line With National Interests, Kremlin Says Sputnik 05 Apr 2021 -- Russia will respond to Ukraine's new sanctions in a manner that best suits the nation's interests, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
Ukraine approves China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine as cases hit new record high Press TV 03 Apr 2021 -- Ukraine has approved China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine to combat the persisting coronavirus pandemic, after the country saw a record rise in new cases of the contagious disease for the second day in a row.
Kremlin warns of escalation if more NATO troops deployed to Ukraine Press TV 02 Apr 2021 -- The Kremlin has warned NATO that any plan to deploy more troops to Ukraine to buttress its ally would further escalate tensions near Russia's borders.
US-led attempts to start new war in Donbass could destroy Ukraine: Russia Press TV 02 Apr 2021 -- Russia has warned that that any attempts spearheaded by the West to start a new military conflict in Ukraine's war-torn east would culminate in the destruction of Ukraine.
Biden Holds First Call With Ukrainian President Amid Concerns Over Russian Military Buildup RFE/RL 02 Apr 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart for the first time since taking office more than two months ago amid worrying reports of a Russian military buildup on the border with eastern Ukraine.
Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine The White House 02 Apr 2021
Ukraine to receive first batch of COVID-19 vaccines under COVAX People's Daily 01 Apr 2021 -- Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said that Ukraine will receive its first batch of COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX facility by April 15, Ukrinform news agency reported on Wednesday.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Andrii Taran DoD 01 Apr 2021
Top U.S. general speaks with Ukrainian, Russian counterparts amid tensions People's Daily 01 Apr 2021 -- Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke with his Ukrainian and Russian counterparts on Wednesday amid escalating tensions in eastern Ukraine.
New Russia Threat Amid Rising Tensions With Ukraine RFE/RL 01 Apr 2021 -- Amid allegations from Ukraine that Russia has been massing troops at their shared border, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that any attempts at a "new war" in eastern Ukraine would end up destroying that country.
EU Accuses Russia Of Launching 'Conscription Campaign' In Crimea RFE/RL 01 Apr 2021 -- The European Union has accused Moscow of launching a "conscription campaign" in the Russia-controlled Ukrainian region of Crimea, in a move that the bloc said violated international law.

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April 2021 - Ukraine Special Weapons News