Russia attacks Kharkiv, Ukraine retrieves 909 fallen soldiers, Trump threatens to exit peace talks - Friday brief
RBC-Ukraine collage
On the morning of April 18, Russian forces launched a ballistic missile strike on Kharkiv. That same day, Ukraine repatriated the bodies of 909 fallen soldiers. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States could withdraw from peace negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine if either side obstructs the process.
Read more about what happened on Friday, April 18.
Russia's massive attack on Kharkiv injured 98 people
Yesterday morning, April 18, Russian occupants fired ballistic missiles at Kharkiv.
They hit a residential area of the city in the Osnovianskyi district, causing a large number of civilians to suffer. According to the latest data, there are 114 victims, including nine children.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Russians attacked Kharkiv with Iskander cruise missiles.
Military exchange: Ukraine returns bodies of 909 fallen soldiers
Ukraine has returned the bodies of another 909 fallen soldiers on Friday, April 18. They had fought along eight frontline directions, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reports.
"Due to the repatriation efforts carried out, the bodies of 909 fallen defenders have been returned to Ukraine," the statement says.
Zelenskyy hits Chinese firms with sanctions
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies following reports of Chinese weapons being supplied to Russia, according to a presidential decree issued by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to the decree, the sanctions target:
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Beijing Aviation And Aerospace Xianghui Technology Co. Ltd. – A company engaged in importing and exporting aerospace-related products. It has supplied Russia with carbon fiber (used in the production of aircraft, drones, missiles, armor, and firearms components) and electronic components.
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Zhongfu Shenying Carbon Fiber Xining Co. Ltd. – One of China’s leading producers of high-performance carbon fiber.
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Rui Jin Machinery Co. Ltd. – A Chinese manufacturer of various packaging machines.
US may exit Ukraine talks: Trump names condition
The United States may halt its involvement in negotiations to end Russia's war against Ukraine if one of the parties obstructs peace, stated US President Donald Trump.
"Now if, for some reason, one of the two parties makes it very difficult. We're just going to say, 'You're foolish, you're fools, you're horrible people,' and we're going to just take a pass. But hopefully we won't have to do that. And Marco is right in saying it, we want to see it end," Trump stated.
He also added that many people are dying every day while "they play games." And the US is not going to take that.
At the same time, Trump said there is a "good chance" to resolve the issue, and he was not willing to talk about the US pulling out of the peace negotiations.
Russia and Ukraine may conduct Easter prisoner exchange: Details from media
Ukraine and the Russian Federation may carry out another prisoner exchange with the mediation of the United Arab Emirates, Sky News reports.
According to media sources, 246 prisoners from each side will take part in the exchange.
In total, around 500 Russian and Ukrainian prisoners, as well as 46 wounded soldiers, will be exchanged.
US offers peace deal: Leave occupied lands and drop Ukraine’s NATO bid
The United States presented its own proposals for a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia to its European allies. The plan suggests allowing Russia to keep occupied territories and rules out Ukraine’s NATO membership, Bloomberg reports.
According to European officials who spoke to Bloomberg, the US unveiled the plan during meetings in Paris on April 17.
According to the outlet's sources, the US proposal envisages a freeze of the war, with the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine remaining under Russian control. It also includes the easing of sanctions on Russia and dismisses any discussion of Ukraine joining NATO.
Full text of Ukraine-US Memorandum released: Details
The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine has published the full text of the Memorandum with the United States regarding the Agreement on Economic Partnership. It will provide for the creation of an investment fund for Ukraine's reconstruction, the Ukrainian government portal reports.
The Memorandum states that the agreement will open up opportunities for investment, infrastructure modernization, and mutually beneficial partnership between Ukraine and the United States.
