Russia strikes Dnipro and Kharkiv, EU eyes plan B on sanctions against Russia - Wednesday brief
RBC-Ukraine collage
The European Union wants to ensure its safety in case the Trump administration withdraws from negotiations on Ukraine and seeks rapprochement with Moscow. And Russia has massively attacked Kharkiv and Dnipro with drones.
Read more about what happened on Wednesday, April 30.
Russia's war against Ukraine: Latest
- Russia massively attacked Dnipro and Kharkiv with Shaheds. Destruction and fires occurred in the cities, with 45 people injured in the latter.
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Seoul says how many North Korean soldiers died in Russia's war with Ukraine.
Europe struggles to assemble 25,000 troops for Ukraine mission – The Times
European countries will struggle to mobilize 25,000 servicemen to participate in the deterrence mission in Ukraine. The reason is the chronic shortage of personnel and insufficient funding of the armies, according to The Times.
At the following meetings in Brussels, defense ministers from European countries admitted that gathering 25,000 people would be extremely difficult. One source noted that such figures could only be a stimulus for joint work but, so far, seem unrealistic.
Ukraine's Security Service targets factory in Russia's Vladimir region with drone strike, sources say
On the night of April 30, drones of Ukraine's Security Service attacked the Murom Instrument-Building Plant in Russia's Vladimir region, according to RBC-Ukraine's sources in the Security Service of Ukraine.
According to the sources, the plant specializes in the production of:
- ammunition ignition systems;
- components and products for the Russian Navy and military aviation.
The Murom Instrument-Building Plant is under sanctions by Ukraine and the European Union, as it plays a significant role in supporting Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. However, Ukraine's Security Service has decided to slightly expand those sanctions.
Trump: Minerals deal will provide Ukraine with protection from 'bad actors'
US President Donald Trump stated that he did not want to "make a complicated deal" regarding Ukraine's natural resources, according to the White House broadcast.
"We've made a deal where our money is secure, where we can start digging and do what we have to do," he said, adding that the presence of the US at the extraction sites "will keep a lot of bad actors out of the country."
US slams Russia at UN Security Council over strikes on Ukraine
The United States has criticized Russia during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council over its strikes on Ukraine, acting US Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN John Kelley says.
"Right now, Russia has a great opportunity to achieve a durable peace. It is up to the leaders of both these countries to decide whether peace is possible. If both sides are ready to end the war, the United States will fully support their path to a lasting peace," he adds.
EU preparing 'Plan B' on sanctions against Russia if US withdraws from talks – Kallas
The European Union is preparing a "Plan B" to maintain economic sanctions against Russia if the United States abandons peace negotiations on Ukraine and moves toward rapprochement with Moscow, states the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
"We see signs that they (the US – ed.) are contemplating whether they should leave Ukraine and not try to get a deal with the Russians because it’s hard," Kallas said.
According to her, there is a "Plan B" to maintain economic pressure on Russia if Hungary blocks the extension of EU economic sanctions in July. Kallas emphasized that Brussels remains committed to preserving the unity of all EU member states.
