Ukrainian forces avenge Russian strike on Sumy as Rutte visits Ukraine - Tuesday brief
RBC-Ukraine collage
The Defense Forces of Ukraine struck the garrison of the 448th missile brigade of the Russian army in the Kursk region. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrived in Ukraine with an unannounced visit.
Read more about what happened on Tuesday, April 15.
Sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine: Bill presented in the US Congress
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives presented a bill that provides funding for the reconstruction of Ukraine, the purchase of weapons, and the expansion of sanctions against Russia.
Whether the document will be adopted in the House of Representatives, where the majority belongs to the Republicans, is still unknown.
Ukraine's Defense Forces punished Russian brigade that struck Sumy on Palm Sunday
According to the General Staff, units of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Special Operations Forces, and the Security Service of Ukraine, in coordination with other components of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, attacked a number of targets in the Kursk region.
These targets are connected to Russians involved in the missile strike on the city of Sumy on April 13, 2025, as well as in other war crimes against the people of Ukraine.
The permanent deployment point of the 448th missile brigade of the Russian occupiers was hit, and secondary ammunition detonation was recorded. The results of the strike are currently being clarified.
Split in Trump's team? Rubio and Kellogg called for caution with Putin, others for dialogue
According to The Wall Street Journal, several senior Trump aides are advising him to take a more skeptical view of Moscow's desire for peace with Ukraine. This group includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg. They advise taking a tougher stance on Moscow's demands for territorial concessions from Kyiv.
According to the media, Trump still sides with special envoy Steve Witkoff, who believes that Putin wants to make peace.
Trump loves the royal family. Vance allowed for a trade deal with Britain
US Vice President JD Vance stated that the US administration is working very closely with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government on a trade deal.
"The President really loves the United Kingdom. He loved the Queen. He admires and loves the King. It is a very important relationship," he said.
Beijing responds to request of Chinese prisoners of war in Ukraine for exchange
A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Beijing had issued safety warnings, urging citizens to stay as far away from the war as possible. According to him, China is currently verifying the situation and reviewing the personal conduct of the prisoners under the law.
"We call on the relevant parties to properly understand China's objective and fair position and to refrain from political manipulation and noise," the spokesperson said.
Rutte makes unexpected visit to Ukraine
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrived in Ukraine on Tuesday, April 15, with an unannounced visit.
As Rutte said, he visited the city of Odesa together with Zelenskyy.
"Ukraine’s people have endured so much - not least Russia’s Palm Sunday attack on Sumy. NATO support is unwavering. We will continue to help Ukraine so it can defend today and deter future aggression, ensuring a just and lasting peace," Rutte wrote on Twitter.
