Russian media reported drone strikes near Rylsk, Kursk region, last evening. Several explosions heard east of the city, possibly targeting a Russian infantry hideout or a strategic site.

Military rehearsals for May 9 parades are underway in Moscow and other Russian cities. Columns of military vehicles and drones are being moved. These are legitimate targets for Ukrainian long-range capabilities.

This week alone, Russia has launched 375 attack drones on Ukraine, including over 100 in a single night, according to Zelensky. In Kharkiv, more than 45 people were injured, including two children, as residential areas, a hospital, and a school were hit. In Dnipro, one person was killed and another injured. In Dobropillia, a mine building was targeted, damaging buses and cars and leaving one person wounded.

The Russian Investigative Committee claims that Ukrainian intelligence agents tried to assassinate a Russian soldier in Khanty-Mansiysk using an IED. The device exploded prematurely on April 13, injuring five and destroying two apartments. Authorities now link the blast—initially blamed on gas—to an alleged Ukrainian plot involving suspects from Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov says Russia is "ready" for direct talks with Ukraine — not the US — but insists all original goals of the so-called "special operation" must still be achieved.

Empty talk.

Overnight on April 29–30, Russia launched 108 drones, including attack and decoy types, targeting Dnipro and Kharkiv. Ukraine shot down 50 Shahed drones; 22 decoys failed to reach targets.

U.S. envoy Witkoff says Putin sees a rare chance to “recalibrate” relations with the U.S. for the first time in decades. Talks on Ukraine continue, with both sides inching closer to direct negotiations — but peace, says Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will require tough compromises.

https://thehill.com/policy/international/5274195-witkoff-putin-us-russia-relationship-recalibration/

Trump’s first 100 days back in office haven’t gone down well in Ukraine. Just 7.4% of Ukrainians say they trust him now — a huge drop from nearly 45% last November. Almost 90% say they don’t trust him, frustrated with how he’s handling the war and his reluctance to offer real security guarantees.

https://neweurope.org.ua/en/analytics/100-dniv-trampa-i-90-ukrayintsiv/

🇷🇺🤝🇰🇵 “A victory of justice over pure evil” — DPRK military delegation head on the "liberation" of Kursk region. Lt. Gen. Pak Yong Il says it marks a new chapter in the DPRK-Russia combat alliance.

More and more North Korean officials openly confirm their role in the war against Ukraine.

🇺🇸 “The next few days are critical for peace in Ukraine,” — U.S. State Dept. Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce says the U.S. expects real steps from Putin, not just words.

She backs FM Andriy Sybiha’s call for an immediate ceasefire in response to Putin’s proposed May 9 truce:
“If it’s truly humanitarian, why wait 10 days?”

🇺🇦 The Verkhovna Rada has registered a bill allowing individuals who have reached the maximum age limit to serve under military contract. It proposes changes to the Law of Ukraine "On Military Duty and Military Service."

https://itd.rada.gov.ua/billInfo/Bills/Card/56292

🇺🇸🇺🇦 Ukraine is set to sign a natural resources deal with the U.S. within hours, aiming to deepen economic ties and secure future military aid through a joint investment fund. Ukraine will reimburse the U.S. under the natural resources deal only for future military aid.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-30/ukraine-ready-to-sign-us-resources-deal-as-early-as-wednesday

🇺🇸🇺🇦 Ukraine and the U.S. will sign a 50/50 joint mineral development fund within 24 hours, PM Shmyhal announced. The U.S. can count future military aid as its contribution, while Ukraine keeps full control over all resources and infrastructure. The fund will invest in Ukraine for 10 years, with zero tariffs on both sides and a U.S. commitment to attract other international partners.

🇺🇦 On April 29, the 429th Regiment of Unmanned Systems ACHILLES repelled a Russian assault near the village of Petropavlivka, in the Kupyansk area. Russians attempted to storm Ukrainian positions but were stopped with the destruction of a BTR, a Ural truck, and a van.