Russia fires a fresh volley of missiles and drones across Ukraine a day after US and European allies held talks in Paris. Kiev claims at least two were killed and 27 others injured in overnight Russian strikes in Kharkiv and Sumy regions.

Rubio Threatens To Walk Away From Peace Talks If No Progress Made On Peace Deal

As Trump ramps up its efforts to secure peace in Russia and Ukraine, the US has presented a proposal to its allies, with terms mentioned in it, including, offering to ease sanctions on Russia and putting Ukraine out of NATO list.&nbsp;
The US has outlined terms to end the ongoing war in Russia-Ukraine, with the aim of lasting a ceasefire.&nbsp;
This comes after US State Secretary Marco Rubio suggested in the day, that the Trump administration is prepared to "move on" from its peace efforts unless progress is made quickly.&nbsp;
The outlines of the US plan were shared in Paris meetings on Thursday, according to European officials familiar with the matter.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-no-longer-holds-zelensky-responsible-for-russia-ukraine-war-reveals-mineral-deal-to-be-signed-next-thursday-kyiv-and-washington-sign-memorandum-of-intent-8974360">Trump no longer holds Zelensky 'responsible' for Russia-Ukraine war as Kyiv and Washington sign 'Memorandum of Intent'</a>
<h2>What is in the plan?&nbsp;</h2>
According to the proposal, it will effectively freeze the war, with Ukrainian territories now occupied by Russia remaining under Moscow&rsquo;s control, said the people.
Moreover, Ukraine's ask to join NATO would also be off the table.&nbsp;
However, the people familiar with the matter declined to provide further details of the plan, noting the confidential nature of the talks.&nbsp;
Along with the Paris talks, French President Emmanuel Macron and US envoy Steve Witkoff held a meeting on Thursday.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-china-arming-russia-and-building-weapons-for-it-zelenskys-fresh-allegations-8974459">Is China arming Russia and building weapons for it? Zelensky's fresh allegations</a>
Marco Rubio also held discussions with national security advisors and negotiators from France, Germany, the UK and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-war-trump-tired-rubio-says-us-should-move-on-in-days-if-war-not-ending-says-its-not-our-war-8975571">Ukraine</a>.
The allies are scheduled to meet again in London next week, to continue the discussions.&nbsp;
Earlier today, Rubio pointed out that the Trump administration is ready to walk away from brokering a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine if no progress is made soon.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re not going to drag this out for weeks or months. We need to decide quickly, within days, whether a deal is achievable in the coming weeks. If it is, we&rsquo;re committed. If not, we&rsquo;ll shift our focus to other priorities,&rdquo; Rubio said.&nbsp;
Rubio further said that Ukraine will have a right to defend itself and enter into whatever deal it wants to.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Every sovereign nation on Earth has a right to defend itself. Ukraine will have a right to defend itself and to enter into whatever agreements it wants to enter into on a bilateral basis with different countries,&rdquo; he added.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-2-killed-at-least-27-injured-in-overnight-strikes-says-ukraine-8976876">Russia-Ukraine war: 2 killed, at least 27 injured in overnight strikes, says Ukraine</a>
&nbsp;

According to the plan, it will effectively freeze the war, with Ukrainian territories now occupied by Russia remaining under Moscow’s control, said the people | WORLD

As Trump ramps up its efforts to secure peace in Russia and Ukraine, the US has presented a proposal to its allies, with terms mentioned in it, including, offering to ease sanctions on Russia and putting Ukraine out of NATO list. The US has outlined terms to end the ongoing war in Russia-Ukraine, with the aim of lasting a ceasefire. This comes after US State Secretary Marco Rubio suggested in the day, that the Trump administration is prepared to "move on" from its peace efforts unless progress is made quickly. The outlines of the US plan were shared in Paris meetings on Thursday, according to European officials familiar with the matter. Also read: Trump no longer holds Zelensky 'responsible' for Russia-Ukraine war as Kyiv and Washington sign 'Memorandum of Intent' What is in the plan? According to the proposal, it will effectively freeze the war, with Ukrainian territories now occupied by Russia remaining under Moscow’s control, said the people. Moreover, Ukraine's ask to join NATO would also be off the table. However, the people familiar with the matter declined to provide further details of the plan, noting the confidential nature of the talks. Along with the Paris talks, French President Emmanuel Macron and US envoy Steve Witkoff held a meeting on Thursday. Also read: Is China arming Russia and building weapons for it? Zelensky's fresh allegations Marco Rubio also held discussions with national security advisors and negotiators from France, Germany, the UK and Ukraine. The allies are scheduled to meet again in London next week, to continue the discussions. Earlier today, Rubio pointed out that the Trump administration is ready to walk away from brokering a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine if no progress is made soon. “We’re not going to drag this out for weeks or months. We need to decide quickly, within days, whether a deal is achievable in the coming weeks. If it is, we’re committed. If not, we’ll shift our focus to other priorities,” Rubio said. Rubio further said that Ukraine will have a right to defend itself and enter into whatever deal it wants to. “Every sovereign nation on Earth has a right to defend itself. Ukraine will have a right to defend itself and to enter into whatever agreements it wants to enter into on a bilateral basis with different countries,” he added. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: 2 killed, at least 27 injured in overnight strikes, says Ukraine

Kyiv's NATO dream shattered? US presents Russia-Ukraine peace plan - Here's what it says

The 30-day moratorium on attacking Ukrainian energy targets ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin has "expired", the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-trump-call-possible-says-kremlin-after-russian-leaders-talks-with-us-envoy-witkoff-on-ukraine-8951898">Kremlin </a>said on Friday (April 18).&nbsp;
Putin last month announced the truce, after holding call with US President Donald Trump, however, the two sites did not stop targeting, and accused each other of breaking the truce.&nbsp;
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday, "The month has indeed expired. As of this time, there have been no other instructions from the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Putin."
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-drones-strike-six-different-moscow-regions-takes-revenge-8974438">Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv drones strike six different Moscow regions, takes revenge</a>
Trump took the promise from Russia as he attempted to break a ceasefire deal in the three-year Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;
Following separate meetings with US officials, the White House said both Ukraine and Russia had "agreed to develop measures for implementing" an "agreement to ban strikes against energy facilities of Russia and Ukraine".
Earlier today, a Russian missile attack on Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv killed one person, while injuring 82 others.
"This is how Russia began this Good Friday &ndash; with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, Shaheds &ndash; maiming our people and cities," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-war-trump-tired-rubio-says-us-should-move-on-in-days-if-war-not-ending-says-its-not-our-war-8975571">'Move on...not our war': Will US exit efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war? What Marco Rubio said as Trump gets frustrated</a>
Zelensky said Russia was never serious about the moratorium, adding that Moscow was continuing to strike Ukraine's energy targets "despite Putin's words".
Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha called Russia "a terror machine", adding, "It will only stop if we confront it with true strength."
On Thursday, Zelensky also said that Russia was launching the same number of missiles and drones at Ukraine as before the agreement.
Moreover, on Friday, Russia's morning drone attack on Sumy, another northeastern city, also killed one person and injured another at a factory baking Easter cakes, officials said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-china-arming-russia-and-building-weapons-for-it-zelenskys-fresh-allegations-8974459">Is China arming Russia and building weapons for it? Zelensky's fresh allegations</a>

Putin last month announced the truce, after holding call with Trump, however, the two sites did not stop targeting, and accused each other of breaking the truce. WORLD

The 30-day moratorium on attacking Ukrainian energy targets ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin has "expired", the Kremlin said on Friday (April 18). Putin last month announced the truce, after holding call with US President Donald Trump, however, the two sites did not stop targeting, and accused each other of breaking the truce. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday, "The month has indeed expired. As of this time, there have been no other instructions from the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Putin." WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv drones strike six different Moscow regions, takes revenge Trump took the promise from Russia as he attempted to break a ceasefire deal in the three-year Russia-Ukraine war. Following separate meetings with US officials, the White House said both Ukraine and Russia had "agreed to develop measures for implementing" an "agreement to ban strikes against energy facilities of Russia and Ukraine". Earlier today, a Russian missile attack on Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv killed one person, while injuring 82 others. "This is how Russia began this Good Friday – with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, Shaheds – maiming our people and cities," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X. Also read: 'Move on...not our war': Will US exit efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war? What Marco Rubio said as Trump gets frustrated Zelensky said Russia was never serious about the moratorium, adding that Moscow was continuing to strike Ukraine's energy targets "despite Putin's words". Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha called Russia "a terror machine", adding, "It will only stop if we confront it with true strength." On Thursday, Zelensky also said that Russia was launching the same number of missiles and drones at Ukraine as before the agreement. Moreover, on Friday, Russia's morning drone attack on Sumy, another northeastern city, also killed one person and injured another at a factory baking Easter cakes, officials said. Also read: Is China arming Russia and building weapons for it? Zelensky's fresh allegations

Putin's 30-day order 'expires': Will Russia get a 'freehand' in resuming attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/russia-0">Russia </a>is planning to use a US-owned company seized by the Kremlin to be placed under state control and used for supplying food to the Russian army, Reuters reported, citing a document. The move can potentially threaten the warming relations between Washington and Moscow.
The canned food producer Glavprodukt, which was seized in October, is the only American-owned company to be taken under the control of Rosimushchestvo, Russia&rsquo;s state property management agency.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/witkoff-spreading-russian-narratives-zelensky-blames-trump-envoy-says-ukraine-us-minerals-deal-could-be-signed-today-8973738">'Witkoff spreading Russian narratives': Zelensky blames Trump envoy, says Ukraine-US minerals deal could be signed today</a>
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that its treatment will be part of discussions about resetting US-Russia relations.
According to a letter addressed to Russia&rsquo;s prosecutor general from Glavprodukt&rsquo;s new management, the seizure will ensure stable production, including for future supplies to the national guard and defence ministry, the report added.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-lifts-taliban-terror-designation-after-two-decades-8973213">Russia lifts Taliban's 'terror' designation after two decades</a>
The company&rsquo;s Los Angeles-based founder, Leonid Smirnov, and his affiliated firms were accused of transferring approximately RUB 1.38 billion ($17 million) out of Russia between 2022 and 2024, according to a RBC daily report.
Smirnov denied any wrongdoing, calling it a &ldquo;Russian-style corporate raid&rdquo; intended to take over his business. However, the company&rsquo;s property was seized by the Moscow Arbitration Court on March 12 at the request of the Prosecutor General&rsquo;s Office. A hearing is scheduled for April 18.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-praises-elon-musk-compares-him-to-russian-space-legend-korolev-8970499">'Crazy about Mars': Russia's Putin praises Elon Musk, compares him to Russian space legend Korolev</a>
<h2>Strategic assets</h2>
Around a dozen European companies have also had their Russian subsidiaries seized by presidential decree, including Danish brewer Carlsberg and Finnish utility Fortum. The Kremlin has warned of more asset expropriations.
Watch | Moscow plans to use seized US company to supply food to Russian military: Report
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1704_UKRAINE_11AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1704_UKRAINE_11AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=141&amp;tags=russia, ukraine, war, news, world news, international" title="Russia-Ukraine war: US Secretary Marco Rubio heads to France for Ukraine talks" id="PL_iframe_block-m9lkjsag-qy6vohhu-2da9wvef"></iframe>
The Kremlin had expected the Ukrainian invasion to be a quick operation, but the war has now dragged on for over three years. This has prompted Russia to ramp up its defence spending and secure strategic assets. In 2022, Moscow struggled to secure essential military supplies, including food.

The canned food producer Glavprodukt, which was seized in October, is the only American-owned company to be taken under the control of Rosimushchestvo, Russia’s state property management agency. World

Russia is planning to use a US-owned company seized by the Kremlin to be placed under state control and used for supplying food to the Russian army, Reuters reported, citing a document. The move can potentially threaten the warming relations between Washington and Moscow. The canned food producer Glavprodukt, which was seized in October, is the only American-owned company to be taken under the control of Rosimushchestvo, Russia’s state property management agency. Also read | 'Witkoff spreading Russian narratives': Zelensky blames Trump envoy, says Ukraine-US minerals deal could be signed today US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that its treatment will be part of discussions about resetting US-Russia relations. According to a letter addressed to Russia’s prosecutor general from Glavprodukt’s new management, the seizure will ensure stable production, including for future supplies to the national guard and defence ministry, the report added. Also read | Russia lifts Taliban's 'terror' designation after two decades The company’s Los Angeles-based founder, Leonid Smirnov, and his affiliated firms were accused of transferring approximately RUB 1.38 billion ($17 million) out of Russia between 2022 and 2024, according to a RBC daily report. Smirnov denied any wrongdoing, calling it a “Russian-style corporate raid” intended to take over his business. However, the company’s property was seized by the Moscow Arbitration Court on March 12 at the request of the Prosecutor General’s Office. A hearing is scheduled for April 18. Also read | 'Crazy about Mars': Russia's Putin praises Elon Musk, compares him to Russian space legend Korolev Strategic assets Around a dozen European companies have also had their Russian subsidiaries seized by presidential decree, including Danish brewer Carlsberg and Finnish utility Fortum. The Kremlin has warned of more asset expropriations. Watch | Moscow plans to use seized US company to supply food to Russian military: Report The Kremlin had expected the Ukrainian invasion to be a quick operation, but the war has now dragged on for over three years. This has prompted Russia to ramp up its defence spending and secure strategic assets. In 2022, Moscow struggled to secure essential military supplies, including food.

Moscow plans to use seized US company to supply food to Russian military: Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly praised Elon Musk for his groundbreaking space ambitions, especially his efforts to colonize Mars. Calling Musk a "visionary," Putin even compared him to Soviet space pioneers. The rare admiration signals growing global recognition of Musk's role in shaping the future of space travel.

Russian President Vladimir Putin lauds Elon Musk's space exploration efforts

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Apr 16) praised tech giant Elon Musk, comparing him to Sergei Korolev, the chief engineer behind the Soviet Union's space success in the 1950s and 1960s.
During a discussion with students at Moscow&rsquo;s Bauman Technical University, Putin praised Musk for his commitment to exploring Mars.
absolutely crazy about Mar"You know, there&rsquo;s a person who lives in the [United] States, Musk, you could say that he&rsquo;s s.&nbsp;Such people rarely appear in the human population. Today, it may seem unbelievable, but often, after a while, such ideas become reality," Putin said.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9kqy7om-9zlesff5-d8q8wfv6">
Putin on Elon Musk: "There is a man in the US, Elon Musk, who, you might say, is obsessed with Mars. Such people rarely appear in the human population. Today, it may seem unbelievable, but often, after a while, such ideas become reality."<a href="https://t.co/yTmdYdF2H9">pic.twitter.com/yTmdYdF2H9</a>
&mdash; Department of Government Efficiency News (@DOGE__news) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOGE__news/status/1912644674843558261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-trumps-tariff-war-pushing-desperate-china-closer-to-its-neighbours-heres-how-beijing-wants-to-team-up-with-india-8969819">Is Trump&rsquo;s tariff war pushing 'desperate' China closer to its neighbours? Here's how Beijing wants to 'team up' with India</a>
Putin added that Elon Musk&rsquo;s passion for Mars reminds him of Soviet space engineer Sergey Korolev, the engineer behind Yuri Gagarin's historic 1961 spaceflight. Putin noted that individuals with such extraordinary dedication are rare but often see their visions realised over time. &ldquo;Just as the ideas of Korolev, our pioneers, were realized in their time,&rdquo; he said.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-trying-to-drive-a-knife-through-endangered-species-act-us-proposes-allowing-harmful-human-activities-in-endangered-species-habitats-protected-species-bald-eagle-8970489">Trump 'trying to drive a kn</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-trying-to-drive-a-knife-through-endangered-species-act-us-proposes-allowing-harmful-human-activities-in-endangered-species-habitats-protected-species-bald-eagle-8970489">ife' through ESA? US proposes allowing harmful human activities in endangered species habitats</a>
<h2>Russia and Musk's Mars mission</h2>
Putin's praise for Musk - a key advisor of US President Donald Trump - comes amid Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks mediated by the US. This also comes at the backdrop of Russia expressing its desire to be a part of Musk's Mars mission. Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia&rsquo;s sovereign wealth fund and Putin&rsquo;s economic envoy, proposed that Russia could supply a small nuclear power plant and &ldquo;other advanced technologies&rdquo; for Musk&rsquo;s Mars mission.&nbsp;
Read More |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-administration-aims-to-slash-us-state-budget-by-half-8970241">Trump ad</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-administration-aims-to-slash-us-state-budget-by-half-8970241">ministration aims to&nbsp; </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-administration-aims-to-slash-us-state-budget-by-half-8970241">slash US state budget by half</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9kqsh8m-icrc9jl7-30xktdzs">
🇷🇺 PUTIN: RUSSIA WILL HELP DEVELOP EXPEDITIONS TO MARS &ldquo;We have been hearing, that we need to work on Mars, and we need to reach Mars. We don&rsquo;t have the materials, not yet &mdash; but we&rsquo;ll try to make sure that Russia is the first to develop them. This way, we&rsquo;ll have something to&hellip; https://t.co/bxQCup2IHv pic.twitter.com/uFzJ9c2t7d
&mdash; Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal)
<div>
<div>
<div><a href="https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1912569177732218906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2025</a></div>
</div>
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</blockquote>
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attacked-on-anniversary-of-india-russia-diplomatic-ties-ukraine-envoy-slams-russia-after-missile-hits-indian-pharma-firm-8970151">&lsquo;Attacked on anniversary of India-Russia diplomatic ties&rsquo;: Ukraine envoy slams Russia after missile hits Indian pharma firm</a>

World | Russian President Vladimir Putin praised tech giant Elon Musk, comparing him to Sergei Korolev, the chief engineer behind the Soviet Union's space success

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Apr 16) praised tech giant Elon Musk, comparing him to Sergei Korolev, the chief engineer behind the Soviet Union's space success in the 1950s and 1960s. During a discussion with students at Moscow’s Bauman Technical University, Putin praised Musk for his commitment to exploring Mars. absolutely crazy about Mar"You know, there’s a person who lives in the [United] States, Musk, you could say that he’s s. Such people rarely appear in the human population. Today, it may seem unbelievable, but often, after a while, such ideas become reality," Putin said. Putin on Elon Musk: "There is a man in the US, Elon Musk, who, you might say, is obsessed with Mars. Such people rarely appear in the human population. Today, it may seem unbelievable, but often, after a while, such ideas become reality."pic.twitter.com/yTmdYdF2H9 — Department of Government Efficiency News (@DOGE__news) April 16, 2025 Read More | Is Trump’s tariff war pushing 'desperate' China closer to its neighbours? Here's how Beijing wants to 'team up' with India Putin added that Elon Musk’s passion for Mars reminds him of Soviet space engineer Sergey Korolev, the engineer behind Yuri Gagarin's historic 1961 spaceflight. Putin noted that individuals with such extraordinary dedication are rare but often see their visions realised over time. “Just as the ideas of Korolev, our pioneers, were realized in their time,” he said. Read More | Trump 'trying to drive a knife' through ESA? US proposes allowing harmful human activities in endangered species habitats Russia and Musk's Mars mission Putin's praise for Musk - a key advisor of US President Donald Trump - comes amid Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks mediated by the US. This also comes at the backdrop of Russia expressing its desire to be a part of Musk's Mars mission. Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and Putin’s economic envoy, proposed that Russia could supply a small nuclear power plant and “other advanced technologies” for Musk’s Mars mission. Read More |Trump administration aims to slash US state budget by half 🇷🇺 PUTIN: RUSSIA WILL HELP DEVELOP EXPEDITIONS TO MARS “We have been hearing, that we need to work on Mars, and we need to reach Mars. We don’t have the materials, not yet — but we’ll try to make sure that Russia is the first to develop them. This way, we’ll have something to… https://t.co/bxQCup2IHv pic.twitter.com/uFzJ9c2t7d — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 16, 2025 Read More | ‘Attacked on anniversary of India-Russia diplomatic ties’: Ukraine envoy slams Russia after missile hits Indian pharma firm

'Crazy about Mars': Russia's Putin praises Elon Musk, compares him to Russian space legend Korolev

Russia launched one of its deadliest strikes on Ukraine's Sumy city which is located just 25 kilometers away from Russian border. The Russian attacks on Ukraine's eastern front is a part of North Korea's elaborate plan to help Moscow in its war.

North Korea dispatched long-range artillery to Russia: Report

NATO chief Mark Rutte said that talks on ceasefire and lasting peace in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ukraine">Ukraine</a>, led by US President Donald Trump, were &ldquo;not easy&rdquo;. He also condemned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/russia-0">Russia&rsquo;s </a>&ldquo;terrible pattern&rdquo; of attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
Rutte met with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during a surprise visit to the port city of Odesa.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-vances-relationship-hits-new-low-us-vp-hits-back-after-ukraine-accuses-us-of-siding-with-russia-8965615">'Sort of absurd': Zelensky, Vance&rsquo;s relationship hits new low; US VP hits back after Ukraine accuses US of siding with Russia</a>
&ldquo;These discussions are not easy, not least in the wake of this horrific violence. But we all support President Trump's push for peace,&rdquo; he said.
Rutte&rsquo;s comments come after Trump&rsquo;s special envoy Steve Witkoff said that he sees a peace deal &ldquo;emerging&rdquo; following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
<h2>&lsquo;Acute need for air defence systems&rsquo;</h2>
Meanwhile, Zelensky told Rutte Ukraine is in urgent need of air defence systems after recent strikes by Russia that killed dozens of civilians in Sumy on Palm Sunday.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-started-it-biden-blew-it-zelenskys-incompetent-trump-blames-three-people-for-millions-of-deaths-in-ukraine-war-8962151">&lsquo;Putin started it, Biden blew it, Zelensky's incompetent&rsquo;: Trump blames 'three people' for millions of deaths in Ukraine war</a>
&ldquo;Britain, France and other NATO countries are already actively preparing the ground for a security contingent in Ukraine. It is important that we all be fast enough and efficient in this process,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;Absolutely everyone sees how acute Ukraine&rsquo;s need for air defence systems and missiles is. We talked about this a lot today,&rdquo; the Ukrainian leader added.
Zelensky&rsquo;s comments come after recent Russian strikes that killed 35 people in the north-eastern Sumy region and 19 in his hometown of Kryvyi Rig.
Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Trump blames Zelensky after Sumy attack, at least 35 killed in Sumy
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1504_WAR_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1504_WAR_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=173&amp;tags=russia, ukraine, war, news, world news, international" title="Russia-Ukraine war: Trump blames Zelensky after Sumy attack, at least 35 killed in Sumy " id="PL_iframe_block-m9ioh4xo-dqgq56c5-mg7hqdsi"></iframe>
<h2>Zelensky-Rutte meet</h2>
Following their meeting in Odesa, Zelensky said that he &ldquo;discussed the security of Ukraine, our entire Europe, and the Euro-Atlantic region, as well as relations with all our partners in Europe and America&rdquo; with Rutte.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-just-got-here-trump-insists-russia-ukraine-war-not-his-war-slams-zelensky-biden-for-absolutely-horrible-job-8961927">&lsquo;I just got here&rsquo;: Trump insists Russia-Ukraine War &lsquo;not his war,&rsquo; slams Zelensky, Biden for &lsquo;absolutely horrible job&rsquo;</a>
&ldquo;The main focus was on strengthening Ukraine&rsquo;s air defense. Absolutely everyone sees how urgent Ukraine's need is for air defense systems and missiles for them,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We are counting on the implementation of our agreements on air defense with partners in Europe and America. Patriot systems are defensive weapons, and we're not just asking for Patriots &mdash; we are ready to purchase them. This is a purely political matter &mdash; the systems are available in the world, the missiles for the Patriots are also available, and whether we will have sufficient protection from Russian ballistic strikes depends entirely on political decisions.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9iofpaf-g0gnfgmg-im6ro7y2">
Today, <a href="https://twitter.com/SecGenNATO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecGenNATO</a> Mark Rutte is in Ukraine. We discussed the security of Ukraine, our entire Europe, and the Euro-Atlantic region, as well as relations with all our partners in Europe and America. The main focus was on strengthening Ukraine&rsquo;s air defense. Absolutely everyone&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/FWOBRCouci">pic.twitter.com/FWOBRCouci</a>
&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1912152916082766085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
He added, &ldquo;I am grateful to every leader who does not turn a blind eye to the reality &mdash; that lasting peace can only be achieved through determination. I am grateful to @SecGenNATO for the unwavering support for Ukraine since the earliest days of this war.&rdquo;
(WIth inputs from agencies)

Rutte’s comments come after Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said that he sees a peace deal “emerging” following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. World

NATO chief Mark Rutte said that talks on ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine, led by US President Donald Trump, were “not easy”. He also condemned Russia’s “terrible pattern” of attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Rutte met with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during a surprise visit to the port city of Odesa. Also read | 'Sort of absurd': Zelensky, Vance’s relationship hits new low; US VP hits back after Ukraine accuses US of siding with Russia “These discussions are not easy, not least in the wake of this horrific violence. But we all support President Trump's push for peace,” he said. Rutte’s comments come after Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said that he sees a peace deal “emerging” following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. ‘Acute need for air defence systems’ Meanwhile, Zelensky told Rutte Ukraine is in urgent need of air defence systems after recent strikes by Russia that killed dozens of civilians in Sumy on Palm Sunday. Also read | ‘Putin started it, Biden blew it, Zelensky's incompetent’: Trump blames 'three people' for millions of deaths in Ukraine war “Britain, France and other NATO countries are already actively preparing the ground for a security contingent in Ukraine. It is important that we all be fast enough and efficient in this process,” he said. “Absolutely everyone sees how acute Ukraine’s need for air defence systems and missiles is. We talked about this a lot today,” the Ukrainian leader added. Zelensky’s comments come after recent Russian strikes that killed 35 people in the north-eastern Sumy region and 19 in his hometown of Kryvyi Rig. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Trump blames Zelensky after Sumy attack, at least 35 killed in Sumy Zelensky-Rutte meet Following their meeting in Odesa, Zelensky said that he “discussed the security of Ukraine, our entire Europe, and the Euro-Atlantic region, as well as relations with all our partners in Europe and America” with Rutte. Also read | ‘I just got here’: Trump insists Russia-Ukraine War ‘not his war,’ slams Zelensky, Biden for ‘absolutely horrible job’ “The main focus was on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense. Absolutely everyone sees how urgent Ukraine's need is for air defense systems and missiles for them,” he said. “We are counting on the implementation of our agreements on air defense with partners in Europe and America. Patriot systems are defensive weapons, and we're not just asking for Patriots — we are ready to purchase them. This is a purely political matter — the systems are available in the world, the missiles for the Patriots are also available, and whether we will have sufficient protection from Russian ballistic strikes depends entirely on political decisions.” Today, @SecGenNATO Mark Rutte is in Ukraine. We discussed the security of Ukraine, our entire Europe, and the Euro-Atlantic region, as well as relations with all our partners in Europe and America. The main focus was on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense. Absolutely everyone… pic.twitter.com/FWOBRCouci — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 15, 2025 He added, “I am grateful to every leader who does not turn a blind eye to the reality — that lasting peace can only be achieved through determination. I am grateful to @SecGenNATO for the unwavering support for Ukraine since the earliest days of this war.” (WIth inputs from agencies)

US-led peace talks ‘not easy’: NATO chief Mark Rutte says during meeting with Zelensky in Odesa

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called Russia’s missile strike on Sumy “barbaric,” urging Western allies to act swiftly. The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday, killed at least 34 people and injured over 100, including civilians and children. Tensions rise as Zelensky demands increased pressure on Moscow.

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky appeals for global support after deadly Sumy attack

Donald Trump has said that he expects Russian President Vladimir Putin to fulfill his part of the deal, and this, of course, to end the Russia-Ukraine war, after the U.S. president had voiced his doubts about Moscow's commitment. Now, speaking to reporters inside the Oval Office, Trump said that he wants to make sure that Putin follows through and strikes a deal to end the war. Watch in for more details!

US envoy Witkoff meets Putin amid Trump's fury over slow progress in ceasefire

The Russian President Vladimir Putin saying the country's naval strategic nuclear forces are now fully equipped with modern weapons and systems. In fact, the announcement comes during a high-level meeting with military and government officials in St. Petersburg, where Putin stressed that strengthening these nuclear-armed, atomic-powered submarines remains a priority.

Putin declares Russia's naval forces fully modernised

Putin says Russia naval strategic nuclear forces are fully equipped with modern weapons

A massive Russian buildup is underway, with 67,000 troops deployed along Ukraine's border. President Zelensky reveals that Russian troops are ready for the attack on Sumy. Watch this report to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war:  Moscow mobilises massive troops near Kyiv's borders

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for intensified international pressure on Russia after deadly drone strikes hit multiple regions, including Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Mykolaiv. At least one person was killed in the Zhytomyr region.

Russia-Ukraine war: At least one killed in Russian drone attack in Zhytomyr region

Facing an intensifying Russian offensive, Ukraine is deploying untrained and young recruits directly to the frontlines. In a desperate bid to hold ground, Kyiv is rushing underprepared forces into battle, raising global concern. Ukraine’s army chief warns that Russia could mobilize up to 20 million troops, adding to the growing pressure on Ukrainian defenses.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine sends untrained young troops to frontlines amid Russian escalation

The European Union has accused China of being a key enabler of Russia’s war against Ukraine. EU leader Kaja Kallas stated that without Chinese support, Russia wouldn't sustain its military aggression. Meanwhile, Ukraine has captured two Chinese nationals allegedly fighting for Russia, and President Zelensky claims Russia is recruiting Chinese citizens through social media.

Russia-Ukraine war: EU's Kallas: Without China's support, Russia wouldn't be able to wage war

Russia-Ukraine war: EU accuses China as the key enabler of Russia's war

Putin Launches 15 Strikes On Ukraine's Kharkiv! Trump Ceasefire Plan Fails | Russia-Ukraine War | Russia-Ukraine Explosions were seen over Kyiv late during a Russian drone attack on the Ukrainian capital. Russia launched 30 drones on Kyiv and the air defence shot down 16 drones, according to Kyiv city military administration. The remaining drones did not reach their targets, likely due to electronic countermeasures, Kyiv city military administration said.

Russia-Ukraine War: Moscow launches large-scale drone strikes on Kharkiv

President Donald Trump has once again called for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, saying he's ready to speak directly to both sides. Labeling the ongoing situation as “crazy,” Trump criticized Russia over deadly missile strikes in Kryvyi Rih that killed 20 civilians, including 9 children. As Ukraine urges a swift US response, hopes rise around Trump's claim that a ceasefire deal is close.

Russia-Ukraine war: On April 10, Russia and US will discuss restoring embassy operations

Russia-Ukraine War: US slams Russia's bombing of Zelensky's hometown that killed 20

Russia is ramping up its artillery warfare in Ukraine, using advanced systems like the Tornado-S to strike deeper and harder. With relentless shelling and evolving tactics, Russia is leveraging firepower to push for territorial gains, redefining battlefield dynamics in the ongoing war.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia's artillery barrages devastate Ukarinian defence

US President Trump opposes Russia's bombing of Ukraine amid ceasefire talks

Ukraine is rapidly scaling up its military firepower with the production of 20 domestically built Bohdana howitzers every month. These NATO-standard, self-propelled artillery systems are being used in precision strikes against Russian positions, with a powerful range of up to 42 kilometers. As the war continues, Ukraine’s focus on indigenous defense manufacturing grows stronger.

Ukraine boosts firepower with new Bohdana Howitzers capable of 42km strikes

Trump renews push for Russia-Ukraine ceasefire amid deadly Kryvyi Rih strikes

Ukraine is facing relentless Russian strikes on key cities including Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih, and Sumy. President Zelensky has warned of intensified aerial attacks, while Ukrainian forces scramble to send undertrained recruits to the frontlines. As Russia uses precision munitions to hit critical infrastructure, ceasefire efforts remain unclear and increasingly unlikely.

Ukraine under siege as Russia targets cities, Zelensky warns of deadlier strikes

The war between Ukraine and Russia has entered a new phase of intensity with both sides trading blows in a conflict that shows no signs of abetting. Moscow is denying firing on civilian infrastructure after a deadly strike on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih that killed 20 people, including nine children. Watch in for more details!

Putin unleashes onslaught, ukrainian recruits face battle with minimal training

Russia continues its offensive in Ukraine. Three women were injured and several fires had broken out as Russia carried out airstrikes in the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow: Russia-US talks likely next week

Russia-Ukraine war: Multiple explosions shatter Kyiv after Kharkiv, toll rises to 19

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia strikes Kyiv and Mykolaiv, civilians injured as buildings burn

Fighting between Russia and Ukraine has intensified, with Ukraine targeting Russian energy facilities 14 times in just 24 hours. Ukrainian drones reportedly hit an industrial site, while Russia claims to have killed 85 Ukrainian soldiers and foreign officers. Meanwhile, a deadly Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih has left 18 dead, including 9 children. The conflict is escalating, with growing global concern and mounting civilian casualties.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia accuses Ukraine of striking its energy infrastructure

Denmark and Greenland have jointly reaffirmed their territorial sovereignty, sending a strong message amid renewed tensions over past U.S. remarks about Greenland. As leaders mark strategic territory in Arctic waters, unity between Copenhagen and Nuuk is on full display.

Denmark and Greenland stand united against US 'annexation' threats

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