Deploying jets to protect Ukraine would lead to escalation -UK foreign secretary 

U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron cautioned against deploying Western fighter jets to protect Ukraine from missile strikes, citing concerns of "dangerous escalation." His remarks came in response to Iran's recent aerial attack on Israel, which involved a significant barrage of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.

Israel's Defense Forces reported successfully intercepting the majority of the incoming threats before they reached Israeli territory. Meanwhile, the U.K.'s Royal Air Force (RAF) confirmed downing "a number of drones" over Iraqi and Syrian airspace.

During a live interview on LBC radio, Cameron stressed the importance of avoiding direct engagement between NATO and Russian forces. While advocating for support to Ukraine in terms of financial aid and weaponry, he cautioned against NATO troops directly confronting Russian forces.

Cameron emphasized the necessity of providing Ukraine with more advanced air defense systems, such as Patriot systems, to effectively counter Russian attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for 25 Patriots to safeguard the entire country, while Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is currently focused on securing seven to protect Ukraine's major cities.

In response to Germany's announcement of providing Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defense system, Cameron reiterated the importance of bolstering Ukraine's defensive capabilities without directly engaging in conflict with Russian forces.

Russian attack on Kharkiv Oblast village kills 2, injures at least 4

Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported on April 15 that Russian forces struck the village of Lukiantsi in Kharkiv Oblast with a guided aerial bomb, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuring at least four others. The attack occurred around 2 p.m. local time, targeting an educational facility.

Syniehubov stated on Telegram that all the victims were civilians, emphasizing the tragic toll inflicted by daily Russian attacks on settlements in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast due to their proximity to the front line and the border with Russia.

The number of casualties increased throughout the day, with two women aged 63 and 66, and two men aged 38 and 65, confirmed as injured by around 4:45 p.m. local time.

Lukiantsi, situated approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Kharkiv, the regional capital, is located just a few kilometers from the border with Russia’s Belgorod region.

Overnight and on April 14, Russian troops targeted 15 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast, resulting in the death of a 57-year-old woman and the injury of another woman, as previously reported by Syniehubov.

New power units at Khmelnytskyi nuclear plant are being built

Ukraine's nuclear energy agency, Energoatom, has initiated the construction of reactor units 5 and 6 at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, utilizing U.S. technology aimed at fortifying the nation's energy infrastructure against potential Russian attacks. This move, announced by Energoatom's press service on April 15, underscores Kyiv's efforts to safeguard critical facilities amidst Russia's ongoing missile and drone assaults on Ukraine's energy system.

With Russia's occupation of Ukraine's largest nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia Oblast since March 2022, Ukraine is striving to bolster its power-generating capacity and enhance resilience against external threats. Energoatom's endeavor to build reactor units 5 and 6 at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, coupled with the operationalization of units 3 and 4, is anticipated to surpass the power generating capacity of the Zaporizhzhia plant.

According to Energoatom head Petro Kotin, this strategic move not only fortifies Ukraine's energy security but also underscores the nation's determination to mitigate the impact of potential disruptions to its critical infrastructure.

Russian attack on Siversk in Donetsk Oblast killed 4

Governor Vadym Filashkin reported on April 15 that Russian shelling targeted the city of Siversk in Donetsk Oblast, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. This attack adds to the daily assaults suffered by settlements in eastern Donetsk Oblast due to their proximity to the front line, amidst ongoing heavy fighting as Russia aims to occupy the entire region.

Siversk, situated north of Bakhmut, endured the attack on the evening of April 14, according to Filashkin. The victims were four men aged between 36 and 86.

Additionally, local authorities confirmed that Russian troops dropped an aerial bomb on a five-story building in the village of Ocheretyne in Donetsk Oblast, resulting in the death of a 67-year-old woman and injuring two others.

In further assaults, Russia targeted the Bakhmut and Kramatorsk districts, causing damage to over 20 houses, including two high-rise buildings in the city of Sloviansk. These incidents underscore the relentless attacks and devastating impact of Russia's ongoing aggression in the region.