Russian attack on city in Kharkiv Oblast injures at least 10

Russian forces targeted the city of Balakliia in Kharkiv Oblast, injuring at least ten people, according to local authorities on April 25.

Kharkiv Oblast, in northeastern Ukraine, frequently suffers from Russian attacks due to its proximity to the front line and the Russian border.

Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that Russia struck an area near the railway station. As of 5:20 p.m. local time, at least seven people were injured, including three women aged 37, 47, and 60, and four men aged 39, 49, 49, and 62. Ukrainian Railways' press service indicated that three of its workers were also wounded due to the attack.

Syniehubov stated that all injured individuals were hospitalized with blast injuries of varying severity. The attack occurred while people were sitting in the passenger train Kharkiv-Izium. By 7:00 p.m. local time, the number of casualties increased to ten, with two more women, aged 37 and 48, and a 55-year-old man confirmed as injured.

Emergency services are on-site to respond to the aftermath of the attack.

Russian attacks against Kharkiv and Kharkiv Oblast have recently intensified, with missiles, glide bombs, and drones targeting energy infrastructure and civilians. By the end of March, Russia had destroyed all electrical substations in Kharkiv, leaving Ukraine's second-largest city without a stable power supply.

 Qatar to host meeting on Ukrainian peace plan

Qatar is set to host a meeting of national security advisors and senior officials from around the globe this weekend to lay the groundwork for a summit in June, focusing on Ukraine's conditions for a settlement with Russia, according to Bloomberg on April 24.

The Swiss government earlier this month announced that it would host the global peace summit regarding Russia's war against Ukraine at the Burgenstock resort in the canton of Nidwalden. The objective of the summit is to discuss Kyiv's 10-point peace formula and to develop a shared document outlining the steps required to restore Ukraine's sovereignty.

The meeting in Doha will gather officials from the Group of Seven (G7) and the so-called Global South to prepare for the Swiss summit in June. However, the final list of countries attending the Qatar meeting has not been finalized. Notably, Russia has not been invited, and China's participation remains uncertain.

President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated on April 24 that Russia is planning to disrupt the Swiss summit in June. He mentioned that Russia has specific plans to decrease the number of participating countries and ensure the absence of peace for a prolonged period. To counteract these efforts, Ukraine will share Russia's plans with diplomats and intelligence agencies from allied countries, emphasizing the need to work in unity for a just peace.

Kyiv's peace plan outlines several conditions, including the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory, the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, the release of all prisoners of war and deportees, measures to prevent ecocide in Ukraine, and accountability for those responsible for war crimes.

Zelenskyy discussed infrastructure protection, situation at the front, and weapons production during the meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the protection of Ukraine's infrastructure, the current situation at the front, and contracts for weapons production within the country during a regular meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal attended this meeting, along with other high-ranking officials.

Zelenskyy outlined that the primary focus of the meeting was on defense. Prime Minister Shmyhal presented a comprehensive report addressing the protection of critical infrastructure. This includes not only energy infrastructure but also social facilities, security systems, transport, and communications infrastructure. The report highlighted various sectors and the resources available for their protection, such as engineering, air defense, and electronic warfare. Zelenskyy noted that he had issued specific instructions and set deadlines for their completion.

The meeting also included discussions about reports from the battlefield, examining the main fronts, Ukrainian military actions, and Russia's anticipated moves. Another critical aspect of the meeting was the need to ensure that Ukrainian forces were supplied with everything they required.

Contracts for weapon production in Ukraine were also addressed. Zelenskyy emphasized that the country is supporting its domestic manufacturers and working with international partners to allow weapon production in Ukraine with foreign funding. He stated that the defense industry is crucial not only for Ukraine's current survival but also for its significant export potential after the victory. Zelenskyy said he would receive weekly reports on new contracts to ensure progress and accountability in this area.