Russian drones hit residential buildings, hotel in Odesa, injuring 14, including children

Russia launched a drone attack on Odesa overnight on April 27, striking residential areas and injuring at least 14 people, according to local authorities.

Explosions were first reported around 1:30 a.m. as Ukraine’s Air Force warned of incoming drone swarms targeting the city. Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper said the strikes hit residential buildings and a hotel.

Also, private homes and other buildings were struck in other districts. According to officials, the injured included two children. Several vehicles caught fire, and warehouses were also reportedly hit, though the full scale of destruction is still being assessed.

Odesa, a major port city on the Black Sea, has been repeatedly targeted in Russian aerial attacks throughout the full-scale war, with civilian infrastructure often among the primary targets.

The latest strike follows another drone attack on April 24 that killed a married couple and injured 15 people. Just a day later, on April 25, Russia carried out one of its largest aerial assaults on Ukraine, deploying hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles in strikes across multiple regions.

Ukraine summons Israeli ambassador over vessel carrying stolen grain

Ukraine has summoned Israel’s ambassador to protest the alleged import of grain stolen by Russia from occupied Ukrainian territories, the Foreign Ministry said.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Kyiv delivered a formal note of protest after a vessel carrying the grain reportedly arrived at the port of Port of Haifa.

Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine values its relationship with Israel but warned that accepting what Kyiv considers looted goods could harm bilateral ties. He also expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of response from Israel regarding a previous shipment of similar origin.

According to the minister, Ukraine has urged Israeli authorities not to allow the unloading or acceptance of the grain, arguing that it constitutes незаконная trade in stolen resources.

The issue of grain taken from occupied regions has been a recurring point of contention, with Ukraine accusing Russia of exporting agricultural products seized during the war to international markets.

Russian forces advance in Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts 

Russian forces have advanced near the settlement of Petropavlivka in Kharkiv Oblast and close to the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast, DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts, has reported.

Russian forces also advanced near Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast.

JD Vance brags about halting Ukraine aid — sources say he is actively influencing policy

In a recent interview, US Vice President JD Vance proudly stated that one of his greatest achievements was helping to halt direct American weapons transfers to Ukraine. He argued that the United States should no longer be the primary supplier of arms to Kyiv, and that European countries should take greater responsibility if they wish to continue supporting Ukraine. Vance emphasized that the war in Ukraine is not a core American national interest and that the Trump administration has shifted policy accordingly by stopping direct U.S. military aid.

The comments reflect a significant change from the previous Biden administration’s approach. Vance made it clear that Washington will no longer purchase and send weapons to Ukraine, telling Europe they can buy arms themselves if they want to help. His remarks have sparked sharp criticism from some American lawmakers, who argue the decision benefits Russia, while also highlighting growing divisions within the U.S. regarding support for Ukraine.

Iran fights 'courageously and heroically,' Putin says during talks with Tehran's foreign minister

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on April 27, highlighting the growing “strategic partnership” between the two countries.

The visit followed Araghchi’s diplomatic trip to Pakistan and Oman, part of broader efforts to revive ceasefire talks between Iran and the United States.

During the meeting, Putin praised Iran’s resilience, saying its people are fighting “courageously and heroically” for their sovereignty, and added that Moscow is ready to help stabilize the Middle East. Araghchi, in turn, thanked Russia for its support and stressed that bilateral ties would continue to deepen regardless of external developments.

According to Iranian officials, Araghchi briefed the Kremlin on the current status of negotiations with Washington, including the fragile ceasefire reached on April 7 and extended by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Russia and Iran formalized closer ties with a strategic partnership agreement in early 2025. Since then, cooperation has expanded across multiple areas, including defense. Tehran has supplied Moscow with Shahed-type drones used in strikes against Ukraine, while Russia has backed Iran politically following U.S.-Israeli military actions earlier this year.

Amid stalled diplomacy, Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz—a key route for global oil shipments—as part of a broader deal to ease tensions, while suggesting that negotiations over its nuclear program be postponed.