[Breitbart] Russia is set to increase its military presence in Nicaragua after its parliamentary upper house, the Federation Council, ratified its cooperation agreement with the communist Ortega regime on Wednesday — a deal that Nicaraguan dissidents denounced turns their country into a “Russian military base.”
Over the past years, the communist regime led by dictatorial husband-and-wife couple Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo has received a significant amount of support from Russia that has allowed the regime to expand and reinvigorate its brutally repressive apparatus and to silence dissent in the country — including the establishment of a Russian-operated “police training” center in the outskirts of Nejapa that is largely believed to be a Russian intelligence center. Nicaragua is one of the few countries in the world that supports Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia territories.
In 2023, Ortega publicly admitted that Russian assistance helped him repress the 2018 wave of anti-communist protests in Nicaragua, which left over 300 dead. Both countries signed a new military agreement in Moscow in September 2025 during the official visit of Julio César Avilés, commander of the Nicaraguan Army.
At press time, neither Russia nor Nicaragua has provided full details on the contents of the military agreement. The Russian news agency TASS reported that the now-ratified agreement contains provisions that call for the joint training of troops, cooperation between military educational institutions, and the exchange of information towards “countering the ideology of extremism and international terrorism.” According to the left-wing propaganda network Telesur, the agreement has a formal five-year duration that can be extended, something that the outlet affirmed “assures long-term Russian influence in the region.”
Félix Madariaga, a Nicaraguan former political prisoner of the Ortega regime banished from his country, told the newspaper La Prensa that the agreement is an “act of treason” of great concern which, together with the Russian spy base that is believed to operate near the Nicaraguan capital, turns Nicaragua into a “Russian military base, starting today.”
Madariaga further explained that the agreement constitutes the “transformation of Nicaragua into a satellite of Vladimir Putin,” letting the country be used as an operational platform at the service of Russian interests. Madariaga emphasized that the agreement is a “blank check” in favor of Moscow which contains broad, ambiguous areas of cooperation such as “electronic warfare” or “radiological, chemical, and biological protection.”
Madariaga also spoke with the outlet 100% Noticias and warned that the agreement’s consequences could also impact the security of neighboring Central American nations such as El Salvador, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, describing the Ortega family’s “servility” to Russia as something that “not even Putin’s great traditional allies dared to cross” at a geopolitical level. He also urged the United States, the European Union, and other nations and international organizations to oppose Russia’s plans to establish a military base in the Western Hemisphere.
“It is essential to express our categorical rejection. What has taken place today in Moscow is not a routine act of bilateral cooperation; it is the formalization of an unacceptable plan — the transformation of Nicaragua into a satellite state of Vladimir Putin and an operational platform serving his interests,” Madariaga told 100% Noticias.
“So allowing Nicaraguan territory to be used as a pawn in other people’s wars, as a springboard for Russian operations, as a base for hostilities that Nicaragua has not declared, is a betrayal of Nicaragua.”
A Nicaraguan security expert, who spoke with La Prensa on condition of anonymity, affirmed that the agreement’s lack of transparency could lead to a strengthening of the Nicaraguan regime’s repressive capabilities, and stressed, “What Russia has always sought through bilateral military agreements is to ensure the stability of the regime.”
The expert argued that Russia’s decision to bolster its military cooperation with the Nicaraguan regime is a response from Vladimir Putin to President Donald Trump’s “Donroe Doctrine” and America’s increased pressure on Cuba and Nicaragua. The security analyst noted that Putin “could lose all influence in the Western Hemisphere, specially since he’s already lost Venezuela.”
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited
[Korrespondent] 22.52 The European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for holding the Russian leadership accountable for the war against Ukraine and strengthening sanctions. This was reported on the European Parliament website.
The corresponding resolution was supported by 446 deputies, 63 opposed, and another 52 abstained.
In the document, the European Parliament strongly condemns Russia's systematic attacks on civilian objects, including residential buildings, hospitals, and energy infrastructure.
20.52 On April 29 and the night of April 30, the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck the Russian oil refinery Orsknefteorgsintez and several other important enemy facilities. A hit and subsequent fire were recorded on the territory of the plant. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this on Facebook.
19.59 Fighters of the Raid Regiment of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine struck a complex of facilities of the Russian Bars-Sarmat Special Purpose Center deep in the temporarily occupied territories of the Zaporizhia region, on the coast of the Sea of Azov. Raid reported this on Facebook.
17.41 Russia is seeking a short ceasefire to protect a military parade in Moscow on May 9 from potential strikes by Ukraine. At the same time, a long-term ceasefire may have certain risks. President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in an interview with Bloomberg.
17.17 Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev believes that a nuclear apocalypse is possible. He said this at the federal educational marathon Znaniya.
"I am often criticized for using some harsh rhetoric, talking about a nuclear apocalypse, but, unfortunately, it is really possible. Anyone who does not realize this is a dreamer or a fool," he said, adding that "I would really hate it."
16.31 Since the beginning of the day and as of 16:00, 41 attacks by Russian invaders have been recorded on the front. This is the minimum activity in recent days, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported in an operational summary on Thursday.
16.22 Ukraine demands that YouTube block advertising for the Alabuga sanctioned center, where teenagers are involved in the production of attack drones. This was stated in a joint statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
15.55 It is necessary to continue pressure on Russia due to the continued strikes on Ukrainian cities. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this on Facebook.
"Seven people are currently in hospitals in Dnipro after the Russian strike on the city. Five are hospitalized in Odessa, and two of them are in serious condition. One person was injured in the Kharkiv region. Dozens of people were injured in the Russian strikes today. Everyone is being provided with the necessary assistance," he said.
15.13 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed laws on the extension of martial law and mobilization in Ukraine. This is evidenced by the cards of draft laws No. 15197 and No. 15198 on the website of the Verkhovna Rada.
14.43 The European Parliament supported the early launch of the Special Tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine and called on all EU member states to join this initiative. This is stated in the European Parliament resolution on ensuring accountability and justice in response to the continued Russian attacks against the civilian population of Ukraine, which was supported by 446 deputies at a meeting in Strasbourg on Thursday, against - 63 (abstain - 52). This is reported by Ukrinform. The European Parliament called on all EU member states to join the Special Tribunal and advocate for broader international support for this mechanism.
14.15 Russian leader Vladimir Putin has not yet made a decision on the validity of the May truce. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said this in a comment to propagandists in Moscow.
14.01 Russian troops fired at an administrative building in Chernihiv during the day. Three people were reported injured, the press service of the Chernihiv City Council reported.
"As a result of the Russian attack on the city of Chernihiv, an administrative building was hit. Three people were previously injured," the report said.
13.44 Drones of the SBU's Alpha Special Operations Center successfully operated on Russian oil infrastructure near the city of Perm for the second day in a row. The Lukoil-Permnaftoorgsintez oil refinery and the Perm linear production and dispatching station were hit.
13.40 The crimes of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Government - Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Far Eastern Federal District - Yuri Trutnev have been documented. He is involved in ideological support, financing and logistical support of a full-scale war against Ukraine. The SBU reported this on April 30. According to the investigation, the sanctioned official periodically visits frontline areas to transfer weapons, ammunition and munitions to the Russian occupation groups.
13.03 An agent of the Russian military intelligence (GRU) was detained in the Dnipropetrovsk region, who was directing Geran-3 jet drones at defenders of the front-line region. The SBU reported this.
12.59 A scheme to forge VLK conclusions to release servicemen was exposed in the Lviv region. Officials of the military unit's medical service declared suspicion. This was reported by the press service of the State Bureau of Investigation.
The investigation established that in 2024-2025, the defendant produced false certificates from military medical commissions with fictitious diagnoses.
The official used the real conclusions as samples, copying the seals and signatures.
12.55 The number of victims of the Russian attack on the Dnipro district has increased to 11 people. This was reported by the head of the OVA, Oleksandr Ganzha. Five of them are hospitalized. One man is in serious condition. The remaining wounded are in moderate condition. According to the head of the OVA, a bus and two cars were destroyed. Another 8 cars were damaged. A store and an apartment building were damaged. The fire that broke out at the site of the attack has already been extinguished by rescuers.
12.36 On the morning of April 30, Russian troops attacked a public transport stop in the center of Kherson with a drone. This was reported by the head of the Kherson OVA, Oleksandr Prokudin. According to him, as a result of the enemy strike, a man died on the spot, whose identity is currently being established. A 57-year-old Kherson resident also received shrapnel wounds to his legs, contusion, explosive and closed craniocerebral injuries. The ambulance team took him to the hospital in moderate condition.
12.29 Russian "Shaheds" have begun to adapt to Ukrainian countermeasures. In particular, during attacks, drones change their trajectory, trying to avoid interception. This was stated by Advisor to the Minister of Defense Sergey Flesh Beskrestnov.
12.29 The Israeli company Tsinciper
…just for future searchability, the Times of Israel transliterates the name as Zenziper…
refused to accept a shipment of stolen wheat from Ukraine. The grain truck carrying it left the port of Haifa and entered neutral waters, the Israeli publication The Marker reported.
And the Prosecutor General's Office confirmed that another attempt by the Russians to legalize grain illegally exported from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine has been thwarted.
12.17 Russian troops are simultaneously pressing on Kupyansk from both banks of the Oskol, trying to weaken the defenses and find weak spots for a breakthrough. This was stated by the spokesman for the United Forces group, Viktor Tregubov, during a telethon.
12.07 Deputy Commander of the Air Force, Colonel Pavlo Elizarov, stated that out of over 300 Air Force crews, 66 shot down more than 10 Russian "shaheeds" over the year, while 170 shot down none. He said this in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda.
According to him, within the framework of the analysis of the work of the units, a significant difference was found in the performance of crews working with interceptor drones.
12.01 Ukraine received mobile F-16 simulators, which will allow to speed up pilot training, increase the effectiveness of intercepting air targets, and strengthen sky protection. This was reported by Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on Telegram.
11.45 In the Rivne region, a man opened fire with a machine gun on a CCC alert group. Two people were injured. The attacker has been identified, the regional department of the National Police reported.
11.39 17% of Ukrainians expect the war to end at least in the summer of 2026, another 14% expect it to end by the end of the year, that is, a total of 31% believe that the fighting will end by the end of 2026. These are the data from a survey conducted on April 20-27 by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS).
Almost half (48%) of those surveyed expect the war to end in 2027, with 38% of them saying it will end in the second half of 2027. As before, a significant proportion (21%) have no definite opinion on this issue. Thus, Ukrainians are mostly prepared for the war to continue for a long time.
11.12 The enemy attacked the Dnipro district. This was reported by the head of the Dnipropetrovsk OVA Oleksandr Ganzha on April 30. According to him, one person was killed and another was injured. As a result of the attack, a store and nearby cars caught fire.
11.01 Ukrainian representatives will contact US President Donald Trump's team to clarify the details of the Russian proposal for a "truce". President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this on Telegram. He made it clear that Ukraine is not satisfied with a "truce" for a few hours.
10.51 New explosions were recorded in Perm (Russia) on April 30. This is reported by TG channels. According to TG channel ASTRA, the Lukoil-Permnaftoorgsintez refinery was attacked. Presumably, a tank farm was hit. The head of the region confirmed the attack "on one of the industrial sites of the Perm Territory", he did not specify the name of the enterprise. ASTRA OSINT analyst localized the place where the drone was hit. The AVT primary oil processing facility is burning, with a high probability.
10.44 On Thursday morning, seven regions of Ukraine experienced power outages due to new shelling by Russian invaders. Ukrenergo reported this. Emergency restoration work has already begun where security conditions allow, energy experts assured.
10.25 An order has been signed on the mandatory rotation of servicemen who have been in combat positions for more than two months. This was announced by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky, in his Telegram message. Compliance with the requirements of the order will be under strict control, he assured.
9.53 On the front of the past day, 177 combat clashes between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and Russian invaders were recorded, including 41 of them in the Pokrovsky direction. This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on April 30. Aviation, missile troops and artillery of the Defense Forces struck 15 areas of concentration of manpower, two command posts, an air defense system and a control point for unmanned aerial vehicles of the Russian invaders.
9.24 The Ukrainian Navy struck two Russian boats guarding the Kerch Bridge. The Ukrainian Navy reported this. It is noted that on the night of April 30, the Ukrainian Navy forces and equipment struck a Russian naval convoy in the Kerch Strait. As a result, the Russian FSB patrol boat Sobol and the anti-sabotage boat Grachonok were hit. The Russians suffered irreparable and medical losses.
8.55 Air defense forces neutralized 172 of the 206 drones used by Russian invaders to attack Ukraine. This was reported by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ballistic missile hits and 32 strike UAVs were recorded at 22 locations, as well as the fall of downed ones (fragments) at 9 locations.
8.32 Russians hit residential areas and civilian objects in various districts of Odessa. According to police, at least 18 people suffered various injuries. The data is being verified. The most damage was recorded in the Primorsky district. This was reported by the head of the Odessa MVA Serhiy Lysak.
8.14 Five people were injured in an attack by Russian drones in the Mykolaiv region, the regional state administration reported.
7.52 The Ukrainian Defense Forces killed and wounded 1,470 Russian occupiers over the past 24 hours, with the enemy's total losses in the war amounting to 1,330,290 people. This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
06.28 Russian troops continue to test new directions for possible attacks on the territory of Kharkiv region, however, Ukrainian forces confidently maintain control over the situation, successfully repelling enemy attacks. This was reported by the head of the Kharkiv OVA, Oleg Synegubov. The situation remains particularly difficult in the Kupyansk and Izyumsk directions, where an average of about 200 combat clashes continue daily.
04.31 US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon has unfrozen $400 million intended for Ukraine. After criticism from a US senator, funds previously approved by Congress were allocated to strengthen the defense potential of Europe.
03.06 In Odessa, during another attack by Russian strike drones on the night of Thursday, April 30, a residential high-rise building was hit, as well as a kindergarten building, where a fire broke out. The number of injured people has increased to six people. This was reported by the head of the Odessa City Military Administration, Serhiy Lysak.
01.25 On the night of April 30, Odessa was the target of an attack by Russian drones. The residential sector and infrastructure were hit. Four people were injured as a result of the shelling. A five-story building and a private residence were damaged. In addition, a hit was recorded in the parking lot and an administrative building.
01.01 A large-scale fire continues in Perm, Russia: fuel tanks are burning after a Ukrainian drone attack. Satellite images show that the fire has engulfed at least two facilities at the Perm oil pumping station in the Perm region.
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited
[Korrespondent] The Russians have not yet carried out offensive operations in the North Slobozhansk, Kursk, Kramatorsk, and Orekhov directions.
Since the beginning of the day and as of 4:00 p.m., 41 attacks by Russian invaders have been recorded on the front. This is the minimum activity in recent days, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported in an operational summary on Thursday, April 30.
Thus, in the South Slobozhansk direction, the enemy stormed the areas of the settlements of Lyman and Okhrimivka twice.
In the Kupyansk direction, the Russians attacked once in the direction of Kurylivka.
In the Lymansky direction towards the settlement of Stavky, our defenders repelled one enemy assault.
In the Slavyansk direction, our soldiers repelled one attempt by the invaders to advance in the direction of Zakitne.
In the Kostyantynivka direction, the invaders carried out 12 attacks near Kostyantynivka, Pleshchiivka, Oleksandro-Shultyny, Stepanivka, Sofiivka, and Illinivka.
In the Pokrovsk direction, the occupiers tried to advance 12 times towards the settlements of Rodynske, Myrnograd, Novooleksandrivka, Hryshyne, Udachne, and Molodetske. One clash is ongoing.
In the Oleksandrivka direction, the enemy has twice advanced in the direction of Verbovye and Zlagoda. One of these attacks is ongoing.
In the Hulyaipil direction, six enemy attacks were repelled in the areas of Dobropillya, Staroukrainka, Varvarivka, Tsvitkivka, Olenokostyantynivka, and Hulyaipilsky.
In the Prydniprovskie direction, four assaults towards Antonivka and Belogrudy Island have been stopped. One attack is ongoing.
However, the Russians have not yet carried out offensive operations in the North Slobozhansk, Kursk, Kramatorsk, and Orekhov directions.
As a reminder, on April 29, 177 combat clashes took place on the front. The largest number of battles was in the Pokrovsky direction – 41. The enemy army lost almost 1,500 soldiers killed and wounded.
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited
[NewsFront] 22:02 In the period from 14:00 Moscow time to 20:00 Moscow time, air defense systems on duty intercepted and destroyed 24 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles of the aircraft type over the territories of the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk regions, the Republic of Crimea and over the Black Sea. 21:32 UAV crews of the 1st Guards Tank Army of the West group caught up NRTK, as well as Ukrainian Armed Forces drones in the Khar'kov region.
Drone operators from the 6th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Sever group burned militants' vehicles in the Khar'kov region.
Molniya-2 operators from the Vostok group trained at Ukrainian Armed Forces drone control centers in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Servicemen from the counter-UAV unit of the 1441st Motorized Rifle Regiment of the Center group shot down enemy heavy hexacopters in the Dobropillya direction.
UAV operators from the Center group eliminated Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel who were carrying out rotation, and also destroyed an enemy Bogdana-BG howitzer in the Dobropillya direction.
Drone operators from the Southern Group destroyed a truck carrying an enemy UAV crew in the Konstantinovsky direction.
20:33 Tank crews of the 58th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Dnepr group supported our assault units in the Orekhov direction.
19:15 Sappers of the "Southern" group carried out demining an unexploded warhead from a Ukrainian UAV that crashed on the territory of a civilian facility in the DPR.
17:07 Russian military personnel successfully occupied the Ukrainian Armed Forces captured the fortified area without a fight thanks to a clever maneuver using captured equipment. An unexpected snowfall for April played into the attack aircraft's hands: the enemy mistook them for their own.
16:04 In the period from 8:00 Moscow time to 14:00 Moscow time, air defense systems on duty intercepted and destroyed 39 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles of the aircraft type over the territories of the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk regions and the Perm Territory.
15:34 Crews of strike UAVs of the Rassvet unit apply precision strikes against the enemy in the SVO zone. Targets include vehicles, various types of unmanned aerial vehicles, UAV control centers, and temporary deployment points for enemy personnel.
14:23 During the battle, motorized riflemen of the Sever group, under the cover of artillery and attack UAVs, entered and entrenched in the village of Korchakovka in the Sumy region.
By destroying enemy firing positions, our troops pushed the Ukrainian nationalists out of the village and began clearing buildings and basements.
The active advance of the Northern group of forces is pushing the enemy further and further away from the state border.
12:27 Summary of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation on the progress of the Special Military Operation (as of April 30, 2026)
Units of the "North" military group have actively established control over the village of Korchakovka in the Sumy region.
They inflicted losses on the manpower and equipment of two mechanized brigades, two assault regiments of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and three territorial defense brigades in the areas of the populated areas of Myropolye, Kondratovka, Chervone, Novaya Sich, and Khrapovshchyna in the Sumy region.
In the Khar'kov region, manpower and equipment of two mechanized and a motorized infantry brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were damaged in the areas of the settlements of Ternovaya, Kolodeznoye, Pokalyanoye and Staritsa in the Khar'kov region.
The enemy lost more than 240 soldiers, two armored combat vehicles, seven cars, and an Israeli-made RADA RPS-42 counter-battery station.
Units of the "West" force grouping have improved their position along the forward edge. They have defeated units of three mechanized brigades, an assault brigade, an unmanned aerial systems regiment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, a territorial defense brigade, and a border detachment of the Ukrainian Border Service near the settlements of Nechvolodovka, Kovalivka, Monachinovka, Kutkovka, and Shiykovka in the Khar'kov region, and Tatyanovka, Stary Karavan, Krasny Liman, and Prishyb in the Donetsk People's Republic.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces lost up to 190 servicemen, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, 16 vehicles, three artillery pieces, a Grad multiple launch rocket system combat vehicle, and an Israeli-made RADA RPS-42 counter-battery station.
Units of the Southern Group of Forces have occupied more advantageous positions and lines. The personnel and equipment of two mechanized brigades, a motorized infantry brigade, and a mountain assault brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been defeated near the villages of Druzhkovka, Podolskoye, Konstantinovka, Krivaya Luka, Artema, Kramatorsk, and Rai-Aleksandrivka in the Donetsk People's Republic.
The enemy lost over 100 troops, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, two armored combat vehicles, 16 vehicles, and four field artillery pieces. Three electronic warfare stations were destroyed.
Units of the Center group of forces, as a result of decisive actions, liberated the village of Novoaleksandrivka in the Donetsk People's Republic.
Formations of two mechanized brigades, an assault and airmobile brigades, an assault regiment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, five brigades of the National Guard and the Azov* special forces brigade were defeated in the areas of the settlements of Matyashevo, Priyut, Vasilevka, Gruzskoye, Kucherov Yar, Shevchenko, Dobropolye of the Donetsk People's Republic, Natalovka, Novopavlovka, Novopidgornoye and Maryevka of the Dnipropetrovsk region.
The Ukrainian armed forces lost more than 295 servicemen, an infantry fighting vehicle, an armored personnel carrier, six armored combat vehicles, eight cars, and an artillery piece.
Units of the "East" force group continued to advance deep into the enemy's defenses. Formations of a mechanized brigade, two assault brigades, an infantry brigade, and two assault regiments of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were defeated near the settlements of Dolinka, Kopani, Rozovka, Verkhnyaya Tersa, Barvinovka, Lyubitske, and Vozdvizhevka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and Velykomykhaylovka and Dobropasovo in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
The enemy lost more than 275 servicemen, four armored combat vehicles, seven cars and a US-made 155mm Paladin self-propelled artillery unit.
Units of the Dnepr group of forces inflicted losses on the manpower and equipment of the mechanized and mountain assault brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the areas of the settlements of Dimitrovo, Kamyshevakha, Orekhov and Zaporozhets in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Up to 25 military personnel, 12 vehicles, a Buk-M1 anti-aircraft missile system, three radar stations and three electronic warfare stations were destroyed.
12:11 152mm 2S19 Msta-S crews of the Center and East group sburned strongholds and positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces formations in the Dnipropetrovsk direction and in the Zaporizhzhia region.
11:05 The Investigative Committee of Russia will investigate crimes committed by Ukrainian armed forces against civilians in the Belgorod, Kursk, and Volgograd regions and the DPR
According to local authorities, the Ukrainian Armed Forces deliberately struck a passenger bus in the village of Voznesenovka, Shebekinsky District, in the Belgorod Region. Three women were killed and eight people were injured. Three more civilians were injured in drone strikes in various areas of the region.
In the Kursk region, near the village of Peschanoye in the Belovsky district, an FPV drone struck a car, injuring a man.
In the Volgograd region, one person was injured when a drone struck a private home.
In the DPR, a civilian resident of Horlivka was injured as a result of an explosion from an explosive device belonging to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
10:23 Ukrainian Armed Forces hit Lukoil facilities in Perm: there are already two fires in the city
According to authorities, the drone struck an industrial site. Preliminary investigations indicate Lukoil's oil refining and gas processing facilities. The distance from Perm to Ukraine is over 1,500 kilometers.
10:10 FSB officers detained a 63-year-old resident of Krasnodar, recruited by Ukrainian special services.
The man passed on information to his Kyiv handlers about the location of military equipment, air defense bases, and fuel and energy facilities.
In addition, the detainee collected information about employees of one of the enterprises and attempted to provide Kyiv special services with access to corporate email.
9:41 Summary about the operational situation in the Kursk region over the past 24 hours.
In total, 55 enemy drones of various types were shot down between 09:00 on April 29 and 09:00 on April 30.
8:37 During the past night, air defense systems on duty intercepted and destroyed 189 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles of the fixed-wing type over the Astrakhan, Belgorod, Bryansk, Volgograd, Voronezh, Kursk, Lipetsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov, Ryazan, Samara, Saratov, Tula and Ulyanovsk regions.
8:18 Frontline summary as of the morning of April 30, 26
Zaporizhzhya Front
Heavy fighting is underway for Primorskoye.
In the Gulyai-Polye direction, Russian troops are occupying plantations south of Gulyai-Polye. Fighting continues in the Verkhnyaya Tersa-Vozdvizhevka area.
Donetsk Front.
On the Krasnoarmeysk front, Russian troops are fighting near Novooleksandrivka and Vasilevka, advancing southwest of Grishino.
Positional fighting is ongoing west of Rodinske.
On the Dobropolsky front, clashes continue in Belitske.
In the Konstantinovka direction, Russian troops are advancing on the eastern outskirts of Konstantinovka.
Fighting is ongoing between Konstantinovka and Novodmitrovka. Clashes continue in Dolgaya Balka.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces are counterattacking on the western outskirts of Chasy Yar.
In the Krasnolimansky direction, fighting continues in Krasny Liman and northwest of the city.
In the Seversky sector, the situation remains tense on the approaches to Rai-Aleksandrovka.
Khar'kov Front.
In the Kupyansk direction, Russian Armed Forces are advancing on the outskirts of Kovsharovka. Clashes continue in the northwestern part of Kupyansk.
7:59 220mm BM-27 Uragan MLRS crews of the Vostok group destroyed Ukrainian Armed Forces positions in the Zaporizhzhia direction, video.
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited
[Regnum] The remains of 74 civilians have been discovered in liberated settlements of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). The Russian Investigative Committee reported this on April 30.
"As part of efforts to collect evidence of crimes committed by Ukrainian nationalists in recently liberated settlements of the DPR, the remains of 74 civilians were discovered and exhumed, and the necessary examinations have been ordered," the department said in a statement on its Telegram channel.
It is noted that forensic experts are participating in crime scene inspections to collect evidence of crimes committed by the Kyiv regime. Over the past two weeks, more than 400 objects damaged by Ukrainian militants have been assessed.
On March 5, Investigative Committee head Alexander Bastrykin reported that 80 graves containing the bodies of civilians killed by the Ukrainian army had been discovered in the DPR. The civilians were killed either by artillery shelling or by automatic weapons fire. He noted that the killings by suicide drones of people attempting to flee the combat zone were particularly cynical.
Earlier, the commander of the assault aircraft of the 37th separate guards motorized rifle brigade of the 36th guards group of the Russian Armed Forces "Vostok", call sign Faer, said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces tortured civilians in Privolye and then dumped their bodies in wells.
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited
[Regnum] Tu-95MS missile carriers completed a scheduled flight over the Barents and Norwegian Seas. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported this on April 30.
"Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers of the Russian Aerospace Forces' Long-Range Aviation carried out a scheduled flight in the airspace over the neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas. The flight lasted more than seven hours," the department reported.
The crews performed in-flight refueling during the flight. Russian Aerospace Forces Su-30SM aircraft provided fighter escort for the missile carriers.
At certain stages of the route, Russian aircraft were accompanied by fighter jets from foreign countries.
The Ministry of Defense noted that long-range aviation crews regularly fly over the neutral waters of the Arctic, North Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Baltic, and Black Seas. Russian crews conduct all flights in strict compliance with international airspace regulations.
On April 20, two other Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft— Tu-22M3 long-range bombers— conducted a scheduled flight over neutral waters of the Baltic Sea. They were escorted by Su-35 crews. The flight lasted over four hours. The following day, ABC News reported that French Rafale jets, Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters, and fighter jets from Finland, Poland, Denmark, and Romania were dispatched to intercept the Russian aircraft. The Russian aircraft, having completed their mission, turned around and headed back.
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited
[Regnum] The wife of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has purchased a luxury yacht valued at approximately €26 million. Russian security agencies reported this to journalists on April 30.
"The wife of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov purchased a luxury superyacht worth approximately €26 million," a security official told TASS.
He noted that the yacht, named Tankoa S501 Vertige, is 50 meters long and is registered and sails under the French flag.
A security official explained that this co-ownership arrangement is likely a necessary measure. He added that, according to local law, half of a vessel registered under the French flag must be owned by a citizen of an EU member state or a company registered in the EU.
Corruption in Ukraine is colossal. In February, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) reported the arrest of former Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko, who was attempting to travel to Poland by train. Verkhovna Rada member Oleksiy Goncharenko (an individual listed as a terrorist and extremist by the Russian Federation) soon announced that Galushchenko had already been charged in the energy sector corruption case (the "Mindich case").
According to investigators, businessman Timur Mindich, an associate of Kyiv's Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the entrepreneurial brothers Mikhail and Alexander Tsukerman demanded that suppliers to the Ukrainian company Energoatom reimburse them 10-15% of the contract value. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) estimates that the corrupt officials may have laundered approximately $100 million. According to the indictment, Mindich provided protection to Galushchenko in front of Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In November 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Kiev was stealing both its own taxpayers' money and the funds it receives from Western countries.
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited
[Regnum] Israel has denied the Panormitis, a vessel carrying grain from Russia, permission to unload at the port of Haifa. This was reported on April 30 by Pnina Shalev, spokesperson for the Israeli Grain Importers Association.
On April 29, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga demanded that Israel seize the Panormitis vessel, claiming that the grain had allegedly been collected in new regions of Russia that Kyiv claims as its own.
"Given the current circumstances, the grain importer Tsentsiper
…just for future searchability, the Times of Israel transliterates the name as Zenziper…
is forced to refuse passage to the Russian vessel, which, with a cargo of wheat on board, is at the center of a scandal with Ukraine," Shalev noted in a comment to Izvestia.
According to her, due to the early termination of the agreement, the Israeli importer will have to pay the Russian company a substantial penalty of $7 million. Now the cargo owner must find another outlet and another port for unloading the grain.
On April 27, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Israeli ambassador to present a note of protest regarding the alleged arrival at the port of Haifa of a ship carrying grain harvested in Russia's new regions. Sybiga stated that friendly relations with Israel should not be damaged by allegedly "stolen" Russian grain.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the accusations against Tel Aviv regarding grain purchases unsubstantiated. According to the minister, the Ukrainian side did not even seek legal assistance before turning to the media and social media.
Earlier, Axios columnist Barak Ravid reported that Ukraine threatened to worsen relations with Israel if the Russian grain vessel Panoramits was unloaded at the port of Haifa. If Israel accepts the Russian vessel, Kyiv plans to deploy its full arsenal of international legal and diplomatic instruments. Ukrainian authorities have openly stated that such an incident would have consequences and could trigger a major interstate scandal.
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
