Latest news with #InvestigativeCommitteeofRussia
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Ukrainian serviceman receives 16-year prison sentence in Russia for alleged terrorist attack in Kursk Oblast
Ukrainian serviceman Vitalii Lutsenko has been sentenced to 16 years' imprisonment in Russia for allegedly committing a "terrorist act" in Russia's Kursk Oblast. Source: Investigative Committee of Russia in a statement Details: The Russian investigators claimed that in October 2024, Lutsenko, a private first class from the 33rd Separate Assault Battalion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, "illegally crossed the Russian border" together with a group of soldiers and carried out a series of armed actions in the Sudzha and Korenevo districts of Kursk Oblast. It is alleged that Lutsenko "threatened local residents, hindered evacuation, opened fire on military personnel and civilians", and also took part in blocking the village of Olgovka. The Russians claimed that he was captured by Russian Armed Forces personnel and handed over to investigators. The court sentenced Lutsenko to 16 years' imprisonment, with the first three years to be served in prison and the remainder in a maximum-security penal colony. Background: On 19 May, Russia found another Ukrainian serviceman, Serhii Chumasov, guilty of allegedly committing a "terrorist act" in Kursk Oblast. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
Ukrainian serviceman sentenced to 15 years in prison in Russia for alleged terrorist attack in Kursk Oblast
In Russia, Serhii Chumasov, a Ukrainian soldier of the 17th Separate Tank Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has been found guilty of allegedly committing a "terrorist act" on the territory of Russia. Source: Investigative Committee of Russia Details: The Russian investigation states that in October 2024, Chumasov and his comrades, armed with an AK-74 rifle and a grenade launcher, allegedly illegally crossed the Russian border and entered the village of Olgovka, Kursk Oblast. There, according to the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, he mined roads and, threatening with weapons, prevented the evacuation of civilians. It is noted that Serhii Chumasov was detained by the Russians during the fighting and handed over to investigative authorities. A court in Russia sentenced the Ukrainian soldier to 15 years in prison. He will serve the first three years in prison, and the rest of his sentence in a maximum-security colony. Background: In January 2025, the 2nd Western Military District Court of Moscow sentenced seven captured Ukrainians who took part in the Ukrainian Armed Forces' offensive in Russia's Kursk Oblast. The soldiers received prison terms of 15 to 16 years. In the summer of 2023, the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don hosted a show trial for 22 Azov Brigade members who defended the city of Mariupol and Azovstal steelworks, including 8 women. In November 2023, a so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" court sentenced Vitalii Matvienko, a combat medic from the 36th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to 30 years in a maximum security prison. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ukraine war latest: High-ranking Russian general killed in car bombing near Moscow amid Witkoff-Putin meeting
Key developments on April 25: High-ranking Russian general killed in car bombing near Moscow, as Witkoff meets with Putin Full text of US peace proposal at odds with Ukrainian, EU positions, Reuters reports Trump says Crimea 'will stay with Russia,' blames Ukraine's NATO aspirations for war Putin, US envoy Witkoff discuss direct talks with Ukraine, Kremlin aide says UK may abandon plans to deploy large troop force to Ukraine, the Times reports A senior Russian general has been killed in an explosion in Moscow, a spokesperson for the Investigative Committee of Russia confirmed on April 25. According to Russian state media, a car exploded in the yard of a residential building in the Russian city of Balashikha, Moscow Oblast, killing one person. The Investigative Committee of Russia later identified the deceased as Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik, deputy chief of the main operations directorate of Russia's army. "According to available data, the explosion occurred as a result of the detonation of a homemade explosive device," it added. A criminal case has been opened. Ukraine has not commented on the attack. The incident took place as U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow earlier in the day to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. There is limited publicly available information about Moskalik. He was listed as a member of the Russian delegation during the 2015 , set up to find a resolution to Russia's war in eastern Ukraine. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that Moskalik was also involved in the high-level Normandy Four meeting in 2019, as well as in talks with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad a year earlier, who has since been ousted. While Ukraine has not been officially linked to the recent car bombing, Kyiv has previously targeted Russian officials who play a key role in Russia's full-scale invasion. Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian Armed Forces' radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops, in an explosion at a residence in Moscow in December 2024, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine told the Kyiv Independent. Mikhail Shatsky, a Russian expert involved in modernizing missiles launched against Ukraine, was shot dead near Moscow on Dec. 12, a Defense Forces source told the Kyiv Independent. Aleksey Kolomeitsev, a Russian colonel who trained specialists in the use of attack drones, was in Moscow Oblast, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) reported on Sept. 28. Read also: CIA deputy director's son killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine, investigation claims Reuters on April 25 published the full text of a U.S. peace proposal presented by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to European officials in Paris on April 17, offering the clearest look yet at the Trump administration's plan to end Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine. The publication also released a delivered by Ukrainian and European officials earlier this week. The expose disagreements on critical issues, including territorial concessions, sanctions relief, security guarantees, and the size of Ukraine's armed forces. The U.S. draft includes a provision to legally recognize Russia's 2014 and de facto accept Russian control over Ukrainian territory seized since 2022. In contrast, the European-Ukrainian proposal insists that territorial questions should only be addressed after a full ceasefire and start from the basis of the line of control. also remain a key dividing line. The U.S. text offers vague language about a "robust security guarantee" for to be provided by unspecified European and "friendly" countries. It also requires Kyiv to abandon its bid to join NATO. The Ukrainian-European proposal calls for reliable, enforceable guarantees from allies — including the U.S. — and rejects limits on or its ability to host allied forces. The documents also diverge sharply on sanctions policy. The U.S. plan calls for lifting sanctions imposed on Russia since 2014, including those related to Crimea. The Ukrainian-European text proposes sanctions relief only after establishing a "sustainable peace" and includes mechanisms to reimpose them if Russia violates any agreement. Kyiv also calls for the return of all deported and illegally displaced Ukrainian children, which the U.S. proposal does not mention. Read also: 'End policy of appeasement' — European foreign affairs chairs rebuke Trump's Russia stance While proposing concessions on core political issues, the U.S. plan does include conditions for Moscow. It demands that Russia return occupied in 2022 Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Ukrainian control, under U.S. oversight, to provide power to cities on both sides of the front line. The plan also calls for restoring Ukrainian control over the Kinburn Spit, providing secure passage across the Dnipro River, and reclaiming occupied areas of Kharkiv Oblast — around 200 square kilometers (77 square miles) currently held by Russian forces. On the economic front, the U.S. draft outlines a future agreement on cooperation and reconstruction, pledging financial support for Ukraine's recovery and infrastructure development. Ukraine has already accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposal introduced by the U.S. in March, provided Russia reciprocates. Moscow has so far rejected the ceasefire and continues offensive operations across the front. Despite promising to end the war swiftly, U.S. President Donald Trump has yet to impose new sanctions or take other steps to pressure the Kremlin. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated on April 25 that he believes Ukraine's desire to join NATO triggered Russia's full-scale invasion, adding that Crimea "will stay with Russia." In an interview with magazine, Trump said, "If will stay with Russia — we have to only talk about Crimea because that's the one that always gets mentioned." "Crimea will stay with Russia. And (President Volodymyr) Zelensky understands that, and everybody understands that it's been with them for a long time. It's been with them long before came along." The comments come as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to broker a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Any move by the Trump administration to formally recognize it as Russian territory would contradict a decade-long bipartisan consensus in Washington and international law. The U.S. president also repeated his claim that Ukraine provoked the war by pursuing NATO membership. "I think what caused the war to start was when they started talking about joining NATO," Trump said. That assertion contradicts the historical record. Ukraine has publicly expressed interest in joining NATO since the early 2000s, including during the 2008 Bucharest Summit, without triggering war. Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 was widely condemned as an unprovoked act of aggression that violated international law and Ukraine's sovereignty. President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected any peace deal involving territorial concessions. "This violates our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine," he said on April 22. Trump has that the U.S. is pressuring Ukraine to accept Crimea's annexation, but has also criticized Zelensky's refusal to consider it as "harmful to the peace negotiations." He previously claimed the U.S. has a deal with Russia and only needs to reach one with Ukraine, adding that Zelensky has been with than expected. The peace proposal has sparked strong backlash even from Trump's backers. Former U.K. Prime Minister called it a "reward for Russian aggression" that risks allowing Moscow to regroup for another attack. On April 24, Russia launched a on Kyiv, killing at least 12 civilians and injuring 90. Trump by calling the attack "not necessary" and "poorly timed," but did not condemn Russia or suggest any punitive measures. Ukraine has accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day first introduced in March, contingent on Russian participation. has rejected the proposal and continues offensive operations across Ukraine's front line. Despite expressing with Russia's failure to de-escalate, the Trump administration has yet to impose new sanctions or take other steps to pressure the Kremlin. Read also: Ukraine shocked by torture of captive journalist, as at least 30 remain in Russian hands Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff discussed the possibility of direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv during a three-hour meeting in Moscow on April 25, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov told the Russian state-run Interfax news agency. Ushakov described the conversation as "constructive and useful," saying it helped "further bring the positions of and the closer not only on Ukraine, but also on several other international issues." The presidential aide added that, per an agreement between the Russian and U.S. presidents, bilateral dialogue "will continue to be carried out in the most active mode." Kremlin spokesperson called the meeting "shuttle diplomacy." Witkoff's visit to follows a mass Russian missile and drone assault on Ukraine. On April 24, Moscow launched 215 missiles and drones across the country, many , where at least 12 people were killed and 87 injured. The Trump administration is ramping up efforts to secure a in Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, but has it may end mediation efforts if progress is not made soon. One day before the Moscow meeting, U.S. President said that both sides "want peace" and reiterated that he had set a personal deadline for finalizing a deal. "They have to get to the table," Trump said during a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. "And I think we're going to get peace." Read also: Trump hopes to 'end war' this week. Here's what you need to know The U.K. is expected to scale back earlier proposals to deploy thousands of ground troops to Ukraine, as officials warn the risks are now considered "too high" for such a mission. The original plan, which included protecting Ukrainian cities, ports, and nuclear power plants, is being reconsidered in favor of a more limited and strategic presence. A source involved in the discussions , "The risks are too high and the forces inadequate for such a task. This was always the U.K.'s thought. It was France who wanted a more muscular approach." On March 15, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented plans to to Ukraine at a high-level virtual summit in London. The peacekeeping mission would be "a significant force with a significant number of countries providing troops and a much larger group contributing in other ways," a senior government source told the Sunday Times. Instead of placing troops near the front lines, the U.K. and France now aim to send military trainers to western Ukraine, fulfilling a commitment to deploy personnel without engaging in direct defense roles. "The trainers 'reassure' by being there but aren't a deterrence or protection force," the source added, expressing concern that any breakdown in a ceasefire could escalate into a broader conflict. The revised approach would shift focus toward rebuilding and equipping Ukraine's military, with continued weapons deliveries and air and sea protection measures forming the backbone of future support. Read also: Ukraine has no great options if Trump recognizes Crimea as Russian Operation Interflex, the U.K.'s domestic training mission for Ukrainian troops, is expected to wind down by the end of the year, with operations relocating to a base near Lviv. However, Ukrainian officials remain cautious, recalling how Western trainers withdrew just before Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. "Our problem now is to try and find a landing zone where Ukraine doesn't have to break all its red lines," said a diplomatic source. European and British officials are also working behind the scenes to advance peace talks, hoping to arrange a meeting between President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome following the Pope's funeral. "We will move our position but we want Moscow to break their red lines," one diplomatic source explained. The push comes amid growing fears that U.S. support could waver if Ukraine refuses to make concessions, particularly as Trump maintains a tougher stance on Zelensky than on Putin, according to British officials. Ukraine remains under pressure to respond to a broader U.S. peace plan first presented in on April 17. According to the , that plan includes U.S. recognition of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and a ban on Ukraine joining NATO — two long-standing Kremlin demands. Despite the revised strategy, the U.K. insists it remains committed to Ukraine's defense, according to the Times. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense responded to reports of the plan change by saying, "This is speculation. Advanced operational planning within the coalition of the willing remains ongoing for options across land, sea and air, and to regenerate the Ukrainian armed forces. In the meantime, we're continuing to support efforts for peace, while stepping up the military support for Ukraine as Putin's illegal invasion continues." Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community. We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Epoch Times
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Senior Russian General Killed in Moscow
A car explosion near Moscow killed a key Russian military official, the Investigative Committee of Russia announced in an April 25 The incident, which took place on 'According to available data, the explosion occurred as a result of the detonation of a homemade explosive device filled with striking elements,' the committee said, according to an English translation of the statement. 'The investigative task force, which included investigators, forensic experts, experts, and employees of operational units of law enforcement agencies, began examining the scene of the incident.' Moskalik was the sole victim killed in the explosion, Russian state-backed media TASS The investigative committee has opened a criminal case over the murder and illegal trafficking of explosives. Related Stories 4/23/2025 4/21/2025 Citing emergency response officials, TASS said the device that set off the explosion had the power of more than 300 grams of TNT. Moskalik is one of the latest key Russian military officials to die in an explosion. Another top Russian official, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, was killed in an Kirillov was the head of Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Forces. His death occurred a day after he was sentenced by a Ukrainian court over Russia's alleged use of banned chemical weapons amid the Russia–Ukraine conflict. The Trump administration is urging Russia to end its war on Ukraine, which started in February 2022. 'I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let's get the Peace Deal DONE!' Trump At least nine individuals were killed and more than 70 injured in the recent attack on Kyiv, according to the Ukrainian government. This was the largest attack on the country's capital city since July last year. Earlier on Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance 'We've issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it's time for them to either say yes, or for the United States to walk away from this process,' he told reporters in India during a state visit. The White House has 'engaged in an extraordinary amount of diplomacy, of on-the-ground work,' he said. 'We've really tried to understand things from the perspective of both the Ukrainians and the Russians. What do Ukrainians care the most about? What do the Russians care the most about? And I think that we've put together a very fair proposal,' he said.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Car bomb kills senior Russian general in Moscow
A senior Russian military figure was killed Friday after a vehicle exploded in the town of Balashikha in the Moscow region, the Investigative Committee of Russia said. Russian authorities had launched a criminal inquiry into the death of Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik, spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko said in a statement Friday on behalf of the committee, which is Russia's main federal criminal investigations authority. Moskalik was killed in the explosion of a Volkswagen Golf in the city of Balashikha following the 'detonation of a homemade explosive device filled with shrapnel,' Petrenko added. He is the latest in a long line of senior Russian military figures to be killed in bombings since Moscow invaded Ukraine three years ago. Speaking to the media the same day, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called the blast a "terrorist attack." Authorities in Moscow have used similar language following previous bombing attacks on army personnel that were alleged to have been carried out by or on behalf of Ukraine. Since the start of the war, a number of pro-war Russian figures, including journalist Darya Dugina and former-submarine commander Stanislav Rzhitsk, have been assassinated in operations that Moscow has blamed on Kyiv. 'The main question is how to stop the war in the center of Europe, the world. We see so many victims every day," Zakharova said, adding: "Even today, a Russian military was killed in a terrorist attack in Moscow.' In video published by the investigative committee, a burned-out vehicle could be seen on a road, with its hood flung open as investigators took in the scene. Official statements did not state whether Moskalik was inside or near the vehicle when it exploded. Petrenko said the task force assigned to the case would include investigators, forensic experts and other law enforcement professionals. It follows Russia's continuing bombardment of Ukraine's major cities. One of the largest such attacks in recent months came overnight Thursday and killed at least 12 people. President Donald Trump has expressed his frustrations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling on Putin in a post on his Truth Social platform to "stop" following the sweeping attacks. 'I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing,' Trump said. He told reporters Thursday that he believed Putin would listen to his call for a halt to strikes on Ukraine. He added that while there was 'a lot of hatred' between Russia and Ukraine, they both wanted peace. Trump had also reacted angrily earlier Wednesday to Zelenskyy's refusal to consider ceding territory in exchange for a ceasefire. But Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko contradicted Zelenskyy on Friday, saying that Ukraine may have to relinquish territory. Those comments — a major departure from senior Ukrainian figures' previous remarks — came as Russian state media released video showing U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff meeting with Putin for their latest round of talks. An adviser in Zelenskyy's office, Serhiy Leshchenko, told the BBC Klitschko's remarks were 'counterproductive.' This article was originally published on
