Embassy of Ukraine in the USA

WAR BULLETIN

April 28, 6.30 pm EST

WAR ROOM

General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02 to 28.04 were approximately: personnel - about 22800 (+400),

tanks ‒ 970 (+31),

APV ‒ 2389 (+47),

artillery systems – 431 (+10),

MLRS - 151 (+2),

Anti-aircraft warfare systems - 72 (+1),

aircraft – 187 (+2),

helicopters – 155 (+0),

vehicles - 1688 (+22),

boats / cutters - 8 (+0),

fuel tanks - 76 (+0),

UAV operational-tactical level - 215 (+8).

special equipment - 31 (+0).

mobile SRBM system - 4 (+0).

Russian enemy suffered the greatest losses (of the past day) in the Zaporizhzhya and Izyum directions. Data are being updated

The sixty-fourth day of the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people to a Russian military invasion continues.

The enemy continues to carry out offensive operations in the Eastern Operational Zone in order to defeat the Joint Forces, establish full control over the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and maintain the land route with the occupied Crimea.

The enemy increases the pace of the offensive operation. In almost all directions, the occupiers are exerting intense fire. The greatest activity is observed in Slobozhansky and Donetsk directions.

No significant changes in the activities of Russian enemy units were noted in the Volyn and Polissya areas.

By maintaining an appropriate set of troops, the enemy is trying to ensure the maintenance of the reserves of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the northern direction and prevent their movement to the Eastern Operational Zone.

In the Slobozhansky direction, the enemy group continues to strike and fire artillery on the city of Kharkiv.

The main efforts of the occupiers are focused on the Izium direction. Russian enemy is trying to launch an offensive in the directions of Sulyhivka - Nova Dmytrivka and Andriivka - Velyka Komyshuvakha.

In order to strengthen the advancing group, the occupiers additionally moved airborne units to

the city of Izyum, as well as up to 500 units of technic.

In the Donetsk direction, the enemy group continues to take active action on the line of contact.

The main efforts are focused on surrounding the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

To achieve this goal, in the Lyman direction, the enemy has improved its tactical position, trying to develop an offensive on the village of Lyman. Russian invaders are carrying out preparatory measures for forcing the Siversky Donets River.

In the Severodonetsk direction, the enemy is attacking the settlement of Orikhove.

In the direction of Avdiivka, in order to capture Marinka and Ocheretyn, Russians exert intense

fire.

In the Kurakhiv direction, with the support of artillery, the occupiers are conducting an

offensive in the directions of Staromayorske - Velyka Novosilka and Lyubimivka - Zelene Pole.

In the Tavriya direction, the enemy units continue to conduct demonstrations and maneuvers in order to mislead and prevent the transfer of Ukrainian troops to other areas.

The occupiers continue to use Melitopol airfield for the base and flight of Su-25 attack aircraft,

Ka-52 attack helicopters and Mi-8 transport and combat aircraft.

In the South Buh direction, the enemy's group focuses on the Kherson-Mykolayiv and Kherson- Kryvyi Rih directions.

As a result of the assault, the enemy established itself in the area of the settlement of Tavriyske, trying to carry out a fire defeat on the positions of Ukrainian troops in the areas of the settlements of Oleksandrivka and Nova Zorya. In the areas of settlements Stanislav and Molodetske, there are the increases of the Russian units of jet and barrel artillery.

In order to correct and assess the results of the fire damage, the enemy conducted air reconnaissance in the area of the settlement of Zatoka.

During the previous day, eight air targets were hit by units of the anti-aircraft missile forces of the Air Force and the Land Forces: one plane, one cruise missile and six UAVs of operational and tactical level.

The occupiers continue to suffer losses on land. In the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts only, six enemy attacks have been repulsed in the past 24 hours, five tanks, one artillery system, twenty-two armored vehicles, one car and one anti-aircraft gun have been destroyed.

The greatest activity of Russian enemy is observed in Slobozhansky and Donetsk's directions. Russian enemy aircraft continue to launch missiles and airstrikes on targets in Ukraine from the territory of the republic of Belarus. According to available information, the aviation units of the Air Force of the Russian federation continue to use the Baranovichi airfield. The air defense means of the

Armed Forces of the republic of Belarus continue to be on duty in an enhanced mode.

In the Sicersky direction, there are no signs of the enemy formation of the group to resume the offensive. Russian occupiers are taking measures to strengthen the coverage of certain areas of the border. Thus, additional units of the crossguard were deployed to the border zone in the direction of Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts.

In the Slobozhansky direction, Russians deployed up to five divisions of the Iskander-M (SS-

26 Stone) mobile short-range ballistic missile system in the Belgorod region. Russian enemy continues to regroup its forces. According to available information, Russian enemy brought a battalion tactical group of airborne troops to the territory of the Russian federation to restore combat capability due to significant losses in personnel and military equipment. In addition, a battalion tactical group from the 29th Combined Arms Army of the Eastern Military District was moved from the territory of the Belgorod region of the Russian federation to the Kharkiv region. The enemy continues air reconnaissance with unmanned aerial vehicles.

Russian enemy units attempted to attack the positions of the Defense Forces of Ukraine in the directions of Brazhkivka and Dovhenke. They were unsuccessful, lost, and withdrew. Russian occupiers also tried unsuccessfully to take control of the main objects of the Velyka Komyshuvakha. The Defence Forces of Ukraine have restored control over the settlement of Kutuzivka in the

Kharkiv region.

In the Donetsk and Tavriya directions, in order to bind our troops and hold the previously occupied frontiers, the enemy fired on the positions of Ukrainian defense units using multiple rocket launcher systems and artillery almost along the entire line of contact.

Russians tried to completely capture Rubizhne, but was unsuccessful, suffered losses, and retreated to previously occupied positions.

In the Kurakhiv direction, Russian enemy unsuccessfully tried to advance in the directions of the settlements of Solodke and Novomykhailivka.

Russians continued to launch airstrikes on Mariupol. The main efforts were focused on blocking our units in the area of the Azovstal plant in order to prevent their breakthrough.

In the direction of Donetsk - Zaporizhzhia, the enemy launched an offensive in the direction of the settlements Neskuchne and Vremivka, and had no success. It continues to strengthen the grouping of troops.

Ships of the occupying fleet in the Black and Azov Seas continue to launch missile strikes on the territory of Ukraine, perform tasks to isolate the area of hostilities, and conduct reconnaissance.

Attempts to attack the enemy in the areas of the settlements of Oleksandrivka and Tavriyske were successfully repulsed in the Pivdenny Buh direction, Ivanivka, and Zahradivka.

Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine

On 28 April another exchange of prisoners took place. 45 of our people have been released from Russian captivity – 13 officers and 20 soldiers (5 of whom were wounded), as well as 12 civilians are returning home.

https://www.facebook.com/MReintegration

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk said that such hopes arose as a result of a meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in Kyiv today.

"There is hope that we will manage to evacuate civilians from Azovstal. The President and the team are making great efforts. This is one of the top priorities. We are starting to plan a humanitarian operation!" Iryna Vereshchuk reported.

https://www.kmu.gov.ua/en/news/irina-vereshchuk-zyavilasya-nadiya-na-evakuaciyu- civilnih-z-azovstali-pochinayemo-planuvati-gumanitarnu-operaciyu

Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine

10 soldiers of the Russian armed forces have been reported on suspicion for mistreatment of civilians and other violations of the laws and customs of war.

During the occupation of Bucha in March 2022, the Russian military held as hostages civilians who did not take part in hostilities and had no weapons. The occupants did not provide them with food and drinking water. The suspects deprived them of the opportunity to move freely, put them on their knees, blindfolded them with duct tape and rags, and tied their hands with plastic ties. The victims were threatened with death and shot in their direction. In order to obtain information about the location of Armed Forces of Ukraine servicemen and territorial defense forces, and in some cases, the Russian soldiers inflicted bodily injuries on civilians. People were beaten with their fists on the body, with gun butts on their legs, toes and chest. In addition, the occupants robbed the local population, taking their personal belongings and household appliances.

The suspects will be put on a wanted list in order to detain them and bring them to justice. Their involvement in other crimes, in particular, premeditated murders, is currently being verified.

https://www.facebook.com/pgo.gov.ua/posts/359030732926433

As of April 28, at about 6:00 a.m., Russian servicemen launched an artillery attack on Zolochiv village, Kharkiv region. As a result of the shelling, 15 residential buildings were damaged. In addition, around 10:00 a.m., the military of the aggressor country shelled the settlement of Pokotylivka, Kharkiv region. As a result, two men were killed. Another seven civilians were wounded. About 30 houses and a school were damaged.

https://www.facebook.com/pgo.gov.ua/posts/359101796252660

On April 28, members of the Russian Armed Forces carried out an air strike with an X-55 air- to-ground missile against Zaporizhzhia. The enemy attack destroyed residential buildings in the private sector of the city. According to preliminary reports, five people were injured, including an 11- year-old boy.

https://www.facebook.com/pgo.gov.ua/posts/359112822918224

Minister Kuleba on Twitter

Russia stroke Kyiv with cruise missiles right when UN Secretary General @antonioguterres and Bulgarian PM @KirilPetkov visit our capital. By this heinous act of barbarism Russia demonstrates once again its attitude towards Ukraine, Europe and the world.

https://twitter.com/dmytrokuleba/status/1519737764127940610?s=21&t=KgfvVLp2OXxlxkIt OBS6SA

Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights

The Russian Federation is massively looting farmers in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. In the Krasnoyarsk region of Russia, local deputies-looters, citing a shortage of cucumbers, other vegetables, and crops as a result of foreign sanctions, decided to expropriate the harvest of farmers from the temporarily occupied Kherson region.

https://www.facebook.com/denisovaombudsman/posts/529864311828179

Another statement was released by the aggressor about its intention to introduce a "ruble zone" in the temporarily occupied part of Kherson region starting from May 01, 2022. The occupation authorities said that the "transition period" will take up to 4 months. During this time, both rubles and hryvnias will be accepted, and then only rubles will be in circulation.

https://www.facebook.com/denisovaombudsman/posts/529869381827672

More than 100 cases of ecocide have already been recorded in Ukraine as a result of the military actions of the Russian aggressor. The most dangerous for the environment are Russian attacks on Ukrainian nuclear power plants, infrastructure and industrial facilities, nature reserves and ecosystems, and water resources.

More than 100 cases of ecocide and more than 1,200 facts of negative impact on the environment (bursting of shells, burning of forests, chemical pollution, etc.) have been recorded so far. Targeted destruction of nature and environmental pollution as a result of military actions of the Russian aggressor will have long-term consequences not only for Ukraine, but also for many countries of the world.

https://www.facebook.com/denisovaombudsman/posts/529908181823792

Russian military officers abduct and torture residents of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and rob cultural heritage sites. According to information from the Kherson Regional Military Administration, 35 of the 49 leaders of territorial communities in the region were kidnapped during the occupation. 17 of them have been released, many of them still are in captivity.

In Vasylivka, Zaporizhzhia region, Russian occupants tortured an ATO participant for 12 days. This was reported by the Defense Forces of Zaporizhzhya region. The man was kept in a cell, electrocuted, his finger was cut off and four ribs were broken.

The Zaporizhzhya Regional Military Administration received information about the seizure of the Melitopol City Museum of Local Lore. Collaborators pointed out to the Russians the place where Scythian gold was stored, which was discovered by archaeologists in the 1950s.

https://www.facebook.com/denisovaombudsman/posts/529930938488183

POLICY

President of Ukraine

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held negotiations with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Kiril Petkov who is on a visit to our country.

"Today we held meaningful talks, discussed all the key issues that deserve attention right now in such difficult conditions," the Ukrainian Head of State said during a meeting with media representatives following the talks.

The President stressed that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been going on for 64 days already. The aggressor attacks both military and civilians, destroys infrastructure. But our state is fighting back, and Russia will achieve nothing but "contempt and condemnation from all decent people in the world."

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Kiril Petkov for the fact that Bulgaria, like the whole civilized world, stands in solidarity with Ukraine today.

"Our state now needs the support of our reliable friends more than ever to defend the right to life, to our own state, to the European future for our people. But this struggle is not only for Ukraine. Now in Ukraine we defend the values of the whole of Europe, the whole world. And right now, in Ukraine, it is being decided whether other nations of Europe will be able to live freely, to live democratically," the President is convinced.

According to him, during today's meeting with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, cooperation was initiated to repair Ukrainian military equipment at Bulgarian production facilities.

"It is very important for Ukraine. I am sure that such cooperation will be beneficial for both Bulgarian companies and Bulgarian economy. And for us, quality and time are very important, because we fight every day," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

The issue of cooperation in the energy sphere was also raised. According to the President, Ukraine is ready to supply electricity to Bulgaria and is also interested in diversifying gas supplies in the region, in particular by using the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline together with the Bulgarian side.

In addition, according to the President, an agreement was reached to establish the transportation of agricultural products from Ukraine through the Bulgarian port of Varna on the Black Sea coast. For its part, the Ukrainian side will provide the necessary assistance to resolve as soon as possible the issue with the Bulgarian ship blocked in the Chornomorsk sea port.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Kiril Petkov for the government's position in support of the European Union's sanctions policy.

"I want to emphasize that sanctions against Russia are needed only to force Russia to seek peace. For this to happen, sanctions must be effective, strong and not allow Russia to circumvent the restrictions. I hope that Bulgaria will continue to support the strengthening of sanctions for this war," he said.

During the meeting, the interlocutors paid special attention to Ukraine's movement towards EU membership. The President thanked the Prime Minister of Bulgaria for the clear and consistent support for Ukraine’s European future.

"In February, at our meeting in Munich, we signed a joint declaration on Ukraine's European perspective. Today, I received assurances that Bulgaria will support the decision to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate country for accession to the European Union at the next meeting of the European Council. I am very glad that our partners recognize that Ukraine has deserved an accelerated procedure for joining the EU," the President said.

The President also thanked Kiril Petkov for his personal initiative to raise funds in Bulgaria in support of Ukraine.

"By your own example, you inspire thousands of your fellow citizens to continue to show solidarity with our Ukrainian people. More than 90,000 Ukrainians, mostly women and children fleeing the horrors of war, have found shelter in Bulgaria. We are grateful to the Bulgarian people for their hospitality, support and really touching attitude," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President of Ukraine noted Bulgaria's readiness to take part in the post-war reconstruction of our country, in particular one of the southern regions. He stressed that the high level of cooperation between Ukraine and Bulgaria and sincere mutual understanding prove that we are one European family united by a common past and, most importantly, a common future.

Prime Minister of Bulgaria Kiril Petkov, for his part, expressed support for our state. He noted that his country is ready to promote the export of electricity from Ukraine, can offer the port of Varna as a logistics hub, in particular for flour, and help use the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline.

According to him, Bulgaria will be happy to help and join the reconstruction of Ukraine. The Prime Minister also responded positively to Ukraine's request to repair and restore military equipment.

"It is important for Bulgaria that Ukraine moves to the European Union. It is time to say that Ukraine belongs to the EU and the European family. We must give a clear signal and show a clear path. You have the support of Bulgaria," Kiril Petkov summed up.

https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/prezident-obgovoriv-z-premyer-ministrom-bolgariyi- oboronnu-e-74633

Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the UN Secretary-General in Kyiv

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres who arrived in Kyiv.

The President noted the importance of the UN Secretary-General's visit to Ukraine, as today it is our country that defends the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Before the meeting with the President of Ukraine, António Guterres visited the suburbs of Kyiv and saw with his own eyes the horrible war crimes of Russia in our country.

"I am grateful to Mr. Guterres for the clear and unequivocal position on the war against Ukraine. We appreciate your efforts to use the "good offices" mechanisms to de-escalate the situation. Every opportunity must be used to achieve peace," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with media representatives following talks with the UN Secretary-General.

According to him, during the conversation the parties touched upon the issue of establishing a special international tribunal on Russia's crimes.

"For its part, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission must continue to document all crimes committed by the Russian Federation and the Russian military," the President said.

The President of Ukraine and the UN Secretary-General also discussed the support for Ukrainians through cash payments, increasing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, as well as the importance of involving the UN in the post-war reconstruction of our state.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and António Guterres also paid attention to the food crisis provoked by the war.

"Ukraine is literally giving bread to almost 400 million people on the planet. And now the UN recognizes that rising food prices this year will cause famine for at least 47 million people in 81 countries," said the President.

The interlocutors discussed how to do everything possible for Russia to unblock Ukrainian ports for food exports.

For his part, António Guterres stressed that the UN considers the Russian invasion of Ukraine a violation of the territorial integrity of our state and the Charter of the United Nations.

The UN Secretary-General noted that he is determined to enhance the support for Ukrainian citizens, help save lives and minimize suffering, and find a way to peace.

António Guterres informed about the work of the UN together with the Ukrainian government and organizations to provide assistance to Ukrainians. According to him, the UN has already provided humanitarian aid to 3.4 million people in Ukraine, and intends to support 8.7 million people by the end of August. The United Nations is also ready to provide financial assistance.

In addition, the UN supports the countries that have sheltered Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war and internally displaced persons in Ukraine.

According to António Guterres, the WHO provides medical supplies for emergency care, treatment of injuries for more than 7 million people. Efforts are being made to support the first aid system and so on.

António Guterres also stressed the importance of the work of the International Criminal Court. "Now we are at ground zero as regards the world we need to build. A world of respect for international law, the UN Charter, and the power of multilateralism. A world where civilians have protection. Where human rights are a priority. Where leaders live up to the declared values they have committed to. It is also a struggle, but we must win it for the sake of every country, community and

person around the world," said the Secretary-General.

During the negotiations in Kyiv, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UN Secretary- General António Guterres discussed the evacuation of Ukrainian citizens from the Russian-besieged city of Mariupol in the Donetsk region, including the Azovstal plant.

President stressed that Ukraine is ready for urgent talks to evacuate people from Mariupol and hopes that the participation of the UN Secretary-General in this mission will be effective.

The Head of State also called on António Guterres to make efforts to stop the deportation of Ukrainian citizens to Russia, gain access to the forcibly deported and return them to their homeland as soon as possible.

Answering journalists' questions, the President expressed hope that with the participation of the UN Secretary-General he would be able to bring people back alive from Mariupol.

For his part, António Guterres assured that he is doing everything possible to save people in Mariupol.

The UN Secretary-General stressed that thousands of civilians in the city - the elderly, the sick and persons with reduced mobility - need vital assistance.

"They need a rescue route to leave this hell," said António Guterres.

The UN Secretary-General said that during his recent visit to Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed in general to involve the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross in the evacuation of civilians from Azovstal. "Today, Mr. Zelenskyy and I had the opportunity to discuss this issue. Intensive discussions are currently underway to implement this proposal," said António Guterres.

https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/volodimir-zelenskij-zustrivsya-z-generalnim- sekretarem-oon-u-74645

President V.Zelenskyy address to Ukrainians

Today we have significant news for our state, for our defense.

First, the United States has prepared a new support package for Ukraine worth $ 33 billion. In particular, more than 20 billion can be allocated for defense. More than $ 8 billion is planned for economic support. Another $ 3 billion will be allocated for humanitarian aid.

This is a very important step by the United States. And I am grateful to the American people and personally to President Biden for it. I hope that the Congress will quickly support this request for help to our state. President Biden rightly said today that this step is not cheap. But the negative consequences of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and against democracy are so large-scale for the whole world that, in comparison with them, this support from the United States is necessary. Together, we can certainly stop Russian aggression and reliably defend freedom in Europe.

We are also working to direct the blocked assets of Russian individuals’ subject to sanctions and the Russian state to compensate Ukraine for this war and to restore normal life.

The investigation into the crimes committed by the Russian military against our people is underway. Ukraine's position is absolutely clear - every Russian criminal must be and will be brought to justice. Whoever they are and wherever they hide, we will find them all and make them bear responsibility.

The first ten Russian servicemen from the 64th motorized rifle brigade of the Russian Ground Forces who committed crimes against our people in Bucha, Kyiv region, received the status of suspects. Their surnames are known. It is established what they did. We know all the details about them and their actions. And we will find everyone. Just as we will find all the other Russian thugs who killed and tortured Ukrainians. Who tormented our people. Who destroyed houses and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. None of these bastards will avoid responsibility.

However, some of them may not survive until trial and fair punishment. But for one reason only. This Russian brigade was relocated to the Kharkiv region. There they will get retribution from our military.

Prime Minister of Bulgaria Kiril Petkov paid a visit to Kyiv today. We had very substantive and very warm negotiations with him. Bulgaria is one of those countries that reacted to Russia's aggression in a principled manner and quickly. I am grateful to both the Bulgarian government and the Bulgarian people for not delaying the support for our state.

Defense, energy and transport issues were discussed with Mr. Petkov. Sanctions pressure on Russia, which is necessary for peace. We also discussed our cooperation at the EU level. A very important agreement is on the repair of our military equipment at the Bulgarian production facilities. Another issue we agreed on is the supply of Ukrainian electricity to Bulgaria and the use of the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline together with the Bulgarian side. I am grateful to Bulgaria for the

opportunity to use the port of Varna to export our agricultural capacity.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres was also in Ukraine today. It is very important that Mr. Secretary-General visited Borodyanka, Kyiv region. And saw with his own eyes what the Russian occupiers had done there. Hundreds of Ukrainian cities and hundreds of communities have experienced the same thing as Borodyanka and Bucha. The Russian army in Ukraine consciously and without any doubt trampled down everything on which the global order was based after World War II.

The UN Charter, international conventions, declarations, the rights of people and states... Everything that should guarantee freedom and security in the world is simply destroyed by Russia's aggressive actions. So the key issue in the talks with the UN Secretary-General was how to stop Russian aggression. And this is not just a question of Ukraine, our fate. This is a question of the fate of the United Nations, the fate of international law, the fate of many nations - and not just Russia's neighbors who may become the next victims of Moscow's aggressive ambitions.

Of course, during the negotiations we paid a lot of attention to saving our people from Mariupol. I believe that with the help of the UN it is possible to organize an evacuation mission. Ukraine is