**Ukraine Strikes Back: Air Force Targets Russian Drone Launch Site**
In a bold move, Ukraine’s Air Force has struck a Russian drone launch site near the village of Tetkino in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The attack, which took place on April 19, killed up to 20 drone operators, according to Ukraine’s General Staff.
The strike was a response to Russia’s relentless drone attacks against Ukrainian civilian areas and critical infrastructure. Russian forces have been launching hundreds of drones every night, targeting innocent people and vital installations.
“Our strike is a tangible response to (Russia’s) actions against the Ukrainian army,” said the General Staff in a statement. “No war crime will go unpunished.”
This attack comes as Moscow continues to reject a U.S.-backed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed the truce, which would ban long-range drone and missile strikes against civilian infrastructure.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the proposal, saying it would not address pressing regional and global issues. This has led to widespread criticism of Russia’s actions, with President Zelensky accusing Moscow of violating the Easter ceasefire about 3,000 times.
**Russia’s Aggression Continues**
Despite the truce, Russian forces have continued to launch attacks against Ukrainian positions in Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts. The use of artillery, multiple launch rocket systems, and drones has caused significant harm to Ukrainian troops.
The Pentagon has also reported that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared details of the attacks on Yemen on March 15 in a Signal chat.
**NATO Membership and Drone Unification**
In other news, Ukraine’s procurement chief at the Defense Ministry, Hlib Kanievskyi, said that unifying technical standards for drones is among the key objectives for 2025. This comes as Russia continues to reject Ukraine’s membership in NATO.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that this aligns with their position that Ukraine should not be a NATO member.
**Global Reactions**
The international community has been watching the situation closely, with Pope Francis passing away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere and Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on April 24.
BAE’s new facility in Glascoed, South Wales, is set to open this summer and will deliver a significant increase in 155 mm shell production compared to pre-Russia-Ukraine war levels.
**War Crimes and Ceasefire Violations**
Ukrainian units have maintained a strictly defensive posture, responding only to direct Russian attacks. However, Russia’s Easter ceasefire has been repeatedly violated, with President Zelensky accusing Moscow of breaching the agreement over 3,000 times.
The incidents reported include body armor, tactical gear, and other military apparel that are then studied and replicated using cheaper materials before being resold abroad.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, Ukraine’s Air Force strike against a Russian drone launch site is a significant blow to Russia’s relentless attacks on Ukrainian civilian areas. The international community must continue to pressure Moscow to abide by ceasefire agreements and respect the sovereignty of other nations.
As the situation unfolds, it remains clear that the conflict in Ukraine will have far-reaching consequences for global security and stability.
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