A Proekt investigation reveals that the State Research Institute of Military Medicine of the Russian Ministry of Defense has been conducting artillery munitions tests on human volunteers to determine shell effectiveness against enemy personnel. Since 2015, this institute has been the sole Ministry of Defense entity authorized for such human research, utilizing simulated combat environments and monitoring volunteers’ physiological responses. Beyond munitions, the institute also tests performance-enhancing drugs and protective gear, and is implicated in Russia’s chemical weapons program. The institute’s director has also been linked to Russian intelligence operations, further suggesting its role in clandestine activities.
Read More
Following the conclusion of Hungary’s elections on April 12th, Ukraine has rescinded its earlier recommendation advising citizens against travel to Hungary. This decision comes after the detention of seven Ukrainian guards in early March, which had led to the initial advisory due to concerns about provocations fueled by anti-Ukrainian rhetoric during the election campaign. Ukraine views the election results as a rejection of such rhetoric and expresses readiness to normalize relations with Hungary, recognizing that significant efforts are still required to restore good neighborly ties.
Read More
Recent figures indicate a concerning trend for Russian forces, with casualty rates reaching new monthly highs and recruitment falling short of targets. Drones have become a significant factor, reportedly accounting for a substantial portion of Russian losses. Simultaneously, the territory Russia is capturing has seen a marked decline in pace. Ukraine’s defense ministry asserts that the country is moving towards its strategic goal of significantly weakening Russian forces, while also claiming to have gained “the strategic initiative” in defense.
Read More
Following parliamentary elections in Hungary on Sunday, April 12th, preliminary results indicate a decisive victory for opposition candidate Péter Magyar. This outcome has reportedly left the Kremlin dissatisfied, as Hungarian voters rejected the long-serving, pro-Kremlin incumbent Viktor Orbán, who was a key ally for Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Magyar advocates for strong European relations, his specific stance on Ukraine remains to be seen, and Russian media has already cited Dmitry Peskov stating that Hungary will now be considered an “unfriendly” nation, with no congratulatory message extended to the victor.
Read More
Access to The Telegraph website has been temporarily restricted due to unusual activity detected on the connection. To resolve this, users are advised to disconnect any VPN clients, try accessing the site from a different web browser, or use an alternative device like a mobile phone or a different computer. If these steps do not restore access, users should contact Customer Support and provide the Akamai Reference Number.
Read More
During a declared Orthodox Easter ceasefire, Russian forces reportedly attacked and killed three of their own personnel. These soldiers were involved in an evacuation of wounded personnel near Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast. The Ukrainian 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade claims the wounded soldiers were actually captured Russian personnel being used to test Russia’s adherence to the ceasefire. This incident occurred despite Russia announcing a 32-hour truce, which Ukraine’s General Staff alleges was violated over 2,000 times during a 15-hour period.
Read More
Hungary’s election winner, Peter Magyar, asserts Ukraine’s right to self-defense and rejects any forced territorial concessions, comparing such demands to asking Hungary to cede territory if attacked. Magyar criticizes such rhetoric as “outrageous, cynical talk” and draws parallels to Hungary’s 1956 freedom fighters. He also emphasizes the need for U.S.-backed security guarantees for Ukraine and warns against repeating the failures of past agreements. While seeking friendly relations, Magyar also highlights the settlement of rights for the Hungarian minority in Ukraine as a prerequisite for normalizing ties.
Read More
Ukrainian forces are operating in western Libya under a covert deal endorsed by the West and used the country’s territory to strike a Russian tanker in the Mediterranean last month. The deal, backed by the United States, aims to keep the area out of Russia’s reach amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These operations, primarily involving drone experts, are based at air bases in Misrata and other military facilities in Tripoli and Zawiya.
Read More
During a routine patrol over the Baltic Sea on April 9, Polish F-16 fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft. The Russian plane was operating in international airspace with its transponder off and without a filed flight plan, an action the Polish Defense Minister described as a test of their air defense systems. This incident marks the second such interception in a week and underscores a pattern of Russian aerial provocations near NATO airspace, with officials warning of potential escalation risks.
Read More
In a grave violation of warfare protocols, Russian forces executed four Ukrainian prisoners of war near Veterynarne in Kharkiv Oblast. Released footage purportedly shows Russian soldiers shooting captured Ukrainian servicemen who were lying prone on the ground. This incident follows a broader pattern of reported ceasefire violations by Russian forces, despite a declared “Easter truce.”
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker