Russia-Ukraine War: Key Developments, Day 1,156

On Friday, April 25, 2025, the Russia-Ukraine conflict continued to intensify:

Military Situation: A massive attack on Kyiv killed 12 people, marking the deadliest strike on the Ukrainian capital this year. Russian forces launched 145 drones and 70 missiles, including 11 ballistic missiles, according to Ukrainian military sources. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that these airstrikes were intended to provide cover for Russian ground advances, based on military assessments. Notably, Zelenskyy confirmed that one of the ballistic missiles was manufactured in North Korea, a claim later corroborated by Reuters as a KN-23 ballistic missile. Russian officials insisted that their strikes targeted Ukraine's military-industrial facilities, not civilians. Seven Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv, remain under Russian attack.

Diplomacy and Politics: In response to the attack on Kyiv, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval, calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the strikes and negotiate peace, emphasizing the heavy human toll with thousands of soldiers dying weekly. NATO's Secretary-General, Mark Rutte, remarked that the responsibility to conclude peace now lies with Moscow, signaling that Ukraine had shown willingness to engage in negotiations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities reported that Russian forces had tortured and killed journalist Viktoria Roshchyna after months of detention.

Economic Developments: Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko revealed ongoing discussions with the U.S. about a deal involving critical minerals that could boost U.S. access to Ukraine’s resources in exchange for military aid. This deal, initially expected to be finalized this week, remains uncertain.

Ceasefire Efforts: President Trump also mentioned ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, with pressure mounting on both sides. He noted that Russia had shown some openness to ending the war and halting its territorial advances. However, Trump suggested that Ukraine might have to compromise on the return of Crimea. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that talks were progressing but required further refinement on key issues.