**Russia’s Military Woes Deepen as Ukraine’s Losses Mount**
In a stark reminder of the devastating costs of war, Russia has lost an estimated 931,450 troops in Ukraine since its full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported this grim statistic on April 12, while also revealing that Russian forces suffered 1,240 casualties just over the past day.
The numbers paint a picture of Russia’s military woes, which have been exacerbated by its continued involvement in Ukraine. According to the report, Russia has lost hundreds of tanks, armored fighting vehicles, artillery systems, and other equipment, including 370 airplanes, 335 helicopters, and 32,278 drones.
**Financial Challenges Hit Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Ukraine**
Meanwhile, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Ukraine is facing “financial challenges” that have led the editorial office to reduce its broadcasts and place a number of employees on leave. The US government-funded media organization has been affected by efforts to eliminate grant funding during the Trump administration.
**Russian Drone Attacks Hit Kyiv**
In a separate incident, Russian forces launched drone attacks on Kyiv overnight on April 12, causing multiple fires and injuring at least two people. Mayor Vitali Klitschko condemned the attack, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by Russia’s military aggression.
**US Efforts to Broker Peace Deal**
The US government has been working to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. However, President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has clarified his comments that suggested Ukraine could be partitioned into separate zones as part of a peace deal with Russia. The source described the proposal as “maximalist,” making it unlikely to lead to a breakthrough in negotiations.
**Ukraine’s Justice Ministry Hires US Firm**
Ukraine’s Justice Ministry has hired the US firm Hogan Lovells for assistance in negotiating a critical minerals deal, according to public records. Sources also told Reuters that talks on the deal had become “antagonistic.”
**Diverging Views on Ukraine Conflict**
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has sparked diverging views among world leaders. While some have called for an end to the fighting and a negotiated settlement, others have emphasized the need for continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
**Somalia Stands in Solidarity with Ukraine**
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed gratitude to Somalia for its support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The move underscores the growing international solidarity with Ukraine as it resists Russia’s ongoing invasion.
**Key Takeaways:**
* Russia has lost an estimated 931,450 troops in Ukraine since February 24, 2022.
* Ukrainian forces have suffered significant losses, including hundreds of tanks, armored fighting vehicles, and other equipment.
* The US government is working to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, but efforts are hindered by diverging views among world leaders.
* Somalia has expressed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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