Russian Attacks Thwarted in Donetsk; Three Journalists Arrested in Russia; Traffic Police Officers Killed in Russia; Ukraine Reports 467,470 Russian Casualties

On Monday, April 29, Ukraine reported that it had thwarted 55 Russian attacks in various villages north and west of Novobakhmutivka in the eastern Donetsk region. One of the villages where heavy fighting was reported was Ocheretyne. In recent days, the eastern front of Donetsk has seen increased tensions, with Kiev acknowledging a deteriorating situation on the front line as it awaits the weapons promised by the United States in a $61 billion package.

Meanwhile, three journalists have been arrested in Russia in the past three days. Sergei Mingazov from Forbes Russia was arrested on charges of spreading false news about the abuses committed by Russian forces in Bucha. He had previously worked for Vedomosti and Tass. Another journalist, Sergei Karelin, was arrested in Murmansk on charges of extremism for his association with organizations founded by Aleksei Navalny. A third journalist, Konstantin Gabov, was arrested in Moscow on charges related to preparing photographic and video materials.

In other news, at least two traffic police officers were killed and four others injured in a shooting in the city of Mara Ayagy in Russia. Local authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the attack. The attackers used explosives and automatic weapons against the officers but were subsequently killed by Russian security forces.

According to data from Ukraine’s General Staff, Russia has lost 467,470 soldiers since the war began on February 24, 2022. This includes casualties suffered by Russian forces in the past day alone. In addition to soldiers, Russia has lost a significant number of tanks, armored combat vehicles, artillery systems