Russia-Ukraine updates: 2 US veterans who joined Ukrainian forces missing

The Americans, Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh and Alexander Drueke, are both from Alabama.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's "special military operation" into neighboring Ukraine began on Feb. 24, with Russian forces invading from Belarus, to the north, and Russia, to the east. Ukrainian troops have offered "stiff resistance," according to U.S. officials.

The Russian military has since launched a full-scale ground offensive in eastern Ukraine's disputed Donbas region, capturing the strategic port city of Mariupol and securing a coastal corridor to the Moscow-annexed Crimean Peninsula.

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Two Men at War

A look at the two leaders at the center of the war in Ukraine and how they both rose to power, the difference in their leadership and what led to this moment in history.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Apr 09, 2022, 3:10 PM EDT

Global campaign raises 9.1 million euros for refugees

The "Stand Up for Ukraine" global pledging event and campaign raised 9.1 billion euros, or $9.8 billion (USD), for people fleeing the invasion of Ukraine.

People wait to board a train at Kramatorsk central station as they flee the eastern city of Kramatorsk in Ukraine on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.
Fadel Senna/AFP via Getty Images

The money raised includes 1 billion euros from the European Commission.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development also announced a loan of 1 billion euros to cover the needs of people displaced by the invasion.

Apr 09, 2022, 2:34 PM EDT

Ukrainian defense ministry says it found '132 tormented bodies' in Makariv

Ukraine's defense ministry said it found 132 "tormented bodies" of tortured, murdered citizens in the town of Makariv, after Russian forces retreated.

The ministry said it uncovered "new monstrous war crimes," saying the town is "half ruined."

-ABC News' Mike Trew

Apr 09, 2022, 2:00 PM EDT

Russia says it opened fire on Ukrainian ship in Black Sea

The Russian defense ministry claimed it fired on the Ukrainian Apache, a dry-cargo ship, which allegedly changed course and attempted to break through to the Mariupol seaport, the ministry said.

The Ukrainian dry-cargo ship did not respond to Russian border guards' demands to contact them through the international channel and continued heading in the direction of Mariupol port, Russia claimed.

Russia said two border patrol ships fired warning artillery along the vessel's course, but the cargo ship did not change course or slow down.

The cargo ship, over radio communication, transmitted a message, saying, "I am 'Maniac', coming for you," and signal fires were observed on the shore, according to Russia's defense ministry.

The Black Sea Fleet then opened artillery fire on the Apache dry-cargo ship to block the vessel, Russia's defense ministry said.

A direct hit caused a fire in the stern of the ship and it then went adrift. The crew got in touch with border ships with a request to cease fire and said they will comply with the demands of Russian sailors, Russia said.

Russia said no crew members were injured and the fire was extinguished by the ship's crew.

The ship was inspected and then convoyed to the Yeysk port along with its crew, according to Russia.

Apr 09, 2022, 10:33 AM EDT

British prime minister visits Kyiv

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Saturday, according to the Ukrainian Embassy in London.

"The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson is one of the most principled opponents of the Russian invasion, a leader in sanctions pressure on Russia and defence support for Ukraine. Congratulations in Kyiv, my friend!" Zelenskyy said in a post online.

Britain announced it will send 120 armored vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems to support Ukraine, according to the The Associated Press.

"Today I met my friend President @ZelenskyyUa in Kyiv as a show of our unwavering support for the people of Ukraine. We're setting out a new package of financial & military aid which is a testament of our commitment to his country's struggle against Russia’s barbaric campaign," Johnson said.

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