Russia-Ukraine updates: Putin says war was ‘unleashed’ on Russia

The Russian president delivered his annual Victory Day speech.

ByMorgan Winsor, Nadine El-Bawab, Ivan Pereira, Meredith Deliso, Kevin Shalvey, Bill Hutchinson, and Patricio Chile
Last Updated: April 4, 2023, 12:05 PM EDT

More than a year after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the countries are fighting for control of areas in eastern and southern Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's forces are readying a spring counteroffensive, but Putin appears to be preparing for a long and bloody war.

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Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Apr 04, 2023, 12:05 PM EDT

US announces $2.6B in new security aid for Ukraine

The Pentagon announced $2.6 billion in new security assistance for Ukraine on Tuesday.

The aid will come in two forms: a $500 million presidential drawdown authority package pulling from existing U.S. stockpiles (the 35th such package for Ukraine); and $2.1 billion from Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds to procure new equipment.

PHOTO: New Ukrainian army brigade recruits take part in a military exercise conducted by foreign instructor Magnus Ek, 53, in infantry training, combat tactic, shooting range practice and first aid, in the eastern Donetsk region, Ukraine, March 27, 2023.
New Ukrainian army brigade recruits take part in a military exercise conducted by foreign instructor Magnus Ek, 53, in infantry training, combat tactic, shooting range practice and first aid training, in the eastern Donetsk region, Ukraine, March 27, 2023.
Violeta Santos Moura/Reuters

Both the PDA and USAI packages are largely focused on providing munitions for Ukraine, including additional Patriot air-defense missiles and HIMARS ammunition. They also include anti-drone weapons, vehicles, communications equipment, spare parts and more.

-ABC News' Matt Seyler

Apr 03, 2023, 10:21 PM EDT

At least 501 children killed, almost 1,000 injured since February 2022: UNICEF chief

At least 501 children have been killed and almost 1,000 others injured since February 2022, Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF, tweeted Monday.

"Another tragic milestone for Ukraine's children and families," she wrote, adding: "This is just the UN verified number. The real figure is likely far higher, and the toll on families affected is unimaginable."

Apr 03, 2023, 1:45 PM EDT

Russia to arrest anyone who supports ICC warrant for Putin

The Russian State Duma will arrest anyone who agrees with the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin accusing him of committing war crimes, the State Duma said on its official Telegram channel Monday.

Russia will imprison those who "call for the implementation of the decision" of the International Criminal Court "on the arrest of Vladimir Putin accused of war crimes," the State Duma of the Russian Federation said.

"The profile committees of the State Duma are preparing amendments to the Federal Law 'On Security,' which will prohibit the activities of the International Criminal Court and international bodies directed against the Russian Federation on our territory and its citizens," Chairman of State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin said.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes in March, accusing him of personal responsibility for the abductions of children from Ukraine.

-ABC News' Oleksiy Pshemyskiy

Apr 03, 2023, 5:11 AM EDT

Suspect arrested in St. Petersburg explosion, report says

A suspect in a St. Petersburg cafe blast that killed a Russian military blogger on Sunday has been arrested, Inferfax reported.

Russian police officers are seen at the site of an explosion at a cafe in St. Petersburg, Russia, April 2, 2023.
AP

The Russian Investigative Committee said on Telegram that Darya Trepova was arrested on suspicion of involvement, the Russian wire service reported.

-ABC News’ Joe Simonetti

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