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 20, 2023, 4:13 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 20, 2023, 4:13 PM EDT

Russian athletes will not be accepted in 2024 Olympics if war goes on: Paris mayor

Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, which is hosting the 2024 summer Olympics, told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russian athletes "cannot be accepted in Paris," if the war with Ukraine is still ongoing when the games begin.

"Paris is the capital of human rights," Hidalgo said in a statement. "We are trying to convince athletes, international federations and countries. We stand with you."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presents the Savior City award to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, left, during the International Summit of Cities and Regions, on April 20, 2023, in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Ukrainian Presidentia/Planet Pix via ZUMA Press Wire

Hidalgo and Vasco Cordeiro, the president of the European Committee of the Regions, met with Zelenskyy as part of the International Summit of Cities and Regions Thursday.

Zelenskyy thanked Hidalgo for her support and presented her with Ukraine's "Rescuer City" honorary award.

-ABC News' Max Uzol and Ellie Kaufman contributed to this report.

Apr 19, 2023, 5:22 PM EDT

Russia reportedly fires nearly 80 missiles at Kherson in 24 hours

Russia has fired nearly 80 missiles at Kherson in 24 hours amid ongoing shelling, a local official said.

A view of a destroyed building amid Russia-Ukraine war in Kherson, Ukraine, April 18, 2023.
Aziz Karimov/SOPA Images via Shutterstock

"For the previous day, we have recorded 79 shellings throughout our territory," First Deputy Chairman of the Kherson Regional Council Yuriy Sobolevskyi said on Telegram earlier Wednesday. "About 300 rounds of ammunition were used by the enemy."

A view of a destroyed building amid Russia-Ukraine war in Kherson, Ukraine, on April 18, 2023. After Putin's visit was made public on Tuesday, Ukrainian officials said Russian forces had shelled the center of Kherson, killing one and injuring nine.
Aziz Karimov/SOPA Images via Shutterstock

At least two people have sought medical attention due to shelling injuries, according to Sobolevskyi, who noted that the "shelling continues."

-ABC News' Will Gretsky

Apr 19, 2023, 2:31 PM EDT

US announces new $325 million military package

The U.S. Department of Defense announced a new $325 million military aid package for Ukraine, including more rockets and artillery rounds, in addition to other equipment.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Mark Milley are in Europe to attend another meeting of the 50-plus countries providing military assistance to Ukraine that begins later this week in Ramstein, Germany.

"The United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements," the Pentagon said in a statement.

-ABC News' Luis Martinez

Apr 18, 2023, 6:20 PM EDT

Germany says it delivered Patriot missile system to Ukraine

The German government announced Tuesday that it delivered a Patriot missile defense system and missiles to Ukraine this week.

The country also sent 16 Zetros trucks, bringing its total to 76, and two border patrol vehicles, bringing its total to 124, the government said.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky

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