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

The Russian president delivered his annual Victory Day speech.

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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Ukraine's 'rightful place' is in NATO: Secretary-General

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg held a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, to highlight the more than €150 billion of support to Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion.

"Allies are now delivering more jets, tanks, and armored vehicles, and NATO's Ukraine fund is providing urgent support," he said in a statement. "All of this is making a real difference on the battlefield today."

While in Ukraine, the secretary-general visited Bucha and paid his respects to the victims of Russian atrocities.

He also laid a wreath at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, paying tribute to all those who have lost lives or suffered wounds in defense of their homeland.

"Ukraine’s rightful place is in the Euro-Atlantic family. Ukraine’s rightful place is in NATO. And over time, our support will help to make this possible," Stoltenberg said.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky


Putin fires commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet

Just a week after the Pacific Fleet was ordered to stage surprise combat drills, Russian President Vladimir Putin fired the commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet, Sergei Avakyants.

Earlier, Putin praised the Pacific Fleet maneuvers and said that the Navy could be used "for the resolution of conflicts anywhere."

"He turned 65 on April 6. He is still on the Russian Defense Ministry's staff. With the consent of the Russian Defense Ministry, he will head a central body overseeing military sports and patriotic education centers, created on the orders of the [president]," the press service said.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky


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."

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.


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.

"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."

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


Russia and Ukraine exchange prisoners of war

Russia and Ukraine exchanged over 200 prisoners of war on Tuesday, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Interfax, a Russian news agency.

During his daily evening address, Zelenskyy said 130 Ukrainians were "brought home from Russian captivity," including privates and sergeants from the army, navy and national guard.

"Just as we remember every corner of our country that is under occupation, we remember every single person in Russian captivity," he said.

Ninety Russians were released from the Ukrainian side back to Russia, though Russia said Ukraine originally agreed to release 160 Russians, Interfax reported.

"During the exchange of prisoners of war on Tuesday, the Ukrainian side agreed to return only 90 Russians, despite an earlier agreement on the exchange of '160 for 160,'" Tatyana Moskalkova, human rights ombudsman for the Russian Federation said, according to Interfax.

-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman