Latest Updates on the War in Ukraine
Have you missed the latest events on the war in Ukraine? 20 Minutes provides you with the essential updates every evening. Here is the summary of this Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the 1,518th day of the conflict.
Key Development of the Day
“The oil pipeline can resume operations.” This is how Volodymyr Zelensky announced the repair of the famous Druzhba pipeline, damaged by a Russian strike in January in its Ukrainian part. This infrastructure allows Slovakia and Hungary to source Russian oil. It had been at the center of a real tug-of-war between the two countries and Kiev since its interruption. Viktor Orbán, who is no longer in power after his resounding defeat in the legislative elections, was suspending his agreement due to the blocking of a €90 billion EU aid package to Kiev for its reopening.
For the Ukrainian president, the issue is now resolved. “We link [the repair of Druzhba] to the blocking of the European support package for Ukraine” and “hope that our partners will also take appropriate measures regarding” the opening of several negotiating chapters for EU accession, he specified this Tuesday.
Quote of the Day
“This Meloni, […] betrayal is her second name, she even betrayed Trump, to whom she had previously sworn loyalty.”
An excerpt from the insults hurled by presenter Vladimir Soloviev on Russian television against Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the summoning of the Russian ambassador to Rome to protest against these “very serious and insulting” allegations. The entire Italian political class, both from the majority and the opposition, strongly condemned Vladimir Soloviev’s statements.
Since the beginning of the war, Italy has been offering unwavering support to Kiev.
Figure of the Day
116. The number of Russian drones that, according to Kiev, crashed down on Ukraine overnight. These strikes have caused at least 25 injuries, including 15 in the city of Sumy near the border with Russia.
Trend of the Day
The Swedish military and security intelligence services (Must) assure that Moscow is “manipulating” figures and concealing its economic difficulties to “appear more resilient than it really is.”
Russia is certainly facing “higher inflation and larger budget deficits” than what it officially publishes, according to Must’s communication. Despite the high oil prices recently observed, which have increased Russia’s revenues, it would need oil prices to exceed $100 per barrel for an entire year to absorb the Russian budget deficit,” the Swedes also estimate.
“The weakness of the economy has no consequences on the country’s strategic goals,” however, adds Thomas Nilsson, the head of Must. According to him, the Kremlin remains determined to continue the war in Ukraine and conduct “hybrid” activities in EU and NATO countries.
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