Security agreement with Latvia, adoption of mobilization bill, and attack on power grid: April 11 highlights
Ukraine has signed a bilateral security agreement with Latvia. The Verkhovna Rada passed a draft law on mobilization in the second reading. Russia massively attacked Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Lviv oblasts. We have collected the main news for April 11.
Draft law on mobilization
The Verkhovna Rada passed a draft law on mobilization in the second reading, removing the provision on demobilization. This means that there will be no demobilization of military personnel in this law.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that this bill will help the country's military leadership.
Massive Russian attack
On the night of April 11, Russian troops launched a combined attack with missiles of various types and Shahed-136/131 drones. Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Lviv oblasts were the main targets.
In total, Russia launched 82 air strikes during the night. The Ukrainian military destroyed 57 air targets: 18 missiles and 39 attack drones.
In Lviv Oblast, Russians hit the gas distribution infrastructure. In Kyiv Oblast, a critical infrastructure facility was hit – a missile strike completely destroyed the Trypillia Thermal Power Plant. In Kharkiv Oblast, Russia damaged the combined heat and power plant that supplies Kharkiv. The occupiers also completely destroyed a transformer substation.
Security agreement with Latvia
Ukraine and Latvia have signed a bilateral security agreement, under which Latvia pledged to provide annual assistance and support to Ukraine during its accession to the EU and NATO.
In addition, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held his first meeting with the newly appointed Hungarian leader Tamás Sulyok in Vilnius. Ukraine proposed to conclude a security agreement.
Additional payments for the soldiers "at point zero"
The Verkhovna Rada has adopted a resolution that obliges the Cabinet of Ministers to decide on an additional UAH 70,000 ($1,785) payment to the soldiers performing combat missions at the front line. The resolution was supported by 321 MPs.
Help from Lithuania
Lithuania has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, which will include anti-drone guns, generators and folding beds.
In addition, Ukraine will receive energy equipment from the Vilnius Thermal Power Plant and the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. This will replace the Ukrainian equipment damaged by Russian attacks.
The European Parliament will not approve funding from the EU Council until Ukraine receives new Patriot jets
The European Parliament refused to approve the decision to finance the EU Council: it demands that EU countries provide Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense systems first.
This proposal by MEP and former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt of the Renew faction was greeted with a round of applause by other MEPs. This unprecedented decision was supported by 515 MEPs, with 62 against.
Other important news
- Families with children are being forcibly evacuated in 47 frontline settlements in Kharkiv Oblast.
- Slovakia is ready for military cooperation with Ukraine, but on a commercial basis.
- Turkey has offered Ukraine and Russia a new peace deal that will freeze the war, according to Russian media.
- President Zelenskyy met with the presidents of the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, and Romania in Vilnius.