Ukrainian forces capture Chinese nationals, Russia planned to kill Kharkiv regional governor: April 8 highlights

Ukrainian military captures two Chinese

Two Chinese citizens fighting with the Russian army in Donetsk Oblast were taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces. They are now in the custody of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), where investigative and operational actions are underway. Ukraine has their documents, bank cards, and personal data.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to immediately contact Beijing to clarify China’s response.

Russian agent detained for plot to kill Kharkiv regional governor Synegubov

Police detained a man suspected of murdering a soldier and carrying out sabotage. He also planned to kill Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration head Oleg Synegubov and Derhachi Military Administration head Vyacheslav Zadorenko.

Police said the suspect is openly proud of himself, even viewing himself as “a sort of Russian James Bond.” He detailed his “work” and hopes to gain fame for an eventual exchange.

Zaluzhnyi confirms secret Wiesbaden headquarters

Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain and former armed forces commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi confirmed that a secret headquarters was established in Wiesbaden, Germany, in 2022. There, Ukrainian command worked with American partners to plan operations against Russian troops, a detail previously uncovered by The New York Times.

Kyiv Council secretary resigns amid land corruption case

Kyiv City Council Deputy Mayor and Secretary Volodymyr Bondarenko announced the early end of his term. He submitted a resignation letter, which gained 81 votes in support. Bondarenko is a witness in a Kyiv land corruption case.

Finance Ministry denies threat to military payments

The Finance Ministry refuted media claims that payments to Ukrainian armed forces personnel are at risk. It emphasized that funding the military is an “absolute priority” for the agency.

Belgium’s aid package

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, along with Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot and Defense Minister Theo Francken, arrived in Ukraine on an official visit.

De Wever said Belgium will provide Ukraine with a 1 billion-euro defense aid package in 2025 and plans to allocate 1 billion euros annually for Ukraine’s defense moving forward.

Eight criminal cases opened after inspections of children’s institutions

Following commissioner inspections of boarding schools, psychiatric facilities, and orphanages, law enforcement launched eight criminal cases. Violations were found in every inspected institution.

Ukraine sets stance on U.S. minerals deal

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Ukraine has finalized its position and vision for the text of a future minerals agreement with the U.S. A negotiating team will head to Washington soon.

Artist Marharyta Polovinko died at the front

Marharyta Polovinko, an artist, volunteer, and soldier in the Second Mechanized Battalion of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, died fighting against Russians.

Other news

• A Lviv war veteran who reported a bus passenger conflict declined to file a complaint against him.
• In Kryvyi Rih, residents bid farewell to 3-year-old Tymofiy, the youngest victim of a Russian strike.
• The United States imposed 104% tariffs on China.
• The Defense Ministry plans to merge the State Logistics Operator and Defense Procurement Agency after martial law ends.
• The Foreign Ministry sarcastically commented on U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz’s Ukrainian roots after her remarks on occupied territories.