Russian airstrikes on Kostiantynivka killed three civilians, injured four

Russian forces launched three airstrikes on the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast on the morning of April 27, killing three civilians and injuring four others, according to the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor’s Office.

Kostiantynivka, located about six miles southwest of the front-line city of Chasiv Yar, had a prewar population of roughly 67,000. The city, like many in Donetsk Oblast, has been a frequent target of Russian artillery and airstrikes, often resulting in civilian casualties.

The attack occurred around 11 a.m., when Russian troops dropped FAB-250 bombs on a residential area, damaging 21 homes, officials said.

Among the dead were a married couple, aged 47 and 48, and a 78-year-old man. Four others — two women aged 67 and 73, and two men aged 77 and 83 — were injured. Prosecutors reported that the victims suffered from blast injuries, shrapnel wounds, and contusions.

Russian assault groups continue attempts to enter Sumy Oblast

Russian forces are increasingly deploying small assault groups to infiltrate Ukrainian territory in Sumy Oblast, aiming to widen the front line, Ukraine's State Border Guard spokesperson Andrii Demchenko told Ukrinform on April 27.

Demchenko described the situation as "challenging," with Russian troops targeting villages like Basivka and Zhuravka and expanding infiltration attempts to new areas. Sumy Oblast, which borders Russia’s Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod regions, remains a critical front in the conflict. Parts of Kursk Oblast have been under Ukrainian control since August 2024.

His remarks followed Russian claims of fully recapturing Kursk Oblast — a claim denied by Ukraine’s General Staff. Earlier reports of Russia capturing Basivka were also rejected by Kyiv, with the village still listed as a contested "gray zone."

Russian units have reportedly used quad bikes for quick cross-border incursions, aiming to secure footholds ahead of reinforcements. These small groups, often only a few soldiers, operate under the cover of heavy shelling.

Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on April 26 that Russia is preparing to integrate motorcycles into offensive operations, based on newly released training footage. The tactic is expected to be used during the summer and fall campaigns in Ukraine.

Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi also warned of intensified Russian efforts to drive Ukrainian forces from Kursk Oblast and seize additional border areas in Sumy, with heavy fighting ongoing near the frontier.

Russian foreign minister rejects US proposal to control Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has rejected the idea of any changes to the management of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), insisting the facility is "in safe hands" under Russian control.

In an interview with CBS News, Lavrov was asked about reports that U.S. President Donald Trump had proposed joint U.S.-Ukrainian oversight of the plant. Lavrov said Russia had never received such an offer and would reject it if one were made, emphasizing that Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation, currently operates the plant under the permanent monitoring of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) personnel.

Lavrov added that, in his view, the main threat to the plant’s safety comes from "regular Ukrainian attacks" and claimed that, barring those, all safety standards are being met. When pressed, he confirmed that no changes in the plant’s management are "conceivable."

Lavrov also defended Russia’s missile strikes on Kyiv on the night of April 24, claiming they targeted military facilities and pledging that Russia would continue to strike military and foreign mercenary targets.

On broader territorial issues, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s refusal to negotiate over Crimea, calling its occupation a "done deal" and suggesting that Trump "understands this."