Diplomacy
Russian President Vladimir Putin told the UN Secretary General that Russia won’t sign a peace deal unless Ukraine essentially cedes Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk.
President Joe Biden officially nominated Bridget Brink as Ambassador to Ukraine.
Tensions are rising in the Moldovan breakaway region of Transnistria after explosions Russia is calling “terrorist attacks” but others worry could be false flags.
Sanctions
Daleep Singh, the White House’s sanctions coordinator, is taking an “extended leave of absence” due to “family reasons.” It’s not clear when he will return. The White House is expected to unveil a new Ukraine aid package this week, but passage through Congress could get wrapped up in COVID aid and other fights.
Poland sanctioned Russian gas giant Gazprom, as well as 49 other oligarchs and companies.
Consequences
Russia will reportedly shut off gas shipments to Poland over refusal to pay in rubles. Germany says it should be able to be independent of Russian oil “within days.”
Attorney General Merrick Garland told the Senate Appropriations Committee that the Department of Justice would support legislation to allow proceeds from seized assets to go to Ukraine (skip to 19:56 in the video). Canada may use seized Russian assets to compensate victims of the war in Ukraine.
Ukraine Sitrep
The U.S. has shared detailed intelligence with Ukraine about when and where Russia was poised to strike so that Ukraine could move equipment out of harm’s way.
Russia has begun training strikes on U.S. and allied weapons shipment points and fuel depots.
Germany has relented and approved tank sales to Ukraine.
Russia and Belarus are holding a joint air force and air defense training April 26-29.
Over 5.2 million Ukrainians have fled the country.