7:40 p.m. ET, April 12, 2023
Russia claims it's closer to entering Bakhmut. Here's what you should know
From CNN staff
Russia says its forces
hit Ukrainian army reserves attempting to get into the battered city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.
According to Russia's Ministry of Defense, Russian forces hit "reserves of the enemy that tried to break into Bakhmut from the settlements of Chasiv Yar and Bohdanivka, as well as the units of the 28th Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Kostiantynivka."
On Tuesday, Ukrainian officials
denied Wagner founder and financier Yevgeny Prigozhin's claim that Russian forces now control 80% of the city.
Here are other headlines:
Sanctions: The United Kingdom
announced sanctions on a network of companies and individuals with financial links to Russian oligarch and ex-Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich, as well as Alisher Usmanov. It said the move would would target those helping the pair to "avoid the full cost" of sanctions already imposed in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The United States also imposed a
large tranche of sanctions Wednesday on more than 100 people and entities around the world for their ties to the war.
Beheading video responses: The EU has
pledged to hold those responsible for war crimes in Ukraine to account, EU spokesperson Nabila Massrali said on Wednesday. The statement is in response to
two videos released on social media in the past week that appear to show beheaded Ukrainian soldiers. Wagner private military company leader Yevgeny Prigozhin
has denied that his fighters were involved in the grisly video.
Leaked documents: A Russian military group fighting in Ukraine on behalf of Vladimir Putin
attempted to buy weapons and equipment from an unlikely source:
NATO member Turkey, according to a leaked US intelligence document that was obtained by CNN. The leaked document appears to show the lengths the Russian private military group Wagner has gone to try to further strengthen its capabilities as the war in Ukraine — in which it is playing a key role — continues on with no signs of abating.
Electronic conscription bill: A new bill allowing for the
electronic delivery of military draft papers is meant to fix a chaotic process of registration and enlistment, the Kremlin said Wednesday. The bill is designed to make the process “modern, efficient and convenient for citizens,” spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. The
final step is for the bill to be signed by President Vladimir Putin before it officially becomes law. Russian officials have
denied suggestions that the bill lays the groundwork for a fresh wave of mobilization.
Evan Gershkovich: The US continues its
public push for consular access to Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, as the top official handling hostage negotiation committed to bringing him home from Russia. Access to
Gershkovich, who was detained in Russia on suspicion of espionage, is
being considered and will be worked out in due course, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.
Military aid: Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal
repeated Ukraine’s requests for F-15 and F-16 fighter jets and longer-range missiles from the US directly to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in remarks at the top of their meeting at the Pentagon. Shmyhal also
thanked the US for its continued military support during their meeting. Also, the Serbian government has
denied it sold weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, after a report emerged claiming otherwise.