April 17, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news

By Kathleen Magramo, Mike Hayes, Jack Guy, Elise Hammond and Maureen Chowdhury, CNN

Updated 10:14 PM ET, Mon April 17, 2023
21 Posts
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7:50 a.m. ET, April 17, 2023

Russian foreign minister to meet Brazilian president

From CNN's Duarte Mendonca

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attends the 4th ministerial conference of countries neighboring Afghanistan in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on April 14.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attends the 4th ministerial conference of countries neighboring Afghanistan in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on April 14. (Russian Foreign Ministry/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday, according to the Brazilian Foreign Ministry’s schedule published online.

Lavrov will first meet with his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira at the Palácio do Itamaraty in Brasilia, before a joint press conference. 

After Lavrov’s meetings with Vieira, he will then meet with Lula, according to the schedule.

Some context: On Saturday, Lula said he had discussed the idea of creating a group of countries willing to intervene and mediate further talks between Russia and Ukraine with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

"It is necessary to constitute a group of countries willing to find a way to make peace,” he said.

Lula traveled to Beijing on Friday for talks with Xi. 

7:39 a.m. ET, April 17, 2023

Kremlin critic Kara-Murza told court he's "proud" of the actions that landed him in jail

From CNN's Anna Chernova

Vladimir Kara-Murza is seen on a TV screen as he stands in glass cage as he listens to the verdict in a courtroom at the Moscow City Court in Moscow, Russia, on April 17.
Vladimir Kara-Murza is seen on a TV screen as he stands in glass cage as he listens to the verdict in a courtroom at the Moscow City Court in Moscow, Russia, on April 17. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

Prominent Russian human rights advocate and Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza has said he's "proud" of the actions which landed him a 25-year jail sentence.

"I am in jail for my political views. For speaking up against the war in Ukraine. For years of fighting against Putin's dictatorship," he said in his closing statement to the court on April 10.

"Not only do I not repent for any of this – I am proud of it."

"I stand by every word I have spoken and every accusation that has been levelled against me," said Kara-Murza.

"And I only blame myself for one thing: That over the years of my political activities, I have not been able to convince enough of my fellow countrymen and politicians in democratic countries of the danger that the current regime in the Kremlin poses to Russia and the world."

Kara-Murza was sentenced to 25 years prison on Monday after he publicly condemned the war in Ukraine.

His sentencing has been widely condemned by Western nations and human rights organizations.

He will appeal the sentence, his lawyer told CNN on Monday.

7:30 a.m. ET, April 17, 2023

European Union condemns “outrageously harsh” sentence for Kara-Murza

From CNN’s Catherine Nicholls in London 

The European Union has strongly condemned the "outrageously harsh" sentencing of Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison, it said in a statement on Monday.

"Today’s outrageously harsh court decision clearly demonstrates yet again the political misuse of judiciary in order to pressure activists, human rights defenders and any voices opposing Russia’s illegitimate war of aggression against Ukraine," the EU statement said.

"The European Union stands in solidarity with all those Russians who are prosecuted, imprisoned or intimidated for fighting for human rights, speaking the truth and criticising the regime," it continued.

"We call on Russia to immediately and unconditionally release all those imprisoned for politically motivated charges," the EU said.

Western nations, including the United States, United Kingdom and Germany, along with human rights groups, have condemned Kara-Murza's sentencing.

He will appeal the sentence, his lawyer told CNN on Monday.

The Kremlin has declined to comment on the sentencing.

Kara-Murza was initially detained one year ago, hours after an interview with CNN in which he criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's "regime of murderers."

7:12 a.m. ET, April 17, 2023

Russia claims Ukrainian forces struck Belgorod region

From CNN's Anna Chernova, Olga Voitovych and Vasco Cotovio

A village in Russia’s Belgorod region, on the border with Ukraine, was struck by Kyiv’s forces overnight, the regional governor has claimed.

"The village of Krasnoye, Shebekinsky urban district [of the Belgorod region], came under the fire by the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Vyacheslav Gladkov said in a Telegram post Monday.

Local media reported that two drones dropped improvised explosive devices at the local thermal power plants, citing an anonymous source.

Gladkov said there were no casualties, but that a hay store caught fire when a farm was hit.

Ukraine would not confirm its involvement in the incident.

"We will not confirm or deny [Ukraine's involvement]," a representative of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Andrii Yusov, said in comments broadcast on Ukrainian national television on Monday.

"I think that Russians should get used to the fact that while they are waging an unjust war of aggression, there are no safe places on their territory," he added.

"The war has already come to the home of every Russo-fascist and every subject of the Russian regime," he added.

8:54 a.m. ET, April 17, 2023

It's mid-afternoon in Kyiv. Here's what you need to know

From CNN staff

A Russian court sentenced prominent Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison after he criticized the war in Ukraine, sparking criticism from Western allies.

Elsewhere, Russian forces have launched a new wave of attacks in Bakhmut, and Slovakia has joined Poland and Hungary in temporarily banning grain imports from Ukraine amid worries over the effects on national producers.

Here are the latest headlines:

  • Kremlin critic gets 25-year sentence: Kara-Murza, a prominent British-Russian human rights advocate and Kremlin critic, was sentenced to 25 years in prison by the Moscow City Court on Monday after publicly condemning Russia's war in Ukraine. The United States, United Kingdom and Germany have all condemned the sentencing, as have Amnesty International and UN human rights chief Volker Turk.
  • Moscow attacks Bakhmut: Russian forces have launched what the Ukrainian military have called "unsuccessful attacks" against the Bakhmut suburbs, as heavy fighting continues inside the embattled eastern city. The move suggests an attempt by Moscow to encircle Ukrainian soldiers within Bakhmut.
  • Three nations have now banned Ukrainian grain: Slovakia has temporarily suspended imports of grain from Ukraine. The decision was made after Poland and Hungary banned imports of grain and other food products from Ukraine following a surge in cheap goods.
  • Slovakia delivers fighter jets: Slovakia has completed the transfer of its 13 MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, the country’s defense minister said on Monday. 
  • Putin and Shoigu discuss naval drills: Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on naval drills currently being held by the Russian Pacific Fleet. The final stage of the drills will begin Tuesday and include the development of missile strikes with electronic launches.
  • G7 nations committed to sanctions against Russia: Foreign ministers of the G7 nations "remain committed to intensifying, fully coordinating and enforcing sanctions against Russia," as well as providing support for Ukraine, according to Japan's foreign ministry. G7 foreign ministers gathered Monday in the Japanese town of Karuizawa for three days of meetings ahead of next month's summit in Hiroshima.
6:58 a.m. ET, April 17, 2023

Germany condemns Kara-Murza sentencing and demands immediate release

From CNN's Inke Kappeler in Berlin

Germany "sharply" condemns the sentencing of British-Russian Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza, a government spokesperson said on Monday.

Kara-Murza was sentenced on Monday to 25 years in prison after publicly condemning Russia's war in Ukraine.

"The trial against Vladimir Kara-Murza shows how the Russian justice system is instrumentalized against him and many of his compatriots and also shows what a shocking extent the repression has reached in Russia in the meantime," Andrea Sasse told journalists.

"This verdict, like many others, is aimed at the deterrence, exclusion and suppression of any critical voices," she added.

Sasse also stated that Germany demands the "immediate release of Vladimir Kara-Murza," and "all other unjustly politically imprisoned people."

6:32 a.m. ET, April 17, 2023

US ambassador to Moscow calls Kara-Murza sentencing "a sign of weakness"

From CNN's Vasco Cotovio and Anna Chernova

U.S. ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy, center, attends the hearing of the case of Russian opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza in Moscow, Russia, on April 17.
U.S. ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy, center, attends the hearing of the case of Russian opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza in Moscow, Russia, on April 17. (Maxim Shemetov/Reuters)

US Ambassador to Moscow Lynne Tracy has condemned the jailing of Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza, saying the criminalization of criticism in Russia is "a sign of weakness, not strength."

"The court’s decision today to sentence Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison is an attempt to silence dissent in this country. We will continue to call for his release," Tracy said after the sentencing on Monday. "Criminalization of criticism of government action is a sign of weakness, not strength."

Tracy said the US would continue to work for a Russia where dissent from the government was allowed.

"We support the right of Mr. Kara-Murza and every Russian to have a voice in the direction of their country," she said.

"Mr. Kara-Murza and countless other Russians believe in and hope for a Russia where fundamental freedoms are upheld. And we will continue to share those hopes and work for that outcome."

6:53 a.m. ET, April 17, 2023

Amnesty and UN human rights chief condemn Kara-Murza sentence

From CNN's Cat Nicholls in London

Amnesty International and UN human rights chief Volker Turk have released statements condemning the sentencing of British-Russian Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza.

He was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Monday after publicly condemning Russia's war in Ukraine.

Amnesty called it a "chilling example of the systematic repression of civil society" under the Kremlin that is "reminiscent of Stalin-era repression," a statement released on Monday said.

Amnesty International has said that it considers Kara-Murza a "prisoner of conscience" as he has been convicted "solely for his political beliefs."

"The so-called ‘crimes’ Vladimir Kara-Murza was tried for – speaking out against the invasion and advocacy on behalf of victims of human rights violations – are in fact acts of outstanding bravery," Amnesty International’s Russia director Natalia Zviagina stated.

The group said Kara-Murza should be "immediately and unconditionally released."

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Chief Turk issued a statement calling Monday’s sentence a "blow to the rule of law and civic space in the Russian federation."

"Kara-Murza was tried on charges that appear related to the legitimate exercise of his right to freedom of opinion, expression, and association, including his public criticism of the Russian Federation’s armed attack against Ukraine," said Turk.

"No one should be deprived of their liberty for exercising their human rights, and I call on the Russian authorities to release him without delay."

6:11 a.m. ET, April 17, 2023

Slovakia temporarily suspends grain imports from Ukraine

From CNN’s Ivana Kottasova in London

Slovakia has temporarily suspended imports of grain from Ukraine, a government spokesperson told CNN on Monday.

The decision was made after Poland and Hungary banned imports of grain and other food products from Ukraine following a surge in cheap goods.

"A working group will meet today to discuss this topic. The result of the meeting will be communicated later," the spokesperson added.

Some context: Poland announced its ban on Saturday, aiming "to protect the Polish agricultural market against destabilization," the Polish prime minister’s office said in a statement.  

Ukraine responded to the move saying it "regrets the decision of its Polish counterparts," adding it's ready to cooperate with Poland in an investigation of any possible abuses. 

Hungarian Agriculture Minister István Nagy on Sunday announced Budapest would temporarily ban the import of grain, oil seeds and other agricultural products from Ukraine.

When Russia invaded Ukraine it blocked ports and sea routes used to export Ukrainian grain to Africa and the Middle East. Fearing widespread famine, the European Union lifted duties on grain from Ukraine to ease distribution to those global markets. 

Ukrainian grain has since flowed into Poland but much of it has remained in the country, bringing down the price and causing Polish farmers to suffer significant financial losses.