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THE ESSENTIALS

  • The Ukrainian counter-offensive announced for weeks is approaching. "The preparations are coming to an end," Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said of the big attack his country wants to launch to reconquer the territories occupied in the east and south by Russia. "The equipment has been promised, prepared and partially delivered. In a broad sense, we are ready," he said.
  • Emmanuel Macron reiterated Sunday to his counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky his commitment to provide "all necessary assistance to Ukraine to restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity". During this telephone conversation, the French president "reported on European coordination in terms of military assistance in order to be able to meet Ukraine's needs over time".
  • The pope ended his visit to Hungary on Sunday with a vibrant appeal to welcome migrants in front of tens of thousands of people, at the end of a stay in the shadow of the war in neighboring Ukraine. While he thanked the Hungarians for their welcome of the Ukrainians, Francis issued numerous warnings against "withdrawal" and "closures", in an indirect criticism of Prime Minister Viktor Orban's policy.

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08:30: Wagner's leader worries about Ukrainian counter-offensive

Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of Russia's private military group Wagner, said Sunday that his men, who are fighting in Bakhmut, were running out of ammunition. He also warned that a Ukrainian counter-offensive could represent "a tragedy" for Russia.

"We (Wagner) only have 10-15 percent of the ammunition we need," he said in an interview with pro-Kremlin war correspondent Semyon Pegov. Prigozhin, who blamed Russia's top military brass for the shortages, said he expected a Ukrainian counteroffensive in mid-May.

08:20 a.m.: Pope reiterates calls for peace in Ukraine

"Let's open the doors": The pope ended his visit to Hungary on Sunday with a vibrant appeal to welcome migrants in front of tens of thousands of people, including Prime Minister Viktor Orban, at the end of a stay in the shadow of the war in neighboring Ukraine. While he thanked the Hungarians for their welcome of the Ukrainians, Francis multiplied the warnings against "withdrawal" and "closures", in an indirect criticism of Viktor Orban's policy.

The pontiff also reiterated his calls for peace in Ukraine, denouncing the rise of nationalism and urging to "recover the European soul" in the face of "bellicose infantilism". On the plane back to Rome on Sunday night, he said he was "willing to do whatever it takes" for peace in Ukraine. "A mission is underway but it is not yet public," he added, without elaborating.

The pope also said he was ready to facilitate the return to Ukraine of children brought to Russia by Russian forces, as requested by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal, after an audience last week at the Vatican.

08h10 : Welcome to this new Live

Hello everyone. As every day, the editorial staff of 20 Minutes is mobilized to give you the latest information on the conflict. Yesterday, Emmanuel Macron once again exchanged on the phone with Volodymyr Zelensky. The French president reiterated to his counterpart his commitment to provide "all necessary assistance to Ukraine in order to restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity". According to the Elysee, he also "reported on European coordination in terms of military assistance in order to be able to meet Ukraine's needs over time", while Kiev says it is preparing a vast counter-offensive to regain control of the territories conquered by Russia. This could take place in the coming weeks, thanks to the contribution of Western military equipment, while the front has remained relatively stable during the winter months.

  • War in Ukraine
  • Russia
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  • Video
  • Vladimir Poutine
  • Volodymyr Zelensky