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THE ESSENTIALS

  • A high-ranking U.S. envoy is traveling to Brazil in hopes of resuming dialogue with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose controversial remarks on the conflict in Ukraine had angered Washington.
  • U.S. intelligence estimates that 20,000 Russian fighters have been killed in Ukraine since December, and another 80,000 wounded in combat. John Kirby, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, declined to comment on Ukraine's losses.
  • 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.

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06:40: Washington sends an emissary to Brazil

A high-ranking U.S. envoy is expected in Brazil in hopes of resuming dialogue with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose controversial remarks on the conflict in Ukraine had angered Washington.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the UN, will hold talks with Brazilian government officials in Brasilia on Tuesday. In her entourage, it is insisted that she will focus her attention on the cooperation between the two giants of the Americas rather than on the comments of the Brazilian president about Ukraine. But, an official said on condition of anonymity, she will have the opportunity to "take stock" on the subject. "Our position is that a number of countries around the world, including Brazil, can play a positive role in trying to end the conflict," he added.

Lula sparked controversy by saying on April 17 in Beijing that the United States should stop "encouraging war" in Ukraine and that the European Union should "start talking about peace."

06:30: 'Explosive device' derails freight train in Russia

An "explosive device" on Monday caused the derailment and burning of a freight train in Russia's Bryansk region bordering Ukraine, a rare incident that did not cause any casualties, according to authorities.

In the midst of fears of sabotage operations and attacks in Russia, a high-voltage power line was also damaged the same day by an explosive device in the Leningrad region (north-west).

06h20 : 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. As Kiev prepares to launch a massive counteroffensive, Washington announced Monday that, according to US intelligence estimates, 20,000 Russian fighters have been killed in Ukraine since December and another 80,000 wounded in combat. John Kirby, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, declined to comment on Ukraine's losses. "It's up to them to talk about it or not. I will never make public anything that complicates their task. They are the victims, Russia is the aggressor," he said.

  • War in Ukraine
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  • Vladimir Poutine
  • Volodymyr Zelensky