Zelensky’s Direct Feedback to Trump, Kremlin’s Fear of AI Drones – Ukraine Latest, April 9

More leaked calls from Hungary, General Syrsky’s battlefield reports, Russia’s rumored plan to cancel the May 9 parade – updates from Ukraine and beyond Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A pedestrian takes a phone call near a placard reading "The Armed Forces of Ukraine are our guardian angels" in Kyiv on April 9, 2026, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google After Russia’s recent setbacks following the loss of Starlink, Ukraine appears to be regaining the initiative, with some advantages in drone development. Oleksandr Syrsky, Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, said Ukrainian forces are “ breaking Russia’s backbone ” and that Ukrainian drones are inflicting record losses on Russian forces, while Russian sources have voiced concerns over Kyiv’s new AI drones . Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Moscow is also reportedly considering, in a historically rare move, canceling the May 9 WWII Victory Day parade amid fears of Ukrainian strikes, as attacks on Russian oil hubs are becoming daily – a trend that Kyiv’s former spy chief and now Presidential Offiice head, Kyrylo Budanov, says may shape Moscow’s approach in upcoming talks – talks that are delayed again by Iran , according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. New olive-colored diplomatic license plates introduced in Ukraine. (Photo by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine) Meanwhile, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said it uncovered a spy unit responsible for managing weapons caches for contract killings, while the foreign ministry introduced new diplomatic license plates , breaking a historic tie to Moscow Other Topics of Interest UK, Norway Hunt Russian Subs Near Critical Cables as Moscow Accuses Kyiv of ‘Sea Terror Plot’ UK and Norwegian forces tracked Russian submarines near critical cables, as Moscow’s TASS claims Ukraine is preparing attacks in Arctic waters with Norway’s support. On the economy front, Ukraine’s Asvio signed a deal to absorb the insolvent Motor-Bank , whose former owner – once the main shareholder of aircraft engine maker Motor Sich – is now charged with treason in Ukraine. In Hungary, more damaging reports emerge ahead of weekend elections: The top diplomat is now being accused of sharing Kyiv’s EU accession documents with Moscow, while another leaked call claims Budapest offered Tehran assistance after the 2024 pager explosions . Zelensky also dismissed US President JD Vance’s campaigning for Hungary’s Viktor Orban as “ not helpful ” and warned the world that Russia reportedly provided intel to Iran on US bases – in addition to saying that he is one of the few in the world who told US President Donald Trump in his face that he is “ not always right. ” Now the question is – will Trump do the right thing and extend the Russia sanctions on April 11, after the Iran debacle? And to wrap it up, the situation in the Middle East remains uncertain. Tehran condemned Israel’s 100 strikes in 10 minutes on Beirut, leaving the fate of the Strait of Hormuz uncertain, while Hegseth now threatens Tehran to surrender all enriched uranium – or face consequences. The UK and Norway also say they tracked a Russian submarine near critical undersea cables , just as Moscow claims Kyiv is plotting Arctic attacks. Sounds familiar? Interested in more updates like this? Subscribe to our daily newsletter here . Leo Chiu is a journalist and editor based in Eastern Europe since 2015. He has witnessed two presidential elections in Belarus and traveled widely to conflict zones and contested regions, producing reporting that bridges the gap between major developments and local realities.