Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,149

On Friday, April 18, 2018, this is how things are going.

Fighting

  • 71 Ukrainian drones were destroyed or intercepted overnight, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, of which 49 were fatally shot in the Kursk region.
  • According to state news agency TASS, the ministry reportedly seized the village of Preobrazhensky in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine.
  • Russia launched five missiles and 75 drones at Ukraine overnight, according to Kyiv’s air force, 25 of which were shot down, and 30 of them did not arrive at their targets due to electronic warfare measures.
  • According to regional governor Serhiy Lysak, two people were killed and five were hurt by Russian artillery shelling in Nikopol, in southern Ukraine.
  • Three people were killed in the most recent mass killings in Dnipro by Russians, and 31 others were hurt. According to Dnipro mayor Borys Filatov, at least 15 other buildings were also damaged.
  • Two road workers were killed by a Russian drone attack in Kherson’s southern region of Ukraine, according to Oleksandr Prokudin, the governor of the area.
  • Near the Ukrainian cities of Udachne, Kotlyne, and Shevchenko, all of which are close to Pokrovsk, the country’s top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskii, claimed that Ukraine had acquired a small area of land measuring about 16 square kilometers (6 square miles).

Ceasefire

  • Despite a mutually agreed 30-day moratorium on energy strikes, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant’s management, under the leadership of Russia, claimed Ukrainian drones were attacking the facility.
  • According to Maria Zakharova, a spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Ukraine has already carried out 80 strikes on energy sites. In the last day, ten attacks have been carried out, according to Moscow’s defense ministry.
  • DTEK, the country’s largest private energy producer, claimed that Russian drone strikes in the Dnipropetrovsk region had destroyed the country’s energy infrastructure.
  • According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, a delegation from the Ukraine met with representatives from the UK, France, and Germany in Paris to discuss a potential ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv.
  • In Paris, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US special envoy Steve Witkoff addressed Ukraine and the European nations’ requests for an equitable ceasefire agreement.
  • A meeting between the US, Ukraine, and other European nations in Paris, according to Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, would provide Witkoff with an update on the status of the ceasefire discussions.
  • Vladimir Putin’s meeting with Witkoff was “extremely productive,” according to a Russian envoy, who accused some nations of trying to stifle the dialogue between the two nations.

diplomacy and politics

    According to Ukraine’s first deputy prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the US and Ukraine have signed a memorandum of intent as a first step toward a conclusion of an agreement regarding the extraction of minerals in Ukraine.
  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, urged Russia to put an end to its three-year conflict with Kyiv.
  • Additionally, President Zelenskyy claimed that there is proof that China supplied Russia with artillery and gunpowder.
  • Zelenskyy claimed that Russia has started focusing instead on civilian infrastructure rather than reducing its attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities.
  • Zelenskyy added that Kyiv was willing to purchase at least ten Patriot air defense systems to defend itself from Russian attacks.
  • According to Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Germany would be regarded as having directly participated in the Ukrainian conflict by using a Taurus missile. Her remarks came after Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor-in-waiting, said he was willing to send missiles to Kyiv.

Russell Grant’s horoscopes as Virgo finds a middle ground

Aquarius will begin to feel swamped on April 18 according to their horoscope, while Scorpio will hold onto their most innermost thoughts.

Find out what’s written in the stars with our astrologer Russell Grant(Image: Daily Record/GettyImages)

One star sign delays major purchases while another pursues significant goals as it is Friday.

There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.

These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

If your passion leads you in a new direction, this is a great time to pursue it. Possibility is abound in a project. You are motivated to act and show off your creativity when you have a positive energy. Friends will support your suggestions if you share your ideas with them.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)

When you have a good reputation for making a lasting impression on others, you could find yourself in the limelight. This is a great time to ask for a special assignment or even consider starting a new business. You have caught the attention of a powerful executive.

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Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Your social life and romance are at their best. You might find it beneficial to take a break and reflect even if you enjoy participating in group and friendship activities. You will soon have the opportunity to complete an ongoing project, which will allow for the creation of something fresh.

Cancer (June 22 – July 23)

You’re pursuing significant objectives, but you don’t anticipate it to be simple. So you can begin to unwind and unwind once you have set yourself a goal. For both professional and personal enjoyment, expanding your social network can turn your attention.

Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)

You won’t want to be alone because you are so creative and spontaneous. You’ll succeed when you’re in a group of friends and with friends. You’re having a great time, and you’d love to see your spouse participate. When they admit they aren’t interested, you might be caught off guard.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

The best way to resolve a disagreement is to find a middle ground. Events in the day will give you the answer if you want to question a person’s level of trustworthiness. You might have to take some of their ideas into consideration by a housemate, and you’ll be happy to agree without a second thought.

Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

You might not be entirely committed to a long-term arrangement. The new partner is confident that this partnership will last a lifetime. You won’t miss out on some delightful experiences, even if you are still uncertain. You’re single, right? Just around the corner is a short, romantic adventure.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

You aren’t yet ready to reveal your innermost thoughts, but your partner may struggle to understand you. You’re trying to understand yourself, which is one of the reasons you’re so hesitant. You must have the courage to express your feelings, but you are currently not that way.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Prepare for some social-related changes. You may be disbanding a group you are involved with. You’ll be surprised by how suddenly this happens. Give yourself some time to consider your future. Stand firm in your choice even if someone tries to trick you into thinking otherwise once you’ve decided what you want.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Don’t let anyone make a quick decision if you’re considering making a sizable home purchase. Encourage housemates to go shopping together and see what’s on offer and how much it’ll cost instead.

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

You’re starting to feel burdened by daily problems and paperwork. To tackle everything and become organized, you only need a quick burst of energy. This is the ideal time to act if you have appointments scheduled or documents waiting for your signature.

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Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

This feeling won’t last very long if you’ve been feeling a little lost lately. You’ll start to feel excitement as things start to move more quickly. You’ll suddenly want to start working on important projects you’ve already set aside. It will be a good thing to finally begin these.

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Alicia Douvall shows off diamond ring as boyfriend proposes during romantic Maldives getaway

Alicia, whose real name Sarah Howes is Sarah Howes, was known for her string of famous boyfriends and frequent series of cosmetic procedures when she was at the height of her career in the early 1990s.

The couple only went public with their relationship two months ago (Image: Alicia Douvall /Instagram)

Former glamour model and Celebrity Big Brother (CBB) star Alicia Douvall has announced her engagement following a romantic getaway to the Maldives with her boyfriend David Anstiss, she revealed on Thursday.

In the early Noughties Alicia- whose real name is Sarah Howes – was known for her string of celebrity boyfriends and her constant cycle of cosmetic surgeries. The star competed on the fifteenth series of CBB in 2015 which was aired on Channel 5. She was the second housemate to be evicted on day 17, after receiving the fewest votes from the public.

At the height of her fame Alicia enjoyed romances and did subsequent kiss and tell stories with the likes of Simon Cowell, Mick Hucknall, P Diddy, Mickey Rourke, and Dean Gaffney. But she seems happier than ever with her now soon-to-be husband David Anstiss.

READ MORE: Anastacia reveals she was part of a girl group with famous Strictly star before solo success

Alicia Douvall has got engaged to her boyfriend David Anstiss
Alicia Douvall looks smitten with David Anstiss in their holiday snaps(Image: Alicia Douvall /Instagram)
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Alicia first went public with her relationship with David, who is the director of Solution Engineering, on Valentine’s Day this year by sharing a series of romantic snaps online. Just two months later they have taken their relationship to the next level.

On Thursday, April 17 the 45-year-old, took to Instagram to share the wonderful news with her followers. They looked smitten as they posed for pictures in their hotel room, shortly after he popped the big question. In the hotel room a line of red rose petals culd be seen leading to a bed strewn with more petals and a message that read: ‘She said yes’.

While putting her ring-clad on her husband’s shoulder, Alicia looked stunning in a black dress for the occasion. In a different photo, Alicia took a closer look at her ring while the Indian Ocean was a distance away. She held up her manicured hand.

Her supporters congratulated the happy couple in the comments section. That ring is a STUNNER, a follower wrote. MANY congratulations! Such lovely news, I think! While another person praised “Congratulations! You deserve this happiness, thanks for sharing this wonderful and wonderful news.

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Alicia has undergone more than 400 cosmetic procedures, costing an estimated £1 million, but the former glamour model has recently undergone a transformative transformation.

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After 18 boob jobs, 11 nose tweaks, 11 bum implants, and even having her ribs trimmed, Alicia gave up. Over the next ten years, she has established a successful skincare company with an emphasis on natural anti-aging. And all of this hard work has paid off, with the company now available at stores like Walmart in the US, Sephora, and Superdrug in the UK.

Katy Perry regrets ‘making a public spectacle’ of her Blue Origin space flight

The six-person crew, which included pop megastar Katy Perry, had some unpopular opinions of the space flight’s massive price tag and bizarre and dramatic antics.

Katy Perry went to space this week(Image: BLUE ORIGIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Katy Perry regrets “making a public spectacle” of going to space, it is reported.

The pop megastar, 40, was one of six women to fly in the Blue Origin NS-31 from Texas on Monday in a mission funded by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezo’s space exploration company. The 11-minute journey has been criticised for its questionable environmental impact, and for the bizarre and dramatic antics of the crew, including Perry.

When Perry, who debuted in the pop charts with I Kissed a Girl in 2008, exited the Blue Origin capsule, she immediately stopped and raised a daisy in the air before eventually stomping to her knees and kissing the ground.

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Now it is thought the mum of one, born in California, is experiencing second thoughts about partaking in the mission. A source said: “Katy doesn’t regret going to space. It was life changing. What she does regret is making a public spectacle out of it.”

READ MORE: Gayle King says Blue Origin backlash is ‘sexist’ in explosive rant

The singer, who shot to fame with I Kissed A Girl,
The singer, who shot to fame with I Kissed A Girl, brought a daisy into space(Image: Blue Origin)

The comments contrast with Perry’s remarks given to a reporter moments after she emerged from the capsule. The Firework hitmaker said: “It’s about a collective energy in there. It’s about us. It’s about making space for future women and taking up space and belonging. It’s about this wonderful world that we see right out there and appreciating it. This is all for the benefit of Earth.”

Yet the singer has faced a strong backlash. Our Environment Editor, Nada Farhoud, argued the mission helped Mr Bezos’s vanity project. Others condemned the stunt for its timing – because NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have only just returned to Earth after being stranded in space for more than nine months.

And the source told Mail Online Perry now regrets “kissing the ground” after the flight as well as her “close-up camera moments” inside the capsule – where she held a daisy up to the camera, promoted the setlist to her upcoming tour, and sang the lyrics to What a Wonderful World all while suspended in microgravity.

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Perry, who has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards since 2009, planned to bring the daisy to space as a “beautiful tribute” to her four-year-old daughter Daisy Dove Bloom, whom she shares with fiancé Orlando Bloom.

At least 38 killed, 102 injured in US air strikes on Yemen: Report

BREAKING,

At least 38 people have been killed by American airstrikes on Yemen’s Ras Isa oil port, according to Houthi-affiliated media reports.

According to the Hodeidah Health Office, the strikes on Thursday also claimed the lives of 102 people.

According to the US military, Houthi fighters are being stifled by strikes carried out to stop them from getting fuel.

According to a post on social media by US Central Command (CENTCOM), “the purpose of these strikes was to degrade the Houthis’ economic source of power.” They continue to aggravate and abuse their fellow countrymen.

A request for comment on the Houthis’ death toll was not immediately addressed by the Pentagon.

Since US President Donald Trump took office in January, the US has carried out one of the deadliest airstrikes against the Houthis.

Houthi officials claimed that more than 50 people were killed in US attacks in March, according to Houthi officials.

According to the United Nations Development Programme, Ras Isa hosts an oil pipeline and port, which constitute “critical and irreplaceable infrastructure” in Yemen. Approximately 70% of Yemen’s imports and 80% of its humanitarian aid transit through Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and as-Salif.

Washington has warned the Houthis that attacks won’t stop until the armed movement stops attacking ships in the Red Sea.

Anastacia reveals she was part of a girl group with famous Strictly star before solo success

The 56-year-old hitmaker opened up about her musical background before her solo success with her Tracks Of My Years program on Radio 2 on Wednesday.

Anastacia left fans stunned Wednesday as she revealed she was in a girl group with a famous reality star
Anastacia left fans stunned Wednesday as she revealed she was in a girl group with a famous reality star(Image: Getty Images)

Singer-songwriter Anastacia left fans stunned this week after she revealed she was in a girl group with a famous reality star before her solo career took off.

In the year 2000 you couldn’t turn on the radio without being greeted by Anastacia’s soulful vocals in her hit song I’m Outta Love. Just two years later Anastacia was achieving worldwide fame with her hits Paid My Dues and One Day In Your Life – but her career came to a sudden halt when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The star took two years off for gruelling radiotherapy, and when she had recovered she returned with a pop-rock album led by single Left Outside Alone, which was a major success. But long before Anastacia was known for her solo talent she was part of a girl band with Michelle Visage.

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Michelle Visage is an American radio DJ, Singer, Actress and Media Personality(Image: ITV)
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Speaking to Vernon Kay on his Tracks Of My Years show on Radio 2 on Wednesday, the 56-year-old hitmaker spilled the beans on her musical past with Michelle. She explained: “Michelle Visage and I were in a girl group that was put together… Spotting Vernon’s shocked expression, she exclaimed: ‘I know! I love that I’m giving all of you this content.”

She continued, “Michelle and I have known one another forever!” I also performed background dances for Coro and a Latin group called Tony Moran [The Latin Rascals]. And all of them were freestyle.

Going on to explain their similarities, Anastacia said: ‘We are three days apart of birthdays and we are the same year. We are separated at birth! In a weird way, we are, but her and I talk all the time. I’m like “you’re finishing my sentence, shut up!”. She’s like “you shut up!”‘ Yeah it’s really interesting.”

Michelle Visage is an American radio DJ, Singer, Actress and Media Personality, who took part in Series 17 of Strictly Come Dancing. While Michelle is best known among fans as a reality show judge, she started off her career in a girl group called Seduction with Idalis DeLeón, and April Harris before then going on to sing lead vocals for R&B group The S.O.U.L. S.Y.S.T.E.M.

Though she didn’t reveal the name of the group or when they were formed, Michelle responded to a fan in the comments, writing: “We were going to be called BAZAAR”, suggesting that the group didn’t make it very far, reports MailOnline.

Taking to the comments on the video shared to Instagram, fans expressed their love for the ladies, noting their similarities while also calling for a collaboration. They penned: ‘I always thought they have similar vibes’, ‘I love both of them!!! She’s the blonde Michelle visage twin sister! They have the same attitude, their speaking voices are similar too!’

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