April 19, 2022

*) Zelenskyy: Russia unleashes offensive into east Ukraine Russia has launched a major offensive into eastern Ukraine after days of preparation, authorities in Kiev have said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russian troops have begun the battle for Donbass and vowed to defend the eastern region. Ahead of the widely anticipated offensive, Ukrainian authorities had urged people to flee west to escape. *) US, allies to meet over Ukraine situation US President Joe Biden will convene a meeting of allies to discuss the Ukraine conflict, the White House has said. An official said the meeting was part of a "regular coordination with allies and partners in support of Ukraine". It will also cover "efforts to hold Russia accountable", the White House said. The US and its allies have heaped pressure on Moscow via sanctions, while supporting Ukraine through military and other aid. *) Israeli warplanes bomb site in besieged Gaza Israeli warplanes have struck a site in the besieged Palestinian enclave of Gaza, local media and witnesses have said. The military wing of the Palestinian organisation Hamas said it has retaliated with surface-to-air missiles. No casualties or injuries have been reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry. Earlier, the Israeli army announced a rocket fired from Gaza was intercepted by its aerial defence system. *) UN: Yemen's Houthis agree to stop using child soldiers Yemen's Houthi rebels have agreed to rid their ranks of child soldiers, who have fought by the thousands during the country's seven years of civil war, the United Nations has said. The Houthis have signed an “action plan” to end and prevent recruiting or using children in armed conflict, killing or maiming children and attacking schools and hospitals. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the rebels committed to identifying children in their ranks and releasing them within six months. And, finally... *) Kenyans Chebet, Jepchirchir win Boston Marathon titles Kenya's Evans Chebet has won the me