Russia collapses pontoon bridge in Donetsk, Ukraine puts air defense on alert

Viet Dung• DNUM_CAZAEZCACD 08:48

Russian troops blow up a Ukrainian pontoon bridge, blocking the way for reinforcements in Donetsk. Air raid sirens are sounded in Kiev as a US satellite falls into the atmosphere.

According to TASS, on April 19, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said that the country's army had destroyed a pontoon bridge of Ukrainian forces in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR).

"In the settlement of Seversk Maliy, we destroyed the enemy's pontoon bridge over the Seversky Donets River. This pontoon bridge was used to deliver supplies to the Ukrainian defense forces in the hot spots in Donetsk," Konashenkov said.

A pontoon bridge of Ukrainian forces. Photo: DB

According to Mr. Konashenkov, in the past 24 hours, the Russian army has eliminated a battalion of the 110th Motorized Infantry Brigade of Ukraine in Avdiivka. In addition, a Ukrainian fuel depot in Konstantinovka was also destroyed.

Regarding the situation in Bakhmut, Mr. Konashenkov confirmed that Wagner Group has pushed the enemy out of three more areas in Bakhmut, controlling 90% of this strategic city. Russian paratroopers have been sent to support Wagner Group. These units are advancing in the north and south of Bakhmut.

Kiev issues air strike warning because of US satellite

According to the Guardian, on April 19, air raid warning sirens in the capital Kiev were activated due to an American satellite falling into the atmosphere.

"A large halo appeared in the sky over Kiev at 10 p.m. Initial information suggests that it was a NASA satellite falling into the atmosphere. Sirens were activated, but there was no need to deploy air defense systems," Kiev officials said.

Previously, NASA announced that a 300kg satellite could fall to Earth on April 19. "Most of the satellite will be destroyed during re-entry, but some remaining parts may fall to the ground," NASA said.

US provides additional $325 million in aid to Ukraine

According to Reuters, on April 19, the administration of US President Joe Biden announced a new military aid package worth 325 million USD for Ukraine.

The aid package includes more HIMARS artillery shells, anti-armor systems, small arms, logistics support vehicles and essential maintenance support. This is the 36th aid package the US has sent to Ukraine since the conflict began.

Washington's total military aid to Kiev has so far exceeded $35.4 billion.