Ukrainian security services (SBU) arrested officials from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) on Monday, 2024-04-29, in a raid the agency described as a shutdown of its operations. The SBU cited accusations of spying for Russia and ties to a banned party, while NABU stated that most allegations were unrelated, including old traffic violations. Transparency International criticized the lack of court orders for the searches, calling it "massive pressure." G7 ambassadors expressed "serious concerns." Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new peace talks with Russia scheduled for Wednesday, 2024-04-24, in Istanbul, following previous unproductive rounds. Zelenskyy has offered direct talks with Vladimir Putin.

Russia showcased footage from a drone factory near Yelabuga, Tatarstan, on Sunday, 2024-04-28, via Zvezda TV, displaying the assembly of Geran drones—based on Iranian Shahed drones—used in daily attacks on Ukraine. Plant director Timur Shagivaleev, who is under US sanctions, touted the factory as the world's largest and most secretive UAV producer.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Kyiv on Monday, 2024-04-29, following a massive Russian drone and missile barrage that targeted six districts, damaging residential buildings, a supermarket, and a nursery. The attack also damaged a metro station entrance used as a civilian shelter. Barrot condemned the attacks, citing violations of international law and nuclear safety, referencing previous damage to the Chernobyl power plant. He visited the plant, which received €10 million in French aid following February’s drone attack.

Impact Statement: The crackdown on NABU raises concerns about Ukraine's commitment to anti-corruption efforts, potentially impacting international support. Continued Russian aggression and attacks on civilian infrastructure underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflict.