Ukraine-Russia War: 2026-04-15

Russia's State Duma passed in first reading a draft law permitting the deployment of Russian armed forces to protect Russians facing criminal prosecution or arrest by foreign states. The legislation is seen as a response to recent seizures of Russian-linked vessels by European authorities.

The United States has reimposed sanctions targeting Russian oil exports, according to a Politico report. The move marks a renewed effort to pressure Moscow economically amid the ongoing conflict.

Ukrainian formations are pressing counterattacks along the Stepnogorsk-Pavlovka axis, pushing the frontline toward Kamenskoye. Reports indicate small-arms engagements between Stepnogorsk and Kamenskoye, with Ukrainian units leveraging drone superiority against Russian positions that had advanced in the sector last year.