Ukraine war updates: Drones hit Russia-owned energy sites (VIDEO)

Russian energy sites in Smolensk, western Russia, are on fire after a Ukrainian drone strike, Smolensk regional Governor Vasily Anokhin wrote on Telegram on Wednesday. There were reportedly no victims from the attack.

Metallurgical and pharmaceutical sites in the Lipetsk region, further south in western Russia were also targeted, as per a post from regional Governor Igor Artamonov on Telegram. No information about the casualties was provided. 

Attacks on energy production locations are part of a Ukrainian strategy to damage Russian military logistics.

"The SBU continues to effectively destroy military infrastructure and logistics that provide fuel to the Russian army in Ukraine. These facilities are and will remain our absolutely legitimate targets," the source said.

Russian Foreign Ministry condemns 'provocative' NATO drills in Finland

Russia sees a potential threat in NATO exercises in Finland, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told RIA state news agency on Wednesday.

The drills will be conducted starting on April 26 in close proximity to the Russian-Finnish border. 

Zakharova dubbed them as "provocative in nature" and said that "their task is to exert military pressure on the Russian Federation through a demonstration of force".

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanks US Senate for approving aid to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the US Senate lawmakers for approving a long-awaited $61 billion aid package "vital" aid for Ukraine, he wrote on Telegram on Wednesday.

Zelenskyy highlighted that the Senate vote strengthens the US role as a "beacon of democracy and leader of the free world."

The Ukrainian president stated that he appreciates the support of US President Joe Biden and "is looking forward to the quick signing of the bill and the provision of the next package of military aid to Ukraine, which will correspond to the determination I always feel in our negotiations." 

He also noted that "long-range capabilities, artillery and air defense are critically important tools for the speedy restoration of a just peace."