It’s mid-afternoon in Kyiv. Here’s what you need to know.

 Amid rumors that Ukraine is preparing to launch its long-anticipated counteroffensive, hundreds of people have begun evacuating from Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine's southeast. Meanwhile, Moscow is preparing to celebrate Victory Day on May 9, marking the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany, just two weeks after explosions targeted the Kremlin.

Here are the latest developments:

Russian-occupied towns evacuated: More than 1,600 people, including 660 children, have been evacuated from Russian-occupied towns on the front lines in Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, amid reports of intensified Ukrainian shelling there. Zaporizhzhia, home to Europe's largest nuclear power plant, is expected to be a major target as Kyiv seeks to push back Russian troops. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has stressed the need to prevent a "severe nuclear accident.”

Wagner chief appears to backtrack: Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Sunday that his troops are staying put in Bakhmut, having threatened two days earlier to withdraw totally from the Ukrainian city. In an expletive-laden rant made to Russia’s “fat cat” military leaders, Prigozhin accused Moscow of leaving his mercenary group short of ammunition. Russia’s defense ministry has since pledged more supplies to keep Prigozhin’s troops going.

Missile strikes hit Odesa: At least one person was killed and three injured in missile strikes on the southern port city of according to military officials from the region. Ukraine’s air force said Russia fired eight long-range missiles at the city overnight Sunday. Missile attacks were also recorded in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Mykolaiv regions.

Ukraine says Russians are exporting stolen grain: The so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) announced its first grain export from the port of Mariupol. Ukrainian authorities said the grain being exported from Mariupol was “stolen” from the country, but added that the move is mostly for the purposes of propaganda, as the port is not fully operational. Mariupol was leveled by Russian forces in the early months of the war, and became a symbol of the Kremlin’s indiscriminate use of firepower in Ukraine.

Russian oligarch slams "terrible" war: Russian oligarch Andrey Kovalev has criticized Russia’s faltering invasion of Ukraine, saying the “terrible” war has not played out as many expected it to. He listed a string of Russian defeats – from the sinking of the Moskva ship to the bombing of the Kerch bridge – which has turned “the whole world” against Russia. Kovalev’s claims come as Moscow prepares for its annual Victory Day Parade. The event, held to commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany, is also used to flaunt Russia’s military strength.

Zelensky proposes moving Victory Day: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky compared Russia to Nazi Germany as he proposed moving World War II Victory Day celebrations a day earlier to May 8 in a bill presented to lawmakers in Kyiv. Instead, on May 9 he will welcome European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for “Europe Day” – a celebration of peace and unity in Europe.