Ukraine Invasion: Part 47

[MagicFox]

Welcome to thread 47. Thanks as usual to all for the information, guidance and solidarity.

**
Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content

C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful

It seems like trump's plan is to delay the legal process as much as possible so that he doesn't stand trial prior to the election. In what world is it possible that a man awaiting trial for insurrection can still be elected as president?

Geneva Security Council, 'The Russia-Ukraine War in 2024: Assembling the Building Blocks for a Settlement'

Some of this seems a bit naive to me as it ignores the impact of a Trump presidency on Moscow's calculations and assumes that Putin will be willing to work with the West again when his own statements have been increasingly hostile and focused on Asia - implying exactly a new iron curtain. I'm also not sure what the solution is for ukraine here - petition and suspended animation?

https://dam.gcsp.ch/files/doc/in-focus-the-russia-ukraine-war-in-2024?gl=111bgc9ababgaMzg2MTc1NTg3LjE3MDcyNTAyMDY..gaa_Z66DSTVXTJ*MTcwNzI1MDIwNS4xLjAuMTcwNzI1MDIwNS42MC4wLjA.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Official: Situation in Avdiivka becomes 'critical in some places.' https://kyivindependent.com/official-situation-in-avdiivka-becomes-critical-in-some-places/

⚡️Senate Republicans ready to kill https://kyivindependent.com/senate-republicans-ready-to-kill-ukraine-aid-deal/ Ukraine aid deal.
The bill is scheduled for a Senate vote on Feb. 7. According to senators, the law has no chance of garnering the 60 votes needed to block a filibuster and advance. [What a waste of time.]

⚡️Standalone Israel aid bill fails https://kyivindependent.com/standalone-israel-aid-bill-fails-in-us-house/ in US House.

Ukraine’s latest acquisition, the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB), is due for its combat debut any day now. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-about-to-get-new-us-long-range-bombs/

⚡️International Atomic Energy Agency head arrives https://kyivindependent.com/international-atomic-energy-agency-head-arrives-in-kyiv/ in Kyiv.

The government's revised draft law on mobilization contains provisions that violate Ukraine's Constitution, chief Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said on social media Feb. 6. https://kyivindependent.com/ombudsman-mobilization-law-at-odds-with-constitution/

⚡️Parliament passes https://kyivindependent.com/parliament-passes-mobilization-bill-in-first-reading/ mobilization bill in first reading.

Ukraine to create separate military branch dedicated to drones https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-february-6-2024/

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) had detained five individuals, including former and current officials of Ukraine's intelligence services, who were allegedly working for the FSB in various regions of Ukraine, the SBU's press service reported on Feb. 6. https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-uncovers-alleged-russian-spy-network-including-former-ukrainian-officials/

⚡️Russian media: Output of Russian oil refineries drop https://kyivindependent.com/russian-media-output-of-russian-oil-refineries-drop-by-4/ by 4% following drone attacks.

Ukraine's Special Operations Forces conducted an operation on a Russian-occupied drilling platform off the coast of Crimea, the Defense Ministry reported on Feb. 6. https://kyivindependent.com/defense-ministry-ukrainian-special-forces-capture-russian-equipment/

⚡️Ex-Supreme Court head formally suspended https://kyivindependent.com/ex-supreme-court-chief-re-suspended/ until April.

Oschadbank, Ukraine's second-largest state-owned bank, posted record operating profits of Hr 12 billion ($316 million) in 2023. https://kyivindependent.com/oschadbank-interview/

⚡️ Leading Chinese bank halts operations https://kyivindependent.com/leading-chinese-bank-halts-operations-in-russia-belarus/ in Russia, Belarus.
China's Chouzhou Commercial Bank has notified its clients in Russia and Belarus that it is ending all of its operations there due to payment issues associated with Western sanctions, the Russian state-controlled media outlet Vedomosti reported on Feb. 7, citing sources.
Sources told Vedomosti that all payments have been impacted, not just those that use SWIFT.

Ukraine’s High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) nationalized Ukrainian assets valued at half a billion hryvnias ($13 million) belonging to sanctioned Russian oligarch Eduard Khudainatov.
https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-nationalizes-oil-and-gas-assets-of-russian-oligarch/

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev appointed his chief of staff, Olzhas Bektenov, to be Kazakhstan's new prime minister following the resignation of Tokayev's former cabinet. https://kyivindependent.com/kazakhstans-president-nominates-new-pm/

⚡️ Media: Zelensky invited to attend https://kyivindependent.com/media-zelensky-to-attend-munich-conference-next-week/ Munich Security Conference next week.

Everyone talks about investing in Ukraine , but few are doing it
Despite its economy steadily improving from the first months of the full-scale invasion, very little foreign capital is currently trickling down to Ukraine’s private and public sectors. https://kyivindependent.com/image-draft-foreign-investors-are-staying-away-from-ukraine/

⚡️ Sweden ends investigation https://kyivindependent.com/sweden-ends-investigation-into-nord-stream-explosion-claims-no-jurisdiction/ into Nord Stream explosion, claims lack of jurisdiction.

⚡️ Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar has begun construction https://kyivindependent.com/turkish-drone-manufacturer-baykar-begins-construction-of-factory-near-kyiv/ of factory near Kyiv.

⚡️ Head of Russian Orthodox church in Estonia confirms https://kyivindependent.com/head-of-russian-orthodox-church-in-estonia-confirms-he-is-leaving-country-after-expulsion-order/ he is leaving country after expulsion order.

⚡️Der Standard: Austria investigating https://kyivindependent.com/der-standard-ukraines-ex-central-bank-chief/ ex-National Bank head who fled Ukraine.

⚡️ Media: Russian agents pose as activists, filmmakers https://kyivindependent.com/media-russian-intelligence-poses-as-activists-filmmakers-to-reportedly-spy-on-perceived-domestic-opposition/ to reportedly spy on domestic civil society organizations

How Ukrainian officials get away with having Russian citizenship – even amid war https://kyivindependent.com/how-ukrainian-officials-get-away-with-having-russian-citizenship-even-amid-war/

Opinion: Tucker Carlson visiting Moscow is like touring Berlin in 1940 https://kyivindependent.com/opinion-tucker-carlsons-moscow-visit/

⚡️ Ex-Wagner commander who fled to Norway has asylum request rejected. https://kyivindependent.com/ex-wagner-commander-who-fled-to-norway-has-asylum-request-rejected/

Ragnar Gudmundsson
WAR IN #UKRAINE - FEB 7, 2024
■ Morestrikes & fewerones compared to previous day
■ Engagements & settlements under fire stay above average
■ Casualties around 7-day average, equipment losses below but 2nd day of notable APV losses

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has arrived in Kyiv for a visit. He has already met with the heads of the Ministry of Energy, the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate, and Energoatom. His next stop is the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

At the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP, there are half as many personnel as the required number, and the term of use of nuclear fuel at the station is also coming to an end.

💥 The destruction of the Russian vessel "Ivanovets" is expected to disrupt the command and control capabilities of the Black Sea Fleet, potentially prompting the Russian Federation to reassess its maneuverability near Western Crimea, according to British intelligence.

Yesterday the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pia Kauma spoke in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

The hacker group Prana Network hacked the mail servers of Iran's IRGC company Sahara Thunder and posted information about the profit Iran received for Shahed-136.
In total, the Iranians earned $1.8 billion from the supply of Shaheds to the Russian Federation. According to the merged documents, the Russian Federation settled with Iran in gold.

European officials are cautious about transferring frozen Russian assets, valued at 200 billion euros, to Ukraine, reports Politico, citing sources.
The publication lists several reasons for this reluctance:
▫️Concerns about potential threats to Western assets in Russia, as Moscow might retaliate in a similar manner.
▫️Fears of damaging the EU's reputation among investors.
▫️According to Belgian MEP Johan van Overtveldt, stripping Putin of his assets might remove his incentive to engage in negotiations.
▫️Worries that Russian hackers could launch a widespread cyberattack on Western financial institutions in an attempt to retrieve the funds.

The European Union involved Ukraine in the work on the future industrial strategy for the defense industry of the EU countries, said the President of the EC von der Leyen.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson interviews https://www.newsweek.com/russia-putin-carlson-interview-1867324** Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Moscow — Newsweek

The Ukrainian Armed Forces put almost 33% of the occupiers' Black Sea Fleet out of action

🇵🇹Portuguese Foreign Minister Cravinho predicts that support for Kyiv will not change due to the country's parliamentary elections

Drones attacked an infrastructure facility in the Belgorod region of Russia, - the Russian governor

Ukraine and Sweden agree on a batch of Swedish-made CV-90s
Representatives discussed at meeting the financial conditions and obligations of Ukraine regarding participation in the project, as well as the terms, conditions and mechanism of the purchase of combat vehicles.

❗️The morning attack by Russia on Ukraine which caused damage to civilian and industrial infrastructure, residential buildings and wounded and killed Ukrainian citizens, cost up (https://www.epravda.com.ua/news/2024/02/7/709617/) to $423 million

The Air Force destroyed 29 missiles and 15 attack UAVs.
In total, the Russians used 64 means of air attack:

• 20 Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs;
• 29 Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 cruise missiles;
• 4 Kh-22 cruise missiles;
• 3 "Kalibr" cruise missiles;
• 3 Iskander-M ballistic missiles;
• 5 S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles.

They managed to destroy 44 air targets:

• 26 Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 cruise missiles;
• 3 Kalibr cruise missiles;
• 15 Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs.

[More missiles are getting through now in the last weeks]

Biden urged Congress to pass a compromise bill with tougher immigration policies that also includes additional funding to help Ukraine as soon as possible

Gosh look at the prescience of Fiona Hill, writing just before the invasion (jan 2022): archive.is/2022.01.24-193505/www.nytimes.com/2022/01/24/opinion/russia-ukraine-putin-biden.html

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-6-2024

Key Takeaways:

• America’s European and Asian allies have significantly ramped up their efforts to support Ukraine. As European partners continue to increase their support for Ukraine, US aid provision in the near to medium-term remains vital to help Ukraine build its defense industrial base (DIB).
• The US Army plans to significantly increase US domestic production of 155mm artillery shells and shell components for Ukraine in 2024 and 2025, should the proposed Congressional supplemental appropriations bill pass.
• Russian authorities are reportedly paying Iran roughly $4.5 billion per year to import Iranian Shahed drones to use in Ukraine.
• Russia is reportedly unfreezing North Korean assets and helping North Korea evade international sanctions in exchange for missiles and artillery ammunition for Russia to use in Ukraine.
• Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev emphasized on February 6 that Russia needs to protect its strategic facilities as Russian authorities continue to voice concerns about external and internal threats to Russian infrastructure.
• The Kremlin continues to set informational conditions for possible hybrid provocations against the Baltic states and Georgia.
• Russian-Israeli relations are likely continuing to decline against the backdrop of Russia’s increasingly anti-Israel stance on the Israel-Hamas war.
• Russian forces recently made confirmed advances near Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and southwest of Donetsk City amid continued positional engagements along the entire frontline.
• Russian authorities are reportedly paying roughly $4.5 billion per year to import Iranian Shahed drones to use in Ukraine.
• The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) continues efforts to integrate occupied Ukraine into Russia and to seek international recognition of Russia’s illegal occupation of Ukraine.

The US Army plans to significantly increase US domestic production of 155mm artillery shells and shell components for Ukraine in 2024 and 2025, should the proposed Congressional supplemental appropriations bill pass.

It's important to note that supply chain issues are such that it's not just the shells we need to expand production of; we also need to expand production of the explosives that go into the shells and most other munitions. Military-grade explosives are not the same chemicals used for civilian purposes (like construction), so it's a completely separate supply chain.

Recent (2nd Feb) and excellent (as usual) interview with Fiona Hill: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brussels-sprouts/id1238007695?i=1000643901836

It's incredible when you think about this. It's been 2 years since the start of the war and they are hoping to increase the artillery production in the next coming years. Russia on the other hand has increased domestic production of artillery shells 1750% since the beginning of the war.

Reports starting to circulate this evening of a large explosion at a Russian missile production plant near Izhevsk.

Amongst other things the plant produces large missiles, including the likes of Iskanders.

All TBC at this stage

https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/explosion-reported-at-plant-near-izhevsk-1707333353.html

Fingers crossed...

If this is what I hope it is its a huge coup for Ukraine.

I understand its some 850 miles from Ukrainian held territory and not only produces missiles that threaten Ukraine but missiles that Russia uses to threaten the world.

It's possible it's Ukrainian action and the whole plant has gone up in flames..(fingers crossed)..

OTOH it might be a test gone wrong and what we're seeing in videos is mainly a fuel/propellant fire that is confined to part of the complex..(maybe a testing area).

We'll have to wait and see.

Fingers crossed its a destructive explosion

Well it’s looking like a shit show in the Senate doesn’t it? The Republicans should be ashamed of themselves!

Podcast summarising the shit show : podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/deep-state-radio/id1245002955?i=1000644547270

Rosa's last point about the potential end of the liberal order in Europe made my stomach lurch a bit

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-7-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Russian forces conducted the second largest combined drone and missile strike of 2024 on the morning of February 7. The February 7 strike package is emblematic of the constant air domain offense-defense innovation-adaptation race in which Russia and Ukraine are engaged.
• Russia targeted Kyiv City during the February 7 strike for the third time thus far in 2024, notably coinciding with EU High Commissioner Josep Borrell’s visit to Kyiv.
• Deputy Chairperson of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev continued his nuclear saber-rattling rhetoric likely aimed in part at deterring Western aid to Ukraine.
• The Russian Federation Council approved a bill on February 7 that allows the Russian government to confiscate property from individuals convicted of spreading “fake” information about the Russian military, likely as part of ongoing censorship efforts to limit criticisms of Russia’s war effort ahead of the March 2024 Russian presidential election.
• Yandex NV — the Dutch holding company of Russian internet technology company Yandex — announced that it will sell all of its Russian assets for 475 billion rubles (about $5.2 billion) to a purchasing consortium consisting of five Russian companies.
• Russian forces made confirmed gains west of Horlivka and in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area amid continued positional engagements along the entire frontline.
• The Ukrainian Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) stated on February 7 that Russia is mobilizing citizens from Syria who come to Russia under the guise of security guard jobs at oil refineries.
• Russian occupation authorities continue to militarize Ukrainian children and youth in occupied Ukraine.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️US Senate blocks https://kyivindependent.com/us-senate-blocks-ukraine-israel-aid-bill/ Ukraine, Israel aid bill.

⚡️Bloomberg: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer plans https://kyivindependent.com/senate-majority-leader-chuck-schumer/ to push vote on Ukraine, Israel aid separate from border policy.

A poll released on Feb. 6 by the Russian independent polling organization, The Levada Center, found that 77% of Russians support the full-scale war against Ukraine, with only 16% of respondents saying they were opposed to the war.
An overwhelming majority (77%) believe Russia will ultimately be victorious in the war, a 6% increase from January 2023. https://kyivindependent.com/poll-77-of-russians-support-war-in-ukraine/

⚡️IAEA chief visits https://kyivindependent.com/iaea-chief-visits-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-to-assess-safety/ Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to assess safety.

⚡️Tucker Carlson's interview https://kyivindependent.com/tucker-carlson-interview-with-putin-to-air-thursday/ with Putin to air Thursday.

⚡️Next Ramstein summit to be held https://kyivindependent.com/next-ramstein-summit-to-be-held-on-feb-14/ on Feb. 14.

⚡️German MP: Europe must be prepared https://kyivindependent.com/german-mp-europe-must-be-prepared-for-us-failure-ukraine/ for US failure to support Ukraine, regardless of who is president.

⚡️Russian media: Massive explosion occurs https://kyivindependent.com/russian-media-massive-explosion-occurs-at-weapons-factory/ at weapons factory.
Russia's Votkinsk Machine Building Plant produces nuclear weapons components and ballistic missiles, including the RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

⚡️ Military: Russia tries to break through https://kyivindependent.com/commander-russia-tries-to-break-through-defenses-in-chasiv-yar-near-bakhmut/ defenses in Chasiv Yar near Bakhmut.

⚡️Commander: Ukraine downs https://kyivindependent.com/commander-ukraine-downs-russian-ka-52-attack-helicopter-near-avdiivka/ Russian Ka-52 attack helicopter near Avdiivka.

⚡️Aliyev wins https://kyivindependent.com/draft-aliyev-wins-presidential-election-in-azerbaijan-secures-5th-term-in-office/presidential election in Azerbaijan, secures 5th term in office.

⚡️ Shmyhal: EU promises to deliver over 1 million shells https://kyivindependent.com/shmyhal-eu-promises-to-deliver-over-1-million-shells-by-end-of-year/ by end of year.

⚡️Minister: Ukraine preparing to launch https://kyivindependent.com/minister-ukraine-preparing-to-launch-mass-production-of-lancet-drone-analog/ mass production of Lancet drone analog.
The Lancet is a kamikaze drone with a range of 40 kilometers produced by ZALA Aero Group, a subsidiary of Russian arms giant Kalashnikov Concern.

⚡️ Russia, Iran not invited https://kyivindependent.com/russia-iran-not-invited-to-munich-security-conference/ to Munich Security Conference.

⚡️ National Resistance Center: The Belarusian police are summoning Ukrainians for interrogations more often, as well as increasing the number of searches of Ukrainians, according to the center. on Ukrainians in Belarus. https://kyivindependent.com/national-resistance-center-belarusian-secret-police-increased-pressure-on-ukrainians-in-belarus/

⚡️ UK extends https://kyivindependent.com/uk-extends-tariff-free-trade-with-ukraine-until-2029-to-help-ukrainian-businesses-impacted-by-the-war/ tariff-free trade with Ukraine until 2029.

⚡️Report: Russian banks evade https://kyivindependent.com/report-russian-banks-evade-sanctions-by-trading-cash-for-gold/ sanctions by trading cash for gold.

Germany is considering the nationalization of Rosneft Deutschland, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned oil giant Rosneft, which has been under the control of the German government since September 2022 https://kyivindependent.com/germany-eyes-nationalization-of-russian-oil-subsidiary/

⚡️SBU head meets https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-head-meets-with-g7-ambassadors/ with G7 ambassadors after Bihus.Info surveillance scandal.

⚡️ Update: Russian attacks injure 40 in Kyiv, 6 in Mykolaiv. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-mass-missile-drone-attack-aga/

⚡️Poll: Fewer Ukrainians think https://kyivindependent.com/poll-fewer-ukrainians-think-country-is-moving-in-the-right-direction-than-in-early-2023/ country is moving 'in the right direction' than in early 2023.

Ukraine wants to make reconstruction transparent. Will it work? https://kyivindependent.com/dream-reconstruction/
With an estimated over $410 billion in damages, rebuilding Ukraine will be a massive task. As reconstruction projects take place simultaneously all over the country, the DREAM Project is the government’s response to collate all the data in one place.

Ragnar Gudmundsson

WAR IN #UKRAINE - FEB 8, 2024
■ 50+missile strikes,stays focused on strategic targets
■ Number of engagements stays unchanged, settlements under fire slightly above 7-day average
■ Casualties above average, equipment losses slightly below; 30+ missiles intercepted

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Canada has approved an updated free trade agreement with Ukraine, originally signed back in September, according to CBC News.

Russia used missiles from the North Korea to shell Kharkiv on February 7.
The metal fragments of ballistic missiles were collected on the territory of the industrial zone. The preliminary conclusions of experts are that these are North Korean HVASON 11GA (KN-23) missiles, reported Serhiy Bolvinov, head of the Investigation Department of the Main Department of the National Police in Kharkiv region.

Latvia imposes compulsory military service for men aged 18 to 27 amid fears of war with Russia.

🇪🇺Zelensky met with Josep Borrell.

🇺🇦🇧🇬Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Speaker Rosen Zhelyazkov and MPs of the National Assembly of Bulgaria

The European Union handed over to Ukraine a DOK-ING MV-10 demining system capable of demining up to 4,000 square meters per hour.
The EU support also includes a special training course for operators who will work with the system.
Earlier, the MV-10 demining system was provided to Ukraine by Croatia.

Ukraine will soon hold a summit with the Western Balkans, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said.

The main one for Russian importers, the Chinese Chouzhou Commercial Bank, has stopped payments to the Russian Federation, — Vedomosti.
Chouzhou is the main bank for Russian importers due to its relatively soft internal control system and convenient geographical location of the head office.
The publication notes that this decision may aggravate the problems with the export of goods that Russian entrepreneurs face every year during the Chinese New Year and the associated long weekend.

The import of Russian gas into the Czech Republic has sharply increased. It already accounts for more than 60% of supplies — Novinky. cz.
An informed source told journalists that such a rapid increase could be due to the fact that the gas was stored in Ukrainian storage facilities and is now being imported to the Czech Republic.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Ukraine "won't be instantly defeated" without American help, "but the degradation of its forces will be inexorable," analysts at The New York Times say.
They point out that European countries do not have American-level stockpiles of weapons and ammunition and are unlikely to be able to fill this gap. Ukraine's ammunition and weapons stockpiles are dwindling, and fighting is expected to intensify in the spring

The IAEA mission visited the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP
At a press conference in Kyiv, Mr. Grossi said that the plant currently has half the number of personnel it needs. Under normal conditions, there should be more than 10,000 licensed workers there.

The so-called "DPR" court sentenced 33 Ukrainian servicemen to 27 to 29 years in prison. Among them are soldiers of the 36th Marine Brigade of the Navy and the 17th Tank Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Russian service of the BBC writes that some of these soldiers fought in Mariupol.

In 2024, Zelensky plans to strengthen Ukraine's air shield, increase its long-range capabilities, and inflict "maximum systemic losses" on Russia.
According to him, this includes frozen Russian assets. He emphasized that Ukraine is working "as vigorously as possible" with its partners to make a decision on Russian assets as soon as possible.

A traumatologist from Moscow left Russia after the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Now Andrey Volna treats the Ukrainian military, performing several surgeries a day

Tucker Carlson's interview with Putin could land him on EU sanctions list, lawmakers say.

19-year-old Oleksandr, a Ukrainian Bradley commander, fought against his own father, a tanker in the Russian occupation army [Ouch, ouch, ouch]

On February 7, Air Force pilot Vladyslav Rykov was killed while performing a combat mission
The pilot had 385 combat missions.

Zelensky appoints Oleksandr Syrskyi as new Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, replacing Valerii Zaluzhnyi

https://meduza.io/en/news/2024/02/08/zelensky-appoints-oleksandr-syrskyi-as-new-commander-in-chief-of-ukraine-s-armed-forces-replacing-valerii-zaluzhnyi

This is Zelenskyy's message:

I am grateful to General Zaluzhny for two years of protection. I am grateful for every victory we achieved together and thanks to all Ukrainian soldiers who are heroically fighting this war.
They spoke frankly today about what needs to change in the army. Urgent changes. I suggested to General Zaluzhny to be in the team of the Ukrainian state in the future. I will be grateful for his consent.

Starting today, a new management team will take over the leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I want the vision of the war to be the same for our soldiers in Robotyn or Avdiivka, and in the General Headquarters and Stavka. I had dozens of conversations with commanders at various levels. In particular, today I spoke with Brigadier Generals Andrii Hnatov, Mykhailo Drapaty, Igor Skybyuk, and Colonels Pavel Palisa and Vadym Sukharevskyi.
All of them are being considered for leadership positions in the army and will serve under the guidance of the most experienced Ukrainian commander. He has successful defense experience - he conducted the Kyiv defense operation. He also has successful offensive experience - the Kharkiv liberation operation.
I appointed Colonel-General Syrskyi as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Today I spoke with Generals Moysyuk and Zabrodsky. Their experience is at the service of the state.

The year 2024 can be successful for Ukraine only if there are effective changes in the basis of our defense, which is the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

I do hope this doesn’t end up proving to be a spectacular own goal by Zelensky.