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Ukraine Invasion: Part 48

1000 replies

MagicFox · 09/03/2024 10:25

That last one went quickly! Welcome to thread 48. 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

OP posts:
Thread gallery
342
MagicFox · 08/04/2024 08:28

And talking of own goals... we are now seeing evidence that perceived US unreliability on Ukraine IS emboldening authoritarians elsewhere and particularly China. Look at what's happening in the second Thomas shoal. This is akin to the "testing NATO" idea isn't it? China pokes in a grey area and says "is the US going to be there for you?"

When the Taiwanese president made that statement saying that support to Ukraine was vital for Taiwan it was dismissed by China hawks but perhaps they should listen a bit more!

OP posts:
MontBlanc1 · 08/04/2024 09:37

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines - previously banned poster.

blueshoes · 08/04/2024 14:02

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

Key Takeaways:

  • Ukrainian Main Military Intelligence Directorate Head Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov reported that Ukraine anticipates Russian offensive operations to intensify in late spring and early summer.
  • Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet with Chinese officials in China on April 8 and 9 amid Western warnings that China is increasingly helping Russia’s defense industrial base (DIB) and even providing China with geospatial intelligence.
  • Russian forces reportedly continue to systematically use prohibited chemical weapons in Ukraine and are attacking Ukrainian positions with chemical substances almost daily throughout the frontline.
  • Russian officials accused Ukraine of launching a series of drone strikes against the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) on April 7, but the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) did not attribute responsibility for the strikes.
  • Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi openly condemned and is taking action following reports that members of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) may have purposefully intimidated a Ukrainian journalist investigating corruption within the SBU by issuing the journalist a draft summons.
  • Russian forces recently made confirmed advances near Avdiivka amid continued positional fighting along the entire line of contact on April 7.
  • Chieftan of the All-Russian Cossack Society and Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Nationalities Nikolai Doluda claimed on April 7 that more than 30,000 Cossack personnel have fought in Ukraine.
Ukraine Invasion: Part 48
Ukraine Invasion: Part 48
DancesWithDucks · 08/04/2024 16:28

UNITED24 Media Telegram

Russia accused Ukraine of a "drone attack" on a unit of the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), to which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) responded.
The "management" appointed by the occupiers stated that the Armed Forces attacked the dome of the sixth power unit of the Zaporizhzhia NPP, causing no critical damages or casualties and no threat to safety limits. Additionally, damage was reported to a truck with products in the area of the cargo port and canteen on the territory of the ZNPP. https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/update-220-iaea-director-general-statement-on-situation-in-ukraine

Yusov, the representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate, emphasized that Ukraine is not engaged in any armed provocations on the territory of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) under illegal Russian occupation. He denounced the Russian Federation's claims of Ukrainian involvement in strikes against the ZNPP as unfounded and dangerous.

Western troops deployed in Ukraine will not be stationed directly on the front lines but will undertake crucial functions, as outlined by Neue Zürcher Zeitung:
▫️Defend the approaches to Kyiv from potential attacks originating from Belarus. By securing these approaches, Ukrainian units can be redeployed to reinforce the front lines elsewhere.
▫️Prevent any attempts by Russian forces to breach the Dnipro River and provide support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Zaporizhzhia direction.
▫️Safeguard the port of Odesa, a vital maritime gateway, and be prepared to transfer troops to Moldova if needed.
▫️Offer support to the Moldovan military in the event of Russian provocations, thereby enhancing regional security and stability.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio declared a significant shift in response to Russia's war on Ukraine.
He emphasized that global events are compelling both the world and Tokyo to take decisive and unexpected actions. Specifically, Japan has opted to alter its defense stance.
"As we observe Russia's aggression against Ukraine, ongoing developments in the Middle East, and the situation in East Asia, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history," stated Kishida.

Switzerland has agreed to host a significant peace summit for Ukraine, with plans indicating it may occur in mid-June, according to Bloomberg.
The summit is anticipated to extend invitations to 80 to 100 countries, predominantly from regions often referred to as the Global South.

Jens Stoltenberg warned that the "alliance of authoritarian states" is increasingly cooperating against Western democracies. According to him, this alliance is becoming more and more cohesive.

The Washington Post has learned about a secret plan purportedly devised by Donald Trump to end the war within 24 hours. According to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, Trump’s plan involves pushing Ukraine to cede Crimea and Donbas to Russia. Trump allegedly claims in private conversations that both Russia and Ukraine seek a face-saving solution and that some regions of Ukraine wouldn’t oppose becoming part of Russia.

Republican Mike Turner, chairman of the Permanent Special Committee of the US House of Representatives on Intelligence, has raised concerns about Russian propaganda influencing Congress. He stated that false narratives from the Kremlin are being heard in the House of Representatives, spreading anti-Ukrainian and pro-Russian messages.

According to The Economist, Russia has intensified its shelling of Kharkiv, aiming to turn it into a “grey zone” unfit for civilian habitation. The escalation began in December, coinciding with issues surrounding American military aid. The March 27 attack on 23rd of August Street marked a significant turning point, as it introduced glider bombs capable of causing extensive damage from afar.

Russia has approached Kazakhstan for gasoline supply amid concerns of shortages resulting from attacks on refineries, as reported by Reuters, citing three sources. A deal to provide 100 thousand tons of fuel has reportedly been finalized.

Russia has changed its tactics in attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure by using high-precision missiles to target power plants in areas that are less defended than Kyiv. According to the Financial Times, some facilities may not be fully restored until the next winter.

The Minister of Energy of Ukraine, Herman Haluschenko, announced that Lithuania has extended a helping hand by offering technical assistance for the repair of Ukrainian thermal power plants damaged in Russian attacks. Halushchenko also noted that other countries are lending support to Ukraine in addressing the aftermath of Russian attacks on the energy sector.

The shooting of three Ukrainian prisoners of war has prompted official letters to be sent to the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross, according to Dmytro Lubinets, Commissioner for Human Rights.

The multi-purpose ice-class reinforced supply ship "Katerina Velikaya" caught fire at the Dalzavod ship repair center in Vladivostok during the night, as reported by Russian media.

Two years ago, Russia attacked the Kramatorsk train station, a place where civilians were waiting on evacuation trains. On April 8, 2022, approximately four thousand people were waiting to leave, a lifeline out of war-torn Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kharkiv regions. Kramatorsk was the main hub. According to Pavlo Kyrylenko, head of the Donetsk regional military administration, over 170,000 people had found safety through train evacuation before the attack.

In the Russian city of Orsk, after the repeated breach of the dam on the Ural River, the work of the Orsknaftoorgsintez refinery was suspended

DancesWithDucks · 08/04/2024 16:54

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Zelensky: Ukraine will lose war if US Congress fails https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-ukraine-will-lose-war-if-us-congress-fails-to-deliver-aid-funding/ to deliver aid funding.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 7 that Ukraine will lose the war against Russia if the U.S. Congress fails to approve military aid to Ukraine.
“It is necessary to specifically tell Congress that if Congress does not help Ukraine, Ukraine will lose the war," Zelensky said on during a meeting on the fundraising platform United24.

Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR), said that Ukraine should expect to face a renewed Russian offensive in late spring or early summer, with the offensive intensifying around Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, Budanov told German outlet ARD in an interview published on April 7. https://kyivindependent.com/budanov-new-russian-offensive-expected-in-late-spring-early-summer/

⚡️ Russian FM Lavrov arrives in China https://kyivindependent.com/lavrov-arrives-in-china-on-official-visit/ on official visit.

Russia lost seven military aircraft during Ukraine's April 5 drone attack on the Yeysk air base in Krasnodar Krai, a source at Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent on April 7. https://kyivindependent.com/sources-russia-lost-7-aircraft-including-amphibious-jet-in-april-5-attack/

⚡️IAEA confirms https://kyivindependent.com/iaea-confirms-3-direct-strikes-on-main-reactor-containment-structures-of-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant/ 3 direct strikes on main reactor containment structures of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

⚡️Germany scrambles https://kyivindependent.com/german-air-force-says-it-scrambled-fighter-jets-to-intercept-russian-il-76-aircraft-flying-over-baltic-sea/ fighter jets to intercept Russian aircraft flying over Baltic Sea. [yesterday]

⚡️ Sources: Ukrainian hackers, possibly connected to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), destroyed a data center used by the Russian military, energy, and telecommunications industries, sources in the SBU told the Kyiv Independent on April 8. https://kyivindependent.com/sources-ukrainian-hackers-destroy-data-center-used-by-russian-military-industry/
According to the sources, more than 10,000 entities involved in the Russian military industry stored their data in the targeted cloud servicehttps://OwenCloud.ru. The cyberattack allegedly destroyed over 300 terabytes of data.

Ukrainian forces are building up defensive capabilities along the entire border with Russia and Belarus, Ukraine's State Border Guard spokesperson Andrii Demchenko said on April 8 on national television. https://kyivindependent.com/board-guard-ukraine-continues-to-strengthen-its-defensive-capabilities-across-border-with-russia/

⚡️Russian missile ship set on fire https://kyivindependent.com/russian-missile-ship-reportedly-set-on-fire-near-kaliningrad/ near Kaliningrad, Ukraine's intelligence claims.
The Russian missile ship Serpukhov, which was docked off the exclave of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea, was set on fire on April 8, Ukraine's military intelligence claimed.

⚡️Foreign partners allocate https://kyivindependent.com/western-partners-allocate-over-700-million-for-demining-ukraine/ over $700 million for demining in Ukraine. The U.S., Switzerland, Norway, EU countries, and Japan are among the key donors. The demining coalition for Ukraine includes about 20 countries.

Russian forces used freshly-made missiles for large-scale attacks on Ukraine in March, Andrii Cherniak, a spokesperson of Ukraine's military intelligence, told the Financial Times (FT) in a comment published on April 8. kyivindependent.com/military-intelligence-3/

⚡️ Russia's latest attacks damage energy infrastructure https://kyivindependent.com/russia-energy-grid-attacks/ in 4 oblasts.

French billionaire Xavier Niel's investment company NJJ Capital will acquire two telecom businesses in Ukraine: Ukraine's fixed telecom and pay-TV provider Datagroup-Volia, and Turkish-owned Lifecell, Ukraine's third-largest mobile operator, following regulatory approval. https://kyivindependent.com/french-billionaire-xavier-niel-to-buy-2-ukrainian-telecoms-companies-in-one-of-largest-acquisitions-in-countrys-history/

The Russian Volunteer Corps announced the completion of the "hot phase" of its raids into border regions of Russia from Ukraine on April 7 in the evening.
Sabotage and reconnaissance groups have remained in Russia even after the hot phase of the operation was completed, according to the Russian Volunteer Corps. https://kyivindependent.com/anti-kremlin-militia-says-hot-phase-of-raids-into-russia-is-over/

⚡️ Military intelligence: Ukraine directly controls https://kyivindependent.com/military-intelligence-4/ Black Sea oil rigs, undermining Russia's reconnaissance capabilities.
Russia's reconnaissance capabilities in the sky, on the water, and on land suffered after Ukraine regained control of a set of oil drilling platforms located in the Black Sea last autumn, Ukraine's military intelligence said on April 8

⚡️ Russian media: Orsk oil refinery suspends work https://kyivindependent.com/russian-media-4/ after dam breach, floods.

Russia's war against Ukraine has destroyed more than 60,000 hectares of forests, with the cost of damages amounting to at least Hr 14 billion ($360 million), according to an investigation by NGL Media published on April 8. https://kyivindependent.com/media-russia-destroys-over-60-000-hectares-of-ukrainian-forests/

A multi-national NATO naval exercise in the Black Sea and Danube River delta, consisting of contributing maritime forces from 12 different alliance members and other partners, began on April 8, Romanian media reported. https://kyivindependent.com/romania-led-nato-naval-exercise-begins-in-black-sea/

⚡️Prosecutor General's Office: Russian soldiers kill 3 https://kyivindependent.com/prosecutor-generals-office-russian-soldiers-shoot-3-ukrainian-pows/ Ukrainian POWs.

The Odesa regional military enlistment office is investigating reports by local media of a 14-year-old boy detained by men in military uniforms, the office said on April 7. The men reportedly did not initially believe the boy was 14 but released him after seeing his passport. https://kyivindependent.com/media-odesa-recruitment-center-investigating-report-of-14-year-old-kidnapped-by-uniformed-men/

Ragnar Gudmundsson

WAR IN #UKRAINE - APR 8, 2024
■ Rise in combat engagements & highest daily casualties in April so far
■ Equipment losses below 7-day average; 16 MLRS destroyed in the last 7 days
■ Good air strike ratio butcontinues to dominate when it comes to artillery strikes
■ Oryx: 7123added to records (56:20 after removal of duplicates/corrections); 30-day ratio of 2.6x

Ukraine Invasion: Part 48
DancesWithDucks · 08/04/2024 17:07

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇭🇺The day before, about 100,000 people demonstrated https://t.me/liveukraine_media/19869** against the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The protesters marched to the parliament, shouting "Orban, resign!" and "We are not afraid." Some of them carried placards with the words "Hungarians, rise!".
The leader of one of the largest protests in recent decades was Péter Magyar, who was a member of the ruling Fidesz party until February 2024, and then accused the Orban government of corruption and joined the opposition.

🇱🇹🇺🇦 Lithuania has offered to dismantle its closed thermal power plants and transfer spare parts to Ukraine. They will be used to restore the plants after the missile attacks, said Energy Minister German Galushchenko.

Ukrainian military still waiting for help

Ukraine Invasion: Part 48
blueshoes · 09/04/2024 04:45

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-8-2024

Key Takeaways:

  • Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian oil refineries are reportedly forcing Russia to seek gasoline imports from Kazakhstan.
  • Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) indirectly suggested that it may have been responsible for an explosion that disabled a Russian Baltic Fleet small missile carrier at the naval base in Baltiysk, Kaliningrad Oblast on April 7.
  • Recent discourse among select Russian milbloggers highlights contradictory Russian rhetoric in the Russian information space between narratives that seek to portray Russian forces as more capable than Ukrainian forces and other narratives that seek to criticize the Russian military for shortcomings that result in high Russian infantry casualties.
  • The Kremlin-affiliated governor of the pro-Russian Moldova autonomous region of Gagauzia, Yevgenia Gutsul, insinuated that Romanian officials control the Moldovan government — the latest in a series of recent Kremlin efforts to question European pro-Western governments’ sovereignty.
  • Russian forces recently made confirmed advances near Kreminna, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Donetsk City.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the Russian Cabinet of Ministers and Russian machine construction company KONAR JSC to increase the production of components for the domestic machine tools industry, likely as part of ongoing efforts to expand the Russian defense industrial base (DIB) and mitigate the effects of international sanctions.
blueshoes · 09/04/2024 04:49

Ukrainian military still waiting for help

We are waiting too 😓

blueshoes · 09/04/2024 04:56

MagicFox · 05/04/2024 11:04

I think we need to all write to our local MPs (and candidates) to ask about defence spending and raise awareness that it's an important issue to the public

So I did.

This is my (Labour) MP's reply:

"Labour have a serious plan to restore Britain’s military readiness to deter and if necessary engage those who mean us harm.

Rather than give you my summary of that plan, you might want to read/watch this considered speech that our Shadow Defence Secretary, John Healey, recently gave to Policy Exchange on the subject."

MagicFox · 09/04/2024 07:43

Well done blue shoes! Our MP is bloody Tory - I'm waiting for the list of local candidates to be announced next week ahead of local elections and then I'm writing to every single one

OP posts:
Igotjelly · 09/04/2024 08:09

I see David Cameron met Trump yesterday to discuss amongst other things the aid package stuck in Congress. Whilst I’d usually say don’t engage with stupid I think in this instance a little ego massaging probably isn’t a bad thing. Oh to have been a fly on the wall, the 2 aren’t exactly old chums!

MagicFox · 09/04/2024 08:18

Ego massaging seems to be the only way to work with Trump! For all his faults Cameron is very articulate and I think he's been good as FM

OP posts:
DancesWithDucks · 09/04/2024 10:02

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Ground Forces commander calls on Ukrainians to join the army amid manpower shortage https://kyivindependent.com/ground-forces-commander-calls-on-joining-ukrainian-armed-forces-stressing-manpower-lack/
"No matter how much help we get, how many weapons we have – we lack people," Ukraine's Ground Forces Commander Oleksandr Pavliuk said.

⚡️Bloomberg: The trade of Chinese yuan on Russia's foreign exchange market has grown to a record high as the share of euros and dollars have dropped, Bloomberg reported on April 8, citing data from Russia's central bank. https://kyivindependent.com/bloomberg-trade-of-yuan-in-russias-foreign-exchange-market-reaches-record-high/

⚡️ Macron, Sunak agree to increase aid https://kyivindependent.com/macron-sunak-agree-to-strengthen-ukraines-assistance-delivering-more-military-aid/ for Ukraine.
Sunak and Macron discussed priorities for the coming months and further coordination on the path of aiding Ukraine, including increased supplies of munitions, drones, and air defense to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

⚡️ US confirms warning allies https://kyivindependent.com/us-state-department-confirms-it-warned-allies-about-chinas-support-for-russia-over-recent-months/ about China's support for Russia's war in recent months.
"Essentially, they have been backfilling the trade from European partners that was suspended after the invasion and sanctioned, and that they have been helping provide the components that increase Russia's capabilities to attack Ukraine," the U.S. State Department spokesperson said at a briefing.

⚡️EU to impose https://kyivindependent.com/eu-agrees-to-extend-trade-deal-with-ukraine-impose-restrictions-on-agriculture-products/ restrictions on export of Ukrainian agriculture products, agrees to free trade extension.

⚡️ French FM: Discussions with Russia https://kyivindependent.com/french-fm-it-is-not-in-pariss-current-interest-to-hold-discussions-with-russian-officials/ not in Paris's interest due to Moscow's false statements.
Paris is no longer interested in discussions with Russia after Moscow published differing accounts on the latest call between French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said in an interview for France 24 on April 8.
"It is not in our current interest to hold discussions with Russian officials because the statements and the summaries issued about them are lies," Sejourne said.

⚡️Reuters: Russia asks Kazakhstan to resupply https://kyivindependent.com/reuters-russia-asks-kazakhstan-to-resupply-gasoline-in-case-of-shortages/ gasoline in case of shortages, sources say.

⚡️Denmark announces https://kyivindependent.com/denmark-announces-5-8-million-in-aid-for-ukraines-energy-infrastructure/ $5.8 million in aid for Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

⚡️ UK foreign secretary meets Trump https://kyivindependent.com/uk-foreign-secretary-cameron-meets-trump-in-florida-amid-push-for-ukraine-aid/ in US amid push for Ukraine aid.
U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron met Donald Trump at the latter's Florida residence before meeting top U.S. officials and lawmakers, The Independent reported on April 9.

⚡️ Military intelligence behind drone https://kyivindependent.com/military-intelligence-says-it-is-behind-drone-attack-on-aviation-training-center-in-russias-voronezh-oblast/ attack on aviation training center in Russia's Voronezh Oblast, representative says.
Ukrainian drones attacked a Russian aviation training center in the city of Borisoglebsk in Russia's Voronezh Oblast overnight on April 9, a representative of Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR), not allowed to go public at this time, told the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️Ukraine's circuses, TV channels recognized as 'critically important' companies, https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-circuses-tv-channels-recognized-as-critically-important-companies-allowing-employees-to-defer-military-service/ allowing employees to defer military service.

⚡️Ukraine, Hungary agree https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hungary-agree-on-opening-new-border-checkpoint/ on opening new border checkpoint.

⚡️ Russian attacks against Ukraine over past day kill 7, injure 36 https://kyivindependent.com/attacks-48/ including children.

The National Police in Mykolaiv Oblast identified a 28-year-old Russian military mechanic from the 205th Motorized Infantry Brigade who is suspected of torturing civilians, the police said on April 8. https://kyivindependent.com/police-russian-soldier/

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦

  • APR 9, 2024
■ Fewer engagements but casualties still above 7-day average ■ Equipment losses also above average; 112 tanks hit in the last 7 days ■ Fewer strikes on both sides; unfavorable ratios
Ukraine Invasion: Part 48
DancesWithDucks · 09/04/2024 10:23

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Ukraine will lose the war if the US Congress does not unblock the aid package, — Zelenskyy

Russia reached a production rate of 30 Shaheds per day. And by the end of 2024, the enemy will be able to create about 11,000 strike UAVs — Welt.
The number of manufactured UAVs, taking into account the current dynamics of the Russian Federation, will only increase every year — the Kremlin aims to increase capacity to 32 thousand per year, which is 87 drones per day.
In addition, Russia plans to produce 2.1 million artillery pieces this year. Also, up to 130 long-range and 100 short-range missiles are produced every month. [can this be accurate? 2.1 million artillery pieces this year? Shells, or artillery systems?]

The Main Intelligence Directorate reported that a fire broke out on the missile ship "Serpukhov" in the Russian city of Baltiysk on April 7.
According to the Main Intelligence Directorate, the fire caused extensive damage to the ship's communication and automation systems, rendering it inoperable. The agency stated that restoring the combat capability of the "Serpukhov" will require a significant amount of time.

Ukraine, with the help of its allies, is developing an attack UAV with automatic homing and artificial intelligence, — The Telegraph.
According to the publication, the coalition of drones led by Great Britain has allocated 200 million pounds sterling (about 9.7 billion hryvnias) for the project as part of the "Ramstein format"
Automatic aiming at the target immediately before damage, with the help of artificial intelligence and without the participation of a human operator, will allow to partially solve the problem of jamming drones by enemy EW systems.

🌾 The EU agreed on the terms of continuing free trade with Ukraine with restrictions.
They provide for the continuation of duty-free imports of Ukrainian agricultural goods but limit them for poultry meat, eggs, sugar, corn, cereals, and honey to the level of average volumes observed in the period from mid-2021 to the end of 2023.
Poland and France led efforts in the EU aimed at limiting Ukrainian agricultural imports.

A bridge collapse occurred in the Smolensk region, Russia, leading to injuries of six individuals in the car and truck that fell along with the bridge. The bridge spanned over the Moscow-Minsk railway tracks, resulting in the main transport corridor between Belarus and the Russian Federation being blocked. https://t.me/United24media/20595

Ukraine Invasion: Part 48
DancesWithDucks · 09/04/2024 10:34

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

In the Smolensk region of Russia, a bridge collapsed in the city of Vyazma.
The bridge itself fell on the railroad tracks and freight cars, blocking the connection with Belarus. The preliminary reason is the deterioration of the structure. No reports of sabotage or explosion.

According to journalists, 80% of the unique ecosystem of the Holy Mountains National Nature Park was destroyed in Donetsk Oblast. Almost half of the forests in Kharkiv oblast are mined or damaged by fires. Almost 55 thousand hectares of forests in Kherson oblast were seriously affected by flooding as a result of the explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.
Russian Defense Minister Shoigu asked for permission to cut down forests without any restrictions on April 4, 2022. Since then, Russians have been using part of the forests of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kharkiv and Kherson oblasts to build dugouts and other protective fortifications.

🇷🇺Number of Russian billionaires reached record level in past year.
The number of Russian billionaires has grown in the past year, from 110 to a record 125, according to the Forbes world ranking. Despite sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine, their collective wealth now stands at $577 billion, a gain of $72 billion in the past year. The richest Russian businessman this year is the former president of Lukoil, Vagit Alekperov, whose fortune, estimated at $20.5 billion last year, jumped to an estimated $28.6 billion. He is ranked by Forbes as the world’s 59th richest person.

A Russian volunteer who helped Ukrainians died in a pre-trial detention center. According to his wife, he was tortured by security forces. His son wrote about possible suicide
Volunteer from Belgorod Alexander Demidenko, who since 2022 has been helping Ukrainians return home from Russia, died in a pre-trial detention center.
“I think my father committed suicide, since for such an active and freedom-loving person the thought of a possible future imprisonment was unbearable. He had already been psychologically killed for six months in a pre-trial detention center without visits from his family or even books,” said Demidenko’s son.
Since March 2022, Demidenko has been helping Ukrainian refugees by providing them with overnight accommodation and accompanying them to the border with Ukraine. In October 2023, he disappeared while accompanying an elderly woman at the Kolotilovka checkpoint. Three days later he was returned home and searched, finding signs of torture on his body. He was arrested on charges of illegal possession of weapons from World War II, after which he was placed in a pre-trial detention center.

Russian state television calls for the destruction of Kharkiv to break the will of Ukrainians and force Ukraine to surrender

BezMills · 09/04/2024 11:27

it sounds particularly grim at the moment. hoping for better news

blueshoes · 10/04/2024 04:21

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-9-2024

Key Takeaways:

  • Russian state media highlighted Russia and China’s joint effort to combat perceived Western “dual containment” targeting Russia and China during Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on April 9.
  • US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on April 9 that it transferred roughly a brigade’s worth of small arms and ammunition seized from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to Ukraine on April 4.
  • The Ukrainian Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) is likely responsible for a drone strike against the Borisoglebsk Airbase in Voronezh Oblast overnight on April 8 to 9.
  • Russian ultranationalist milbloggers continue to employ virulently anti-migrant rhetoric and calls for xenophobic domestic policies, but in doing so are exposing the inherent hypocrisy in Russia’s treatment of its own indigenous ethnic minority communities.
  • The Kremlin will likely be able to leverage a new agreement signed by the Kremlin-affiliated governor of the pro-Russian Moldovan autonomous region of Gagauzia, Yevgenia Gutsul, and a state-owned Russian bank to further its efforts to destabilize Moldovan society, attack Moldova’s democratic government, and prevent Moldova’s accession to the European Union (EU).
  • Russia is reportedly considering creating a new ministry for youth policy and patriotic education, likely as part of an ongoing attempt to instill pro-Kremlin and Kremlin-approved ideology in Russia’s next generation.
  • Russian military authorities in Armenia detained another Russian citizen in Armenia, likely in an effort to assert military and political power over Armenia and to challenge Armenia’s sovereignty amid a continued deterioration of Armenian–Russian relations.
  • Russian forces recently made confirmed advances near Kreminna, west of Avdiivka, and south and southwest of Donetsk City on April 9.
  • Kremlin officials continue efforts to ease public fears about another possible wave of partial mobilization.
  • The Russian occupation regime in Crimea is systematically persecuting clergy and parishes affiliated with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) in occupied Crimea.
Ukraine Invasion: Part 48
DancesWithDucks · 10/04/2024 12:41

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Russia, China agree to deepen cooperation https://kyivindependent.com/lavrov-russia-china-agree-to-deepen-cooperation-in-eurasia-to-counter-us-influence/ in Eurasia to counter US influence.

⚡️Borrell: Wider war https://kyivindependent.com/borrell/ in Europe 'no longer a fantasy.'
The European Union needs more funds to prepare for a potential full-scale conflict, as the risk of war in Europe beyond Ukraine is "no longer a fantasy," the EU’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, said on April 9.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that recent Ukrainian attacks targeting Russian oil refineries could have a "knock-on effect" on the global energy market, Bloomberg reported on April 9.
"Ukraine is better served in going after tactical and operational targets that can directly influence the current fight," Austin said during the Senate Armed Services committee meeting. https://kyivindependent.com/us-defense-secretary-austin-ukraines-attacks-on-russian-oil-refineries-could-impact-global-energy-situation/ [Im sorry, is it inconvenient that Ukraine's taking the most effective way it can to defend itself?]

The US State Department has approved an urgent $138 million foreign military sales package for Ukraine, enabling essential repairs and the procurement of spare parts necessary for Hawk missile systems. https://kyivindependent.com/us-announces-138-million-in-sales-to-bolster-ukraines-hawk-air-defense-system/

⚡️ EU preparing 14th sanctions package https://kyivindependent.com/commissioner-eu-preparing-14th-sanctions-package-against-russia/ against Russia this spring.
"It is likely to include an extensive list of restrictive measures with a strong anti-circumvention angle – in the maritime sector, for example, as Russia continues to try and violate the price cap for its oil exports," said the official who also serves as the EU Commission's executive vice president for economic and financial affairs.

⚡️IAEA: Drone attack https://kyivindependent.com/iaea-drone-attack-reported-on-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plants-training-center/ reported on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant's training center.

Russia's claims about alleged Ukrainian drone attacks against the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant are manipulation and propaganda, Ukraine's nuclear energy agency Energoatom said on April 9. https://kyivindependent.com/energoatom-condemns-russia-for-spreading-fakes-on-attacks-at-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant/

The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Board of Governors will meet to discuss the recent attacks on the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Reuters reported on April 9, citing four unnamed diplomats.
The extraordinary meeting convened by Russia will take place on April 11, according to the news agency. https://kyivindependent.com/reuters-11/

⚡️Russian pro-war channels allege https://kyivindependent.com/russian-media-russia-captures-pervomaiskyi-in-donetsk-region/ capture of Pervomaiske village, publish videos.

The Swedish Air Force, together with German fighter jets, intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft near the Swedish coast, the Swedish military announced on April 9. https://kyivindependent.com/sweden-intercepts-russian-reconnaissance-aircraft/

⚡️ SBU cybersecurity chief suspended https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-cybersecurity-chief-suspended-following-media-investigation/ following media revelations.
According to a recent investigation by Slidstvo.Info, Vitiuk's wife started making big earnings after her husband was appointed to the job, and bought an apartment in a premium residential complex in Kyiv below the market price.
The outlet said that its journalist who led the investigation, Yevhenii Shulhat, was later targeted by enlistment officers in retaliation.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and Polish law enforcement services conducted searches in Poland and Ukraine regarding a suspected weapons procurement corruption scheme, the bureau's press service said on April 9.
The case supposedly concerns weapons purchases at inflated prices between April 2022 and February 2023, according to the bureau's statement. https://kyivindependent.com/law-enforcement-services-conduct-joint-searches-in-ukraine-and-poland-due-to-potential-corruption-case/

⚡️Ukrainian Navy: ⚡️UPDATE: Russian KA-27 military helicopter fell after explosion https://kyivindependent.com/russian-military-helicopter-downed-in-crimea/ on board, Ukrainian Navy says.

⚡️Russian Defense Ministry says Mi-24 helicopter crashes https://kyivindependent.com/russian-defense-ministry-says-mi-24-helicopter-crashes-off-crimea/ off Crimea.

⚡️NATO: Ukrainian drones responsible https://kyivindependent.com/nato-ukrainian-fpv-drones-already-destroyed-65-of-russian-tanks/ for more than 65% of destroyed Russian tanks in recent months.

Small drones made by U.S. startups have performed poorly on Ukrainian battlefields, being regarded as expensive and glitchy by their users, the Wall Street Journal reported on April 10. https://kyivindependent.com/wsj-drones-from-us-companies-perform-poorly-in-ukraine/

⚡️ Presidential Office: Ukraine, Portugal https://kyivindependent.com/presidential-office-ukraine-and-portugal-to-start-negotiations-on-security-agreement-shortly/ to soon start negotiations on security deal.

The German government commissioned the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall to deliver 20 additional Marder armored vehicles to Ukraine, the company announced on April 9. https://kyivindependent.com/germany-to-deliver-20-additional-armored-vehicles/

⚡️A large shipment of confiscated weapons intended for Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen was delivered to the Ukrainian military, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on April 9. kyivindependent.com/us-delivers-confiscated-weapons-to-ukraine/

⚡️Ambassador: EU to provide https://kyivindependent.com/moldova-lethal-aid/ lethal aid to Moldova.

⚡️ Parliament passes in 1st reading bill allowing military service of citizens convicted of minor offenses. https://kyivindependent.com/parliament-passes-in-1st-reading-bill-allowing-military-service-of-some-convicts/ This does not include those convicted under serious and violent charges, such as murder, sexual violence, or crimes against national security.

⚡️ Prosecutors investigating executions of 54 Ukrainian POWs https://kyivindependent.com/pows/ by Russia.

⚡️Russia attacks https://kyivindependent.com/russia-attacks-energy-infrastructure-in-odesa-mykolaiv-oblasts/ energy infrastructure in Odesa, Mykolaiv oblasts.

Eleven Ukrainians made it to the Forbes 30 under 30 Europe list in the Media and Marketing, Social Impact, Technology, Sports and Games, and Finance categories, as announced on Forbes's website on April 9. https://kyivindependent.com/eleven-ukrainians-got-on-forbes-30-under-30-europe-list/

⚡️PM Shmyhal orders government to https://kyivindependent.com/pm-shmyhal-orders-government-to-reconsider-rules-for-deferment-of-military-service/ reconsider rules for deferment of military service.

⚡️ SBU: Ex-lawmaker of pro-Russian party detained https://kyivindependent.com/sbu-ex-lawmaker-of-pro-russian-party-detained-attempting-to-flee-ukraine/ while attempting to flee Ukraine.

⚡️ EU Court removes Russian oligarchs Fridman, Aven https://kyivindependent.com/eu-court-removes-russian-oligarchs-firdman-aven-from-sanctions-list/ from sanctions list.

⚡️NGO Save Ukraine rescues https://kyivindependent.com/ngo-save-ukraine-rescues-2-more-children-from-russian-occupation/ 2 more children from Russian occupation.

Russian state television has been vocal in painting Western democracies, especially the U.S., as the reason for all of Russia's problems. The desire for U.S.-made products inside Russia, however, remains high, with the country's providers turning to illegal schemes to cover the demand. https://kyivindependent.com/russian-movie-theaters-openly-steal-western-films-but-remain-unpunished-so-far/

⚡️Guardian: UK foreign secretary fails in bid to persuade Trump https://kyivindependent.com/guardian-uk-foreign-secretary-fails-in-bid-to-persuade-trump-on-ukraine-aid/on Ukraine aid.

Ragnar Gudmundsson
@ragnarbjartur

WAR IN #UKRAINE - APR 10, 2024 ■ Increase in engagements, casualties stay above 7-day average ■ Record week of equipment losses; APVs, tanks & MLRS at their highest for 2024 ■ More strikes on both sides; decent air strike ratio butdominating in artillery strikes

Ukraine Invasion: Part 48
DancesWithDucks · 10/04/2024 15:01

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Bundeschancellor Olaf Scholz will go to China and talk about the war in Ukraine, the spokesman of the German government, Steffen Gebeschreit, reports the German national and international television news service Tagesschau.

❗️The Russian occupiers targeted the central part of Kharkiv with Guided Aerial Bombs, as reported by Mayor Terekhov

Corruption in Bulgaria remains the main channel for Russian interference and is contributing to the collapse of the ruling coalition, the country's prime minister has said.
Nikolai Denkov, who is leaving office, told the Financial Times that the cabinet he led for less than a year had struggled to root out corruption and deep-rooted ties to Moscow.
It should be noted that Bulgaria is a major producer of Soviet-style ammunition used by the Ukrainian army in its fight against Russia. Sofia fears Russian sabotage of its enterprises, although it plans to further increase production volumes.
According to Denkov, Bulgarian arms manufacturers are already working at full capacity, and despite the political uncertainty, the situation is unlikely to change.

🇩🇪🇺🇦 Germany has announced a new package of military aid to Ukraine, including:
▫️ Tracked all-terrain vehicle Warthog (team car)
▫️ 2 WISENT 1 demining machines
▫️ 6,000 shells of 155 mm caliber
▫️ 16 reconnaissance UAVs Vector
▫️ 30 reconnaissance UAVs RQ-35 Heidrun
▫️ 30 sets of countermeasures against UAVs
▫️ 11 mobile demining systems
▫️ 3 mine trawls
▫️ 70 infrared cameras
▫️ 680 Haenel MK556 assault rifles
▫️ 120 Haenel CR308 rifles
▫️ 50 Haenel HLR338 sniper rifles
▫️ One million cartridges for small arms
▫️ 5,000 detonators

The European Union sent emergency aid to Ukraine in the form of 167 generators after Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.

Swiss Federal President: Neutrality no longer valid in case of attack
In the event of a Russian attack, Switzerland intends to defend itself against the aggressor together with its European NATO partners. Swiss President and Defense Minister Viola Amherd made this clear in Vienna on Tuesday. The "European Sky Shield" air defense initiative has a neutrality proviso. "If there is an attack on Switzerland, then the situation is different, then neutrality is no longer valid". [Possibly I'm missing something, but isn't this saying "if we get attacked, we aren't going to be neutral any more"? Which is pretty much a tautology. Does anyone understand if there's been a genuine shift in attitude?]

🇨🇭 Switzerland has announced plans to allocate €5 billion to support the rebuilding of Ukraine by 2036. Additionally, 1.5 billion Swiss francs have already been earmarked for 2028. These funds, according to the country’s government, aim to mitigate migration flows.

Due to flooding in Orsk, the Voronezh M radar missile attack warning system station has ceased operations, according to a public page "VChK-OGPU."
As a result of the shutdown, tracking launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles in the southern direction has become problematic. If the radar station is permanently flooded, it will be challenging to quickly restore the radar capabilities, with estimates suggesting it could take several years to rectify the situation.

Newly elected Minister of National Defense of Lithuania, Laurynas Kasčiūnas, arrived in Ukraine to meet with Zelenskyy.

According to the Atlantic Council, aid to Ukraine is seen as a strategic investment for the U.S. rather than charity. Key points from the article include:
▫️Aid to Ukraine comes at a price, but can strengthen both the economic and national security of the United States.
▫️The ongoing war in Ukraine is depleting the Russian arsenal and weakening the military power of the Russian Federation. American arms exports to Ukraine stimulate the U.S. economy and reinforce U.S. global leadership in armaments.
▫️The war provides invaluable intelligence on Russian tactics, helps improve U.S. and NATO defense strategies, and serves as a testing ground for U.S. weapons systems.
▫️The defense industry, driven by war and deterrence, has seen a surge in revenues for major defense contractors, injecting significant capital into local economies and creating jobs.
▫️Despite these economic benefits, some Senators and Representatives whose states or districts benefit from defense contracts have voted against aid to Ukraine for purely political reasons. The defense industry relies on components and subcomponents sourced and manufactured in various states and districts, benefiting a wide range of congressional districts.
▫️Combat operations in Ukraine allow for a detailed assessment of U.S. capabilities and effectiveness against a formidable adversary, as well as the identification of the Pentagon's shortcomings and vulnerabilities.
▫️The war has significantly weakened the Russian Federation, draining its military strength and resources.
▫️A defeat of the Russian Federation in Ukraine would not only strengthen China's deterrence, but also prevent an escalation around Taiwan.

DancesWithDucks · 10/04/2024 15:13

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Ukraine has a plan for a new counteroffensive, but it needs weapons to implement it, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with German newspaper https://www.bild.de/politik/ausland/politik-ausland/selenskyj-scholz-fuerchtet-putins-atom-drohung-87822078.bild.html Bild

🇩🇪 German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called on https://www.n-tv.de/politik/15-43-Baerbock-sichert-Moldau-weitere-Unterstuetzung-zu--article23143824.html the world to speed up the provision of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine: "Russia is reducing Kharkiv to dust"

🇬🇧 British Foreign Secretary Cameron's attempt to convince Trump to allow the US Congress to provide Ukraine with $60 billion in military aid during his visit to the United States appears to have failed - The Guardian.
According to the newspaper, https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/apr/09/david-cameron-trump-ukraine-aid** the British minister was not even allowed to meet with House Speaker Mike Johnson.

An attack by Ukrainian drones on the Yeysk airfield on April 5 damaged a Russian Be-200 amphibious aircraft. A satellite image published by OSINT investigator MT Anderson shows https://twitter.com/MT_Anderson/status/1776305663737565403 that the plane is missing part of its left wing.

In Kostyantynivka (Donetsk Oblast), the bodies of two dead people – a 42-year-old woman and her 12-year-old son – were recovered from the rubble of a two-story building

The Marder; modernized 1A3 vehicles with built-in laser rangefinders from Rheinmetall for efficient and accurate target engagement. Ukraine received the first such vehicles in March 2023. Several more batches followed.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 48
Ukraine Invasion: Part 48
Ukraine Invasion: Part 48
blueshoes · 11/04/2024 04:25

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-10-2024

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ukrainian military’s effective use of drones on the battlefield cannot fully mitigate Ukraine’s theater-wide shortage of critical munitions.
  • Zelensky stated that there are no mitigations for insufficient air defense systems and indicated that Russian strikes are forcing Ukraine to reallocate already scarce air defense assets to defend Kharkiv City.
  • Zelensky warned about the threat of a potential future Russian ground offensive operation targeting Kharkiv City, which would force Ukraine to reallocate some of its already-strained manpower and materiel capabilities away from other currently active and critical sectors of the front.
  • The Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada considered and adopted provisions from Ukraine’s draft mobilization law on April 10 as part of an ongoing effort to increase the sustainability of Ukrainian mobilization over the long term.
  • Russian officials continue to indicate that they are not interested in any meaningful negotiations on the war in Ukraine amid Switzerland’s announcement that it will host a global peace summit on the war on June 15 and 16.
  • Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attempted to downplay tension in Armenian-Russian relations amid Armenia’s continued efforts to distance itself from political and security relations with Russia.
  • Russian Investigative Committee Head Alexander Bastrykin claimed that Russia has no economic reason to import foreign labor, a direct contradiction of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent efforts to justify Russia’s current migration laws to his xenophobic ultra-nationalist constituency.
  • Russian forces recently captured Ivanivske, a settlement east of Chasiv Yar, and advanced near Avdiivka.
  • Eight Russian senators and 16 State Duma deputies submitted a bill to the Russian State Duma that would likely allow Russian authorities to deploy Russian Federal Penitentiaries Service (FSIN) employees to Ukraine, amid reports that Russia is intensifying its crypto-mobilization efforts.
Ukraine Invasion: Part 48
DancesWithDucks · 11/04/2024 10:15

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

Ukraine will run out of ammunition and air defense interceptor missiles "in fairly short order" without further support from the U.S., said General Christopher Cavoli, the top U.S. commander in Europe, in comments during a congressional hearing on April 10. https://kyivindependent.com/us-general-says-ukraine-will-soon-run-out-of-shells-anti-air-missiles-without-us-aid/

EU finance ministers will discuss this week a plan and an investment agenda submitted by Kyiv as it seeks to secure 50 billion euros (around $53.7 billion) from the European Union's four-year Ukraine Facility, Reuters reported on April 10, citing sources in the German Finance Ministry. https://kyivindependent.com/reuters-eu-finance-ministers-to-discuss-ukraine-reform-plans-this-week/

⚡️ China dismisses criticism over Russia ties https://kyivindependent.com/beijing-says-it-has-right-to-normal-cooperation-with-moscow/ says it has right to 'normal cooperation.'

⚡️Court in Russia rejects https://kyivindependent.com/court-in-russia-rejects-googles-appeal-over-50-million-fine-related-to-ukraine-content/ Google's appeal over $50 million fine related to Ukraine content.
A court in Moscow rejected an appeal on April 10 by Google's Alphabet to remove an almost $50 million fine imposed on the company for its failure to delete information that Russia deems to be discrediting its armed forces and promoting extremist content. [wonder if Google will pay it?]

⚡️Media: Almost 3 quarters of Germany's arms exports in 2024 intended for Ukraine. https://kyivindependent.com/media-almost-3-quarters-of-germanys-arms-exports-in-2024-intended-for-ukraine/

⚡️Media: Satellite imagery shows https://kyivindependent.com/media-satellite-imagery-shows-damage-at-aircraft-factory-in-russias-voronezh-oblast/ damage at aircraft factory in Russia's Voronezh Oblast after reported drone strike.

⚡️ Ukrainian parliament ratifies updated Canada-Ukraine free trade deal. https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-parliament-ratifies-updated-canada-ukraine-free-trade-deal/

UK government, BAE Systems sign agreements to repair equipment in Ukraine https://kyivindependent.com/uk-bae-systems/

Russia announced on April 9 that it had launched an investigation into Burisma — a Ukrainian gas company linked to U.S. President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden — for financing terrorism, ostensibly in connection with the Moscow mass shooting in March. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-announces-investigation-into-ukrainian-company-burisma-linked-to-bidens-son-for-financing-terrorism/

⚡️Spanish PM Sanchez calls https://kyivindependent.com/spanish-pm-sanchez-calls-for-increased-eu-defense-spending-in-response-to-threats-from-russia/ for increased EU defense spending in response to threats from Russia.

Update: Energy infrastructure attacked in Zaporizhzhia, Odesa oblasts. Update: Energy infrastructure attacked in Zaporizhzhia, Odesa oblasts. (kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-launch-aerial-attack-across-ukraine/)

⚡️ Centerenergo: Russian attack destroys thermal power plant https://kyivindependent.com/centerenergo-russia-strike-destroys-thermal-power-plant-in-kyiv-oblast/ in Kyiv Oblast.

⚡️UN says more than 600 Ukrainian civilians killed or injured https://kyivindependent.com/un-says-more-than-600-ukrainian-civilians-killed-or-injured-in-march-20-more-than-in-february/ in March, up 20% from February.

The German state-owned natural gas trader SEFE is considering the possibility of storing natural gas in Ukraine again, Bloomberg reported on April 10, citing comments from the company's chief commercial officer Frederic Barnaud. https://kyivindependent.com/german-state-owned-gas-company-considering-storing-natural-gas-in-ukraine-again/

⚡️ Freedom House: Ukraine on democratic path https://kyivindependent.com/freedom-house-ukraine-on-democratic-path-amid-rising-authoritarianism-in-the-region/ amid rising authoritarianism in region.
Ukraine is one of the few among the group of 29 countries evaluated by Freedom House in the Nations in Transit 2024 report that is moving successfully toward democracy amid growing anti-democratic trends.
Freedom House's latest report on the countries from Central Europe to Central Asia concluded that the democratic governance in the region has been in decline consecutively for the 20th year, with only some exceptions.

⚡️Russian ex-warlord asks https://kyivindependent.com/russian-ex-war-lord-asked-to-fight-in-ukraine/ to fight in Ukraine.
Russian nationalist Igor Girkin, who was convicted of extremism back in January, will ask to be sent to fight in Ukraine. [Responsible for downing Flight MH17 with 300 civilians; currently serving 4 years for criticising the conduct of the war]

Known poet, TV host, and military officer Dmytro Lazutkin was assigned as a spokesperson of the Defense Ministry, Lazutkin said in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda on April 10. https://kyivindependent.com/popular-poet-named-defense-ministry-spokesperson/

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦

  • APR 11, 2024
■ Fewer engagements, casualties below 7-day avg ■ New record for weekly equipment losses ■ Fewer strikes on both sides (note: today's 🇺🇦 figures corrected, presumably swapped in GSUA report) ■ Oryx: 30-day ratio rises to 2.7x
Ukraine Invasion: Part 48
DancesWithDucks · 11/04/2024 10:34

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Russia's army is now 15% bigger than when it invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, — Business Insider.
“Over the past year, Russia increased its front-line troop strength from 360,000 to 470,000,” General Christopher G. Cavoli stated.
According to him, Russia is on its way to commanding the largest military on the continent.

Ukraine now lacking air defense, Russian jets freely fly over the front line as they never have before, free to accurately hit Ukrainian positions with guided aerial bombs.

Biden may attend the upcoming conference on Ukraine in Switzerland, — NZZ.

By the end of June, Ukraine will receive a significant part of artillery shells as part of the “Czech initiative”, — ČTK news agency

🇪🇺 Eight countries from Northern Europe and the Baltics are assembling a group of experts to aid Ukraine during the negotiation phase of the EU accession process, announced Tobias Billström, head of the Swedish Foreign Ministry. "This initiative aims to streamline Ukraine's journey towards membership in the European family," he emphasized.

Russia sharply increased oil sales to foreign markets amid a reduction in refinery workloads, — Bloomberg.
Seaborne exports of Russian oil in March 2024 increased by 5 percent compared to March last year, to almost 3.8 million barrels per day. This is the highest figure since May 2023, when supplies abroad exceeded 3.9 million b/d. In January and February, the Russian Federation exported by tankers 3.5 million b/d and 3.3 million b/d, respectively.

Polish border guards thwarted a breakthrough from Belarus by more than 220 illegal immigrants.
The incident happened this morning in the area of the Polish village of Bialowieza. Migrants behaved aggressively, threw tree branches and stones, and a stick with nails was taken from one of them. After the clash, the migrants retreated into the forest.
▫️ EU countries, in particular the neighbors of Belarus, have been suffering from the attempts of illegal migrants from Africa and the Middle East to break through the borders since the summer of 2021. The countries are sure that this is a hybrid attack organized by the Lukashenka regime and overseen by the special services of Belarus.

The German government will deliver about 400 generators to Ukraine due to Russian strikes on power plants, — the German embassy in Ukraine.

The US government plans to ban American companies and citizens from using Kaspersky Lab products. Joe Biden's administration is preparing a corresponding order of the US Department of Commerce, which may be issued this month, — CNN with reference to sources.

Opinion: Congress must let Ukraine win, say Barbra Streisand, Sean Penn, Imagine Dragons, Timothy Snyder and other luminaries
In this appeal to Congress, more than 35 artists, activists, scholars and others call for funding for Ukraine. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the signatories. Read more https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/10/opinions/sean-penn-barbra-streisand-imgaine-dragons-congress-ukraine-snyder/index.html

Opinion: Barbra Streisand, Sean Penn, Imagine Dragons and dozens of other luminaries have a message for Congress | CNN

In this appeal to Congress, more than 35 luminaries – including Barbra Streisand, Sean Penn, Timothy Snyder and band Imagine Dragons – call for funding to Ukraine.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/10/opinions/sean-penn-barbra-streisand-imgaine-dragons-congress-ukraine-snyder/index.html

DancesWithDucks · 11/04/2024 10:44

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights Thread

«We have found 100 Patriot batteries, but no one wants to rent out the system. I feel like I'm banging my head against a wall», — Dmytro Kuleba said
The Washington Post quotes the Ukrainian minister.
"Who can believe that the most powerful military alliance in the world can't find seven Patriot batteries to provide them to the only country in the world that is being destroyed by ballistic attacks every day?" - Kuleba said during a recent meeting in Brussels dedicated to NATO's 75th anniversary.

⚡️The Verkhovna Rada voted in favor of the law on mobilization
The document was supported by 283 MPs.
The law envisages changes to the mobilization process, punishment for evaders, changes to basic military service, the right to deferment, new obligations for persons liable for military service, and new motivational norms.

Trypillia TPP in Kyiv Oblast was completely destroyed by a nighttime Russian strike, Centrenergo says
It's is the largest supplier of electricity to Kyiv, Cherkasy and Zhytomyr oblast and the capital of Ukraine.

A senior press officer of the Russian Ministry of Defense was killed while being illegally in Ukraine
Senior officer of the press service of the Western Military District, Yevgeny Polovodov, died in Ukraine's Serebryan'sky forest due to shelling. He was accompanying the so-called "Vesti Luhansk" film crew and died while covering some tank battalion of the Russian formations.

❓What the new law on mobilization provides for:

▫️New grounds for discharge from military service, including after captivity or in case of election as a deputy or judge

▫️The law abolishes conscription and replaces it with basic military training for five months. It will be available up to the age of 25

▫️All citizens who are registered with the military must update their information in military registration and enlistment offices within 60 days. This can be done at the military registration and enlistment offices, at the Centers for the Provision of Administrative Services, or online in a personal electronic account

▫️Consular services abroad will be limited for evaders, and they may also be deprived of the right to drive cars by a court decision

▫️An additional reward for destroyed equipment will be introduced - it may be money or additional vacation. Other bonuses include a certificate for the purchase of a car for UAH 150 thousand (~$3809) for signing a contract and compensation for 50% of the first installment of a mortgage loan

▫️A mobilized person undergoing training at the training center will be in the status of a recruit. If it turns out during the training that the mobilized person is unfit for military service and cannot complete the training, he or she may be dismissed from military service.

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