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Ukraine Invasion: Part 60

1000 replies

MagicFox · 14/01/2026 12:28

We have got to thread 60. So many thanks as always to regular contributors and to those providing updates. For the 60th time, Slava Ukraini πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦

**
Agreed thread guidance:

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

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LlttledrummergirI · 21/03/2026 21:44

Latest uk defence update.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 22/03/2026 11:21

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚑️Ukrainian delegation meets Witkoff, Kushner in Miami, plan to continue talks (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-delegations-meets-witkoff-kushner-in-miami-plan-to-continue-talks-on-march-22/) on March 22.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials held another round of peace negotiations in Miami, Florida on March 21, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced, with discussions set to continue on March 22.

⚑️After striking Iran, US eases sanctions (kyivindependent.com/us-waives-sanctions-on-iranian-oil-shipments-at-sea-for-a-month/) on Iranian oil to curb prices.
United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on March 21 that by releasing the 140 million barrels of sanctioned Iranian oil that China is hoarding at low prices, the U.S. could quickly ease temporary supply pressures in global markets.

⚑️ Trump threatens to 'obliterate (kyivindependent.com/trump-threatens-to-obliterate-iran-power-plants/)' Iran's power plants over Strait of Hormuz blockade.
The U.S. will carry out strikes against Iranian power plants unless Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz within the next 48 hours, U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 21.

⚑️Largest anti-government protest (kyivindependent.com/tens-of-thousands-gather-in-prague-in-largest-anti-government-protest-since-2019/) since 2019 draws massive crowds in Prague.
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Prague on March 21 in protest of the policies of Prime Minister Andrej Babis and his new coalition government, Czech media reported.

⚑️Fico backs Orban, considers joining (kyivindependent.com/fico-backs-orban-considers-joining-hungary-in-blocking-90-billion-eu-loan-for-ukraine/) Hungary in blocking 90 billion EU loan for Ukraine.

⚑️Ukraine launches nearly 300 drones against Russia overnight, oil depot and chemical plants (kyivindependent.com/drones-target-russias-saratov-samara-oblasts-in-overnight-attacks/) on fire.
The attacks targeted the cities of Saratov and Engels in Saratov Oblast and Tolyatti in Samara Oblast. The towns host key Russian military and industrial assets, including the Saratov oil refinery and Engels-2 military airfield.

β€˜Broke a barrier’ β€” Swarmer IPO tests Wall Street appetite for Ukrainian defense tech (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-defense-tech-finally-makes-its-way-to-u-s-markets/)
Ukrainian-American drone AI startup Swarmer made a blockbuster debut on the NASDAQ on March 17, offering a first major test of whether Wall Street is ready to buy into Ukraine’s wartime defense tech boom.
Initially priced at $5, Swarmer shares closed at $31 on March 17, a 520% first-day jump far above the norm for U.S. IPOs and one of the most dramatic market debuts in recent years.

News from occupied Ukraine: Moscow to relocate nearly 114,000 Russians to occupied territories (kyivindependent.com/news-from-occupied-ukraine-russia-detains-seniors-for-donations-to-ukraines-armed-forces-intensifies-conscription-and-plans-to-relocate-nearly-114-000-russians-in-occupied-territories/)
Russian authorities aim to relocate nearly 114,000 citizens to occupied Ukrainian territories by 2045, pro-Kremlin publication Vedomosti reported on March 17, citing government plans for the development of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts.

⚑️ Unrecognized 'Kyiv Patriarchate' elects new head (kyivindependent.com/kyiv-patriarchate-elects-archbishop-nykodym-as-new-patriarch-after-filarets-death/) after Filaret's death.
Nykodym (born Volodymyr Kobzar), who previously served as Archbishop of Sumy and Okhtyrka, was elected after the death of Patriarch Emeritus Filaret.

What Russia’s internet blackouts reveal about Putin’s endgame (kyivindependent.com/what-russias-internet-blackouts-reveal-about-putins-endgame/)
Russia has intensified internet censorship in recent weeks as the U.S.-Israeli efforts to kill top Iranian officials prompted concerns that the security of its own leaders could also be compromised.
The official reason for the ongoing internet shutdowns is Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia.
Experts, however, believe that the intensifying internet censorship is part of the Kremlin’s efforts to take full control of the online space, something the regime has been preparing for since the start of the all-out war.

⚑️ Power outage (kyivindependent.com/parts-of-kyiv-and-kyiv-oblast-face-power-outages-after-facility-damaged-by-russian-strikes/) hits parts of Kyiv after failure at Russian-damaged facility.
Parts of Kyiv's eastern bank and Kyiv Oblast were left without power on March 22 due to a failure at a facility that had previously been severely damaged by Russian attacks.

⚑️Russia kills 9 civilians (kyivindependent.com/at-least-9-killed-36-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/), including parents of two, injures 36 [from 20 - 21 March 2026].

⚑️ Russian attacks kill 6, injure 29 (kyivindependent.com/6-dead-29-injured-in-russian-attacks/) in Ukraine over past day, first responders targeted in double-tap strike.
Ukrainian defenses intercepted 127 out of the 139 drones launched by Russia overnight, according to Ukraine's Air Force.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦β€¬
β€ͺ@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
Β· 2h
⚑️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE β€” MAR 22, 2026
β–  7-day casualties reach the highest level of 2026 so far, despite a daily drop
β–  Drone losses above average; land-based losses include three air defence systems
β–  Overnight πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί attacks below average, all drones; good interception rate
β–  Seven πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ strikes reported; πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί strikes below average; 30-day strike ratio remains below 18Γ—

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 22/03/2026 12:45

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Iraq has halted oil production at fields operated by foreign companies after disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reports.
The country declared force majeure at all such fields after military activity in the region effectively blocked most oil exports. Most of Iraq’s exports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and the disruption has pushed storage capacity β€œto its limits,” the Oil Ministry said.
β€œInternational partners have been unable to provide tankers to transport the oil, which has hampered exports, despite the state-owned oil company SOMO being ready to load shipments,” the ministry said in a letter.
β€œIn light of the situation, the ministry has ordered a complete halt to production in the affected concession areas, and under the terms of the contract, this measure does not provide for any compensation,” the letter added.
Oil Minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani said production at the Basra Oil Company had been cut to 900,000 barrels per day from 3.3 million. The produced oil is being redirected to keep refineries operating.
The scale of the reduction will be reviewed depending on developments in the region, and companies have been invited to urgent negotiations on operations, costs, and staffing under force majeure conditions.
The drop in production and exports is expected to worsen Iraq’s already fragile financial situation, as the country relies on oil revenues for more than 90% of its government income.

The European Commission has urged EU member states to speed up efforts to fill gas storage, the Financial Times reports.
In a letter seen by the publication, EU Energy Commissioner Dan JΓΈrgensen called on governments to lower their storage target to 80% capacity, 10 percentage points below the bloc’s official level.
JΓΈrgensen also advised countries to begin gradually refilling reserves to avoid a β€œsummer rush” that could put additional pressure on the market.

President Zelenskyy said that Ukraine and European countries are working to seize oil from vessels of Russia’s shadow fleet.
β€œWhile the war continues, pressure on the aggressor must also continue. We are working with European countries so that their legal frameworks allow not only stopping such vessels, but also blocking them and seizing the oil,” he said in an evening address on March 21.
Zelenskyy added that despite sanctions imposed by Ukraine, United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States on a shadow fleet tanker detained by French naval forces, Russia continues to use it.

After Starlink was shut down for Russian forces, Ukraine has liberated the most territory in more than two years, the Wall Street Journal reports.
This has undermined Putin’s attempts to gain leverage in U.S.-brokered negotiations, the article notes.
β€œUkraine’s progress since Russia lost Starlink β€” SpaceX’s satellite internet service β€” underscores how important commercial satellite internet has become in modern warfare, as well as the level of control that Elon Musk can exert over the conflict,” the WSJ writes.

The FBI said that Russian hackers have compromised thousands of accounts on messaging platforms, including Signal, according to Kash Patel.
According to the agency’s director, the campaign targeted individuals β€œof high intelligence value,” including current and former U.S. officials, military personnel, politicians, and journalists. The attackers were reportedly able to access correspondence, contact lists, and send messages impersonating victims.
In May 2025, investigators from Europe and the United States reported dismantling a β€œmalicious network” linked to Russian hackers. Arrest warrants were issued for 20 suspects, most of whom are believed to be in Russia.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the First Lady attended the farewell ceremony for Filaret.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 22/03/2026 12:48

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Russian forces have increased pressure along multiple sections of the front line, with daily combat engagements exceeding 200 (www.kyivpost.com/post/72350) and Ukrainian troops inflicting heavy losses on the enemy β€” Ukraine’s commander-in-chief Syrsky

Russia has increased its oil sales in recent days due to the easing of sanctions, in order to finance its war against Ukraine, Zelensky said.

Ukrainians began receiving compensation (www.kyivpost.com/post/72320) for high fuel costs.
In a country at war, the state will partially reimburse drivers who refuel with traditional fuel types, helping offset a sharp rise in prices.

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 22/03/2026 12:53

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

According to The Washington Post, Hungary’s Foreign Minister PΓ©ter SzijjΓ‘rtΓ³ regularly called his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov during breaks in EU Council meetings to brief him on the course of discussions.
Opposition leader PΓ©ter Magyar, head of the Tisza party, reacted to the report by calling SzijjΓ‘rtΓ³ β€œa traitor to Hungary.”

Over the past week, Russia has launched nearly 1,550 attack drones, more than 1,260 guided aerial bombs (KABs), and two missiles at Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Washington Post: Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) allegedly proposed staging an assassination attempt on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor OrbΓ‘n to boost his chances in the April parliamentary elections.
According to a report prepared for the SVR’s main political influence operations unit, such an incident would shift the campaign from rational socio-economic issues to an emotional sphere focused on state security, stability, and the protection of the political system.
There have been no actual physical attacks on OrbΓ‘n so far. However, the reported plan highlights how high the stakes are for Russia in Hungary’s elections, the publication notes.

β€œIs this what you want for Poland?” The government criticized President Karol Nawrocki over a possible visit to Budapest to support Viktor OrbΓ‘n.
The potential trip was first reported by Hungarian journalist Szabolcs Panyi. Polish Foreign Minister RadosΕ‚aw Sikorski commented:
β€œPresident Nawrocki will be in Budapest on Monday to support Viktor OrbΓ‘n’s election campaign β€” the same OrbΓ‘n who is blocking the 20th sanctions package against Russia and the return of 2 billion zlotys for equipment the Polish army transferred to Ukraine… In the company of such Putin β€˜fans’ as Matteo Salvini and Marine Le Pen.
Mr. President, consider why OrbΓ‘n’s nationalism and corruption have led Hungary to become the poorest country in the European Union. Is this what you want for Poland?”

Ukraine’s General Staff has confirmed a strike on the Saratov oil refinery.
The facility is part of Rosneft and produces more than 20 types of products, including gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil, vacuum gas oil, and technical sulfur.
According to preliminary information, a secondary oil processing unit and a vertical storage tank (RVS-10000) were damaged.

A fire has broken out in the area of a local oil refinery in Ufa, Russia.
Local residents report multiple bursts of automatic gunfire and explosions in the industrial zone.
The facility is located about 1,400 km from Ukraine. It was previously targeted by Ukrainian drones in 2025.

❗️According to Russia’s Ministry of Defense, 283 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones were allegedly destroyed over Russian territory overnight on March 21.
The drones were reportedly intercepted over the Bryansk, Smolensk, Kaluga, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, Volgograd, Tula, Ryazan, Kursk, Saratov, and Samara regions, as well as over Tatarstan, the Moscow region, and occupied Crimea.

πŸ‡²πŸ‡© Moldova’s parliament has approved, in the first reading, a bill to withdraw from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Moldpres reports.
The initiative was put forward by the country’s Foreign Ministry, citing Russia’s violation of CIS principles on respect for territorial integrity in Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova.
After completing its withdrawal, Moldova is expected to save around $180,000 annually in membership contributions. At the same time, the country plans to maintain cooperation with CIS states on a bilateral basis.
Over the past two years, Moldova has already terminated 71 out of 283 agreements within the CIS framework, with another 60 currently under review. The final decision on withdrawal will be made by parliament in a second reading.
β–ͺ️The CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) is a regional international organization established in December 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union to regulate relations among former Soviet republics.

blueshoes · 22/03/2026 17:21

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-20-2026/

Key Takeaways

  1. Russian forces are increasingly conducting mechanized assaults on the frontline, possibly as part of intensified preparation for their Spring-Summer 2026 offensive.
  2. Ukraine remains committed to holding safe, free, and fair elections, but the Kremlin is refusing to commit to the ceasefire necessary to hold such elections.
  3. The Kremlin is trying to use its intelligence sharing with Iran as a bargaining chip to benefit its war against Ukraine.
  4. French and British authorities seized a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea on March 20.
  5. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko highlighted Belarus’ cooperation with Russia and Iran while discussing possible economic deals with the United States.
  6. The Russian Central Bank lowered its key interest rate from 15.5 percent to 15 percent on March 20 – the seventh time the Russian Central Bank has cut its rates since June 2025.
  7. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Slovyansk and Hulyaipole and in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area.
  8. Russian forces launched 156 drones against Ukraine, including against Kharkiv City and Mykolaiv, Poltava, and Chernihiv oblasts.
blueshoes · 22/03/2026 17:23

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-21-2026/

Key Takeaways

  1. Russian forces have likely begun their anticipated Spring-Summer 2026 offensive against the Ukrainian Fortress Belt, Ukraine’s main defensive line in Donetsk Oblast.
  2. Russian forces are also setting conditions to begin intensified ground operations in the Kramatorsk and Kostyantynivka directions to develop the offensive against the Fortress Belt from the south.
  3. Russian forces are unlikely to seize the Fortress Belt in 2026 but will likely make some tactical gains at a significant cost.
  4. US and Ukrainian delegations held a bilateral meeting in Miami, Florida, on March 21.
  5. Ukrainian forces downed another Russian military helicopter on March 21, marking the second time that Ukrainian forces have downed a helicopter in two days.
  6. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk and Pokrovsk and in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area. Russian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk.
  7. Ukrainian forces struck oil infrastructure and chemical plants in Russia. Russian forces launched 154 drones against Ukraine.
blueshoes · 22/03/2026 18:07

Many thanks @LlttledrummergirI and @DesdamonasHandkerchief for covering UK Ministry of Defence Ukraine updates these last 3 weeks. I am back in business and will take over from here on πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 23/03/2026 12:14

Surprise, Orban's sidekick was feeding EU information to Lavrov all along.

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 23/03/2026 12:45

Live:Ukraine

⚑️ Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces have once again destroyed several Russian air defense assets.

Today in Russia’s Bryansk region, a Buk-M3 air defense system along with its crew was hit, as well as a Buk-M2 launcher-loader vehicle. In the temporarily occupied part of Donetsk region, a radar from an S-400 β€œTriumf” system was also struck.

In total, Ukrainian forces have destroyed 26 elements of Russia’s air defense systems in March.

⚑️ In the first 2.5 months of 2026, Russia has attacked the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk more frequently than during the entire year of 2025.

Last year saw around 150 recorded attacks, while since the beginning of this year there have already been more than 180.

At the same time, Ukraine’s Ministry for Development says port defenses are being actively strengthened, and the effectiveness of intercepting enemy targets has increased by 25–35%.

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡Ώ πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦A fire broke out on Friday at a facility of defense company LPP Holding in Pardubice, Czechia.

A warehouse was destroyed, and the fire also spread to a nearby administrative building. Responsibility for the arson was claimed by the anti-Israeli group The Earthquake Faction. They said the targeted site was a joint project between LPP Holding and Israel’s Elbit Systems, the country’s largest private defense company.

However, a Czech company representative stated that although LPP had announced plans several years ago to produce drones with Israeli partners, that cooperation never materialized β€” and no Elbit-related projects exist in Pardubice.

Meanwhile, Oleksandr Yaremenko, head of the Ukrainian company Archer, said the burned facility is part of a joint Ukrainian-Czech venture, Archer-LPP. The site produces high-tech optics, including thermal imagers and night vision devices, supplied to Ukrainian forces.

According to Yaremenko, despite the fire, the company will fulfill its deliveries on time.

⚑️During a meeting with Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov, President Zelensky approved a series of new operations against Russia.

β€œAs a result, the only tangible outcome for the Russian army has been an increase in their losses: in just the past seven days, more than 8,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or severely wounded,” Zelensky stated.

⚑️ Finnish President Stubb stated that over the past year he has become more pessimistic about the prospects of achieving peace in Ukraine.

He added that Ukraine is currently in a much stronger position on the battlefield than a year ago, noting that Ukrainian forces are once again pushing back Russian troops and reclaiming territory.

⚑️There are indications that further exchanges may take place, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, commenting on the outcome of talks between the Ukrainian delegation and representatives of Trump in the United States.
[Seems like prisoner exchanges are the only thing that comes out of these β€˜peace talks’]

⚑️ Drones attacked Primorsk in Russia’s Leningrad region overnight.

The Port of Primorsk is the country’s largest oil export terminal on the Baltic Sea. The local governor confirmed that a fuel storage tank caught fire at the facility.

⚑️ Overnight, Ukrainian air defenses neutralized 234 out of 251 Russian drones.

The Air Force recorded 17 strike UAV hits across 11 locations, as well as falling debris at eight sites.

β–ͺ️In Kryvyi Rih, two people were injured in a strike, and a fire broke out.

β–ͺ️In Znamianka, Kirovohrad region, a woman and a man were injured. In Oleksandriia, private homes were damaged.

β–ͺ️Residential buildings in the suburbs of Odesa and a warehouse on port territory also came under attack.

⚑️ The EU is excluding Hungary from sensitive negotiations over concerns about potential information leaks to Russia, Politico reports.

Confidential materials are being restricted for the country, and leaders are holding meetings in smaller groups.

β€œThe news that OrbΓ‘n’s people are providing Moscow with detailed briefings on EU Council meetings should not surprise anyone. We have long suspected this. That is why I only speak when absolutely necessary and say exactly as much as needed,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X on Sunday.

On Saturday, The Washington Post reported that Foreign Minister PΓ©ter SzijjΓ‘rtΓ³ used breaks during meetings with other countries to update his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

At the same time, any EU action could be used by OrbΓ‘n in his election campaign, so a formal and sharp response is unlikely before April 12.

⚑️ U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that easing sanctions on Russian oil would bring Moscow about $2 billion in additional revenue, which he described as β€œinsignificant.”

β€œThe key question is: what’s better? Does Russia make more money if oil is at $150 and they receive 70% of that β€” $105 β€” or if oil stays below $100? In that case, they earn less. Our analysis shows that the maximum additional amount Russia could receive is about $2 billion, which is roughly equivalent to one day of the Russian federal budget,” he said.

⚑️Last year, Russia stole 2 million tons of Ukrainian grain, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga reported.

Russia sold it to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and even Europe, with about 40% going to Egypt.

Sybiga also stated that in recent months, Russia has attacked the infrastructure of the Odesa port more than in all previous years combined.

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 23/03/2026 12:51

United 24 Media:

πŸ”· A delegation of NATO military command led by Pierre Vandier arrived in Ukraine, said Deputy Head of the President’s Office Pavlo Palisa.

β€œWe had a substantive discussion about involving Ukrainian forces in future NATO exercises as a hypothetical adversary (Red Team). Last year’s experience showed allies the latest methods of warfare β€” in training scenarios, Ukrainian units demonstrated a significant advantage.

We also discussed the future of JATEC (Joint NATO–Ukraine Center). We are entering the final stage of deploying Ukrainian control systems, developing analytical capabilities, and expanding training programs.

Today, Ukraine is not only a consumer of security β€” it is also a producer.

I thank Admiral Pierre Vandier and the entire delegation for the visit, openness, and readiness for practical cooperation,” Palisa said.

πŸ”Ά India may abandon the Russian Su-57, Defense Express reports.

New Delhi is considering joining European projects such as Tempest or FCAS. The decision is based on its 2018 experience, when India withdrew from a joint program with Russia due to the aircraft not meeting requirements.

India is currently focusing on its own AMCA project and the purchase of French Rafale jets. Investments in a sixth-generation program could reach €12.5–16.5 billion, making the Su-57 economically and technologically less viable.

According to experts, such a move could significantly weaken Russia’s position in the global arms market.

πŸ”· β€œDuring the meetings, we focused on reliable security guarantees and the humanitarian track, in particular the exchange and return of our citizens. We have made progress in aligning positions and further narrowing the range of unresolved issues,” said Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov following the latest round of negotiations with the American side in Florida.

For his part, U.S. Presidential Special Representative Steve Witkoff said:

β€œThe constructive talks built on yesterday’s progress and focused on key points for establishing a strong and reliable security system for Ukraine, as well as on critically important humanitarian efforts in the region.”

πŸ”Ά President Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian units have already achieved concrete results in protecting Persian Gulf countries from Iranian attacks, and that Russia is irritated by the global demand for Ukrainian expertise.

He noted that β€œUkraine’s experience in air defense is among the strongest in the world and is something that will ensure Ukraine remains one of the key contributors to global security after the war β€” among those the world will rely on to maintain security.”

πŸ”· Russian disinformation networks are using advanced AI and deepfakes to impersonate Hollywood celebrities and undermine international support for Ukraine. According to Center for Countering Disinformation, dozens of AI-generated videos have appeared online this year. The accounts that posted them are either bots or abandoned pages of real people.

πŸ”Ά Ukraine’s Defense Ministry intelligence (HUR) confirmed that the UAV wreckage found on Independence Square after the March 16 attack on Kyiv was a Lancet.

β€œThe remains of the UAV were identified as a Lancet, which may indicate that the enemy has modernized this weapon. Previously, its main purpose was to destroy vehicles, equipment, and firing positions at tactical and operational depth.

In the Lancet, the enemy is trying to implement elements of autonomous guidance using artificial intelligence modules, including solutions based on Nvidia Jetson. Similar technologies were previously detected in other enemy UAVs β€” V2U,” the intelligence service said.

Russia receives most of the components used to produce Lancets from abroad, primarily from the United States, as well as from Switzerland and China.

β€œDespite sanctions, Russia retains access to critical technologies and continues to improve its weapons. Even technological products such as modules for AI-based solutions remain available to it,” the intelligence officers concluded.

πŸ”· Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed the current situation in the Middle East with United States President Donald Trump this evening, including the need to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the British government said.

The leaders agreed that restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is critical to ensuring stability in the global energy market and agreed to remain in contact.

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 23/03/2026 12:58

Kyiv Independent:

⚑️Russia's internet blackouts spread to St. Petersburg, residents say.

The reports come a week after widespread restrictions to mobile internet in Moscow on March 13, as the Kremlin enforced a new "whitelist" system that only permits access to pro-government social media, outlets, and official state websites.

⚑️Russia resumes rocket launches from Baikonur Cosmodrome after liftoff site damaged in accident.

Russia launched a rocket from Site 31 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome for the first time since the launch pad was damaged in an accident in November 2025, the Russian space agency Roscosmos reported on March 22.

⚑️US, Ukraine delegations meet in Miami for second day of peace talks.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials met in Miami, Florida, on March 22 for a second day of talks aimed at brokering a peace deal with Moscow to end its four-year war.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address that he had received a report on the discussions, but that details of the talks could not be safely discussed over the phone. A full briefing will follow the delegates' return to Ukraine, he said.

"There are signals that a continuation of (prisoner) exchanges is possible, and this would be really very good news and confirmation that diplomacy is working. We hope that this will happen," he said.

⚑️Russia attempting new offensives as weather warms, Zelensky says.

"The only tangible outcome for the Russian army has been an increase in their losses...In just these seven days, there have already been more than 8,000 killed and seriously wounded Russian soldiers."

⚑️Ukrainian drones killing Russian troops faster than Moscow can replace them, drone commander says.

"We need to keep milking this cow, the Russian army, for everything it’s worth, exhausting it beyond its maximum capacity,” Robert "Madyar" Brovdi told the Economist.

⚑️ Police officers injured in terrorist attack near Kyiv, authorities say.

Two law enforcement officers were reported injured in explosions at a residential building in Bucha early on March 23, which police have described as a "terrorist attack."

⚑️ Ukraine’s deep strikes make Russians feel the war

Ukraine has increasingly pursued a strategy of β€œbringing the war back to Russia” β€” aiming to erode the perception that the full-scale invasion is distant and cost-free for Russian society.

An internal analysis by the Ukrainian NGO Join Ukraine, shared with the Kyiv Independent, suggests that strategy is beginning to reshape how the war is felt across Russia.

The organization monitors social media discourse and public reactions across Russian regions and occupied territories, and found that Russians are increasingly confronting the war through casualties, drone attacks, internet blackouts, and economic disruption.

⚑️Russian attacks kill 7, injure 17 in Ukraine over past day.

Ukrainian defenses intercepted 234 out of the 251 drones launched by Russia overnight, according to Ukraine's Air Force.

⚑️ Update: Ukraine detains suspect in alleged Russian-backed terrorist attack in Bucha.

The suspect, a 21-year-old local resident recruited by Russian intelligence, was detained "within a few hours" after remotely detonating two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Kyiv Oblast town, the SBU said.

⚑️ US eyes Trump-Lukashenko White House meeting amid thaw in ties, envoy says.

Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko earlier said that the U.S. had proposed a "big deal" to Belarus.

⚑️ These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of March 23, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
DesdamonasHandkerchief · 23/03/2026 13:04

Kyiv Post:

⚑️ Russian intelligence proposed a fake assassination attempt on OrbÑn, the incumbent Hungarian prime minister, to rescue his dwindling support ahead of a pivotal general election next month.

⚑️ Ukrainian and US delegations held a second day of high-stakes talks in Florida, Zelensky said.

The meetings aim to find a path to end the war, but Russian representatives were notably absent, despite earlier plans for talks in Abu Dhabi with Moscow’s participation.

⚑️ NATO chief Rutte says the US remains central to Ukraine’s defence, supplying vital intel and weapons alongside European allies.

He added Trump is juggling competing interests as he pushes to end the war β€” despite fears oil policy could benefit Russia.

⚑️ Ukraine’s intelligence says Russian attack drones contain Western-made components and AI β€” warning sanctions loopholes are helping fuel Moscow’s evolving war machine.

⚑️ Trump has put planned US strikes on Iran’s power infrastructure on hold after weekend talks, in a sharp shift from his earlier warning to β€œobliterate” the country’s grid if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened within 48 hours.

DuncinToffee · 23/03/2026 18:53

https://bsky.app/profile/nvondarza.bsky.social/post/3mhqlkor34s2h

Le Pen arriving in Budapest, Trump endorsing OrbΓ‘n, Vance on his way, Netanyahu also calling for a pro-OrbΓ‘n vote.

I have never seen the European and wider (ironically) global far-right publicly uniting to swing behind a candidate in a national election in Europe so far:

Nicolai von Ondarza (@nvondarza.bsky.social)

Le Pen arriving in Budapest, Trump endorsing OrbΓ‘n, Vance on his way, Netanyahu also calling for a pro-OrbΓ‘n vote. I have never seen the European and wider (ironically) global far-right publicly uniting to swing behind a candidate in a national elect...

https://bsky.app/profile/nvondarza.bsky.social/post/3mhqlkor34s2h

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 23/03/2026 19:06

I do wonder exactly how β€˜free and fair’ the Hungarian election is going to be.
It beggars belief that so many nations are trying to keep a corrupt, anti EU pro russia oligarch in power.
Given Orban is behind in the polls I’d be very sceptical of a sudden swing in his favour.

blueshoes · 23/03/2026 23:47

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-22-2026/

ey Takeaways

  1. A senior Ukrainian military official forecasted that Russia will begin using mobilized personnel on the battlefield in Ukraine on April 1.
  2. Ukrainian counterattacks in southern Ukraine continue to create operational and strategic effects against Russian forces going into the Spring-Summer 2026 offensive.
  3. Likely Belarusian balloons recently landed in Poland, possibly as part of Russia’s ongoing use of Belarus in its β€œPhase Zero” effort, setting conditions for a potential future war with NATO.
  4. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area.
  5. Ukrainian forces struck military assets and oil infrastructure in Russia. Russian forces launched 139 drones against Ukraine.
PerkingFaintly · 24/03/2026 00:10

Russian intelligence proposed a fake assassination attempt on OrbΓ‘n, the incumbent Hungarian prime minister, to rescue his dwindling support ahead of a pivotal general election next month.

Makes you wonder how often they've tried this before.

Moscow Proposed a β€œGame-changer” Ploy to Secure OrbΓ‘n’s Reelection.

Russian intelligence suggested staging an assassination attempt on OrbΓ‘n to influence the election.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/72377

blueshoes · 24/03/2026 02:14

@PerkingFaintly indeed, now that we know this tactic is out of the Russian playbook Hmm

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-23-2026/

Key Takeaways

  1. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russian forces intensified ground attacks across the theater in the last week, which is β€” consistent with ISW’s assessment that Russian forces have launched their Spring-Summer 2026 offensive.
  2. The Kremlin continues to attempt to disguise and dismiss the economic impacts of its costly war in Ukraine while trying to take advantage of the current high energy prices.
  3. The ongoing war in the Middle East is likely exacerbating Russia’s ability to resolve its liquidity problems related to its unsustainable wartime spending.
  4. Russia is turning to private military companies (PMCs) to defend Russian critical infrastructure against Ukrainian drone strikes.
  5. US and Ukrainian delegations held another round of bilateral meetings in Miami, Florida, on March 22.
  6. Russia continues to take steps to expand its permanent military basing in Belarus, particularly to increase Russia’s long-range drone strikes against Ukraine.
  7. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Slovyansk direction.
  8. Ukrainian forces struck military assets and oil infrastructure in Russia. Russian forces launched 251 drones against Ukraine.
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 24/03/2026 11:35

Yes, strange isn't it.

I sometimes wonder about the guy who -was- shot and killed in the assassination attempt on Trump. Everyone has forgotten him.

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 24/03/2026 11:40

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚑️Russia ramps up (kyivindependent.com/russia-intensifies-assaults-near-pokrovsk-oleksandrivka-with-619-attacks-in-four-days-syrskyi-says/) offensive across multiple frontline sectors in Ukraine, exceeding 600 assaults in 4 days, Syrskyi says.
Russian forces launched an offensive involving "tens of thousands of soldiers" and, after four days of fighting, lost 6,090 troops killed or wounded, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said.

⚑️ Trump postpones strikes (kyivindependent.com/trump-postpones-strikes-on-iranian-power-plants-claims-progress-in-talks/) on Iran's energy sites, claims progress in talks.
The U.S. is holding off attacks against Iranian energy facilities for five days following "productive" talks with Iran on ending hostilities in the Middle East, Trump said.

⚑️Ukraine has 'irrefutable evidence' (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-has-irrefutable-evidence-of-russia-providing-intelligence-to-iran-zelensky-says/) of Russia providing intelligence to Iran, Zelensky says.
"Russia is utilizing its own capabilities in radio-technical and electronic intelligence, as well as some intelligence shared by partners in the Middle East," Volodymyr Zelensky said.

⚑️ US eyes Trump-Lukashenko White House meeting (kyivindependent.com/us-eyes-trump-lukashenko-white-house-meeting-amid-thaw-in-ties/) amid thaw in ties, envoy says.
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko earlier said that the U.S. had proposed a "big deal" to Belarus.

Ukraine hits another roadblock in its fight to reform the courts (kyivindependent.com/entrenched-interests-thwart-ukraines-latest-judicial-overhaul-undermine-eu-accession/)
A handful of controversial judges have been dismissed, and some changes have been enacted. But beneath the surface, a powerful clique is digging in its heels, making sure attempts at changing the system are stalled.
The latest reform cycle began in 2022, when the judiciary’s two highest bodies β€” the High Council of Justice and the High Qualification Commission β€” were re-launched. Out of the judges recommended for dismissal since 2022, only 25% have been actually fired.

⚑️ Ukraine names Hungarian officer (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-names-hungarian-officer-allegedly-behind-spy-network-busted-in-2025/) allegedly behind spy network busted in 2025.
Zoltan Andre, a staff member of Hungary's military intelligence, ran the network tasked with collecting information on military infrastructure and the political climate in Ukraine's Zakarpattia Oblast, the SBU said.

⚑️ Update: Ukraine detains suspect (kyivindependent.com/police-officers-injured-in-bucha-terrorist-attack-authorities-say/) in alleged Russian-backed terrorist attack in Bucha.
The suspect, a 21-year-old local resident recruited by Russian intelligence, was detained "within a few hours" after remotely detonating two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Kyiv Oblast town, the SBU said.

⚑️Exclusive: Ukrainian defense tech firm lands (kyivindependent.com/exclusive-ukrainian-defense-tech-firm-lands-first-us-ukraine-minerals-fund-deal/) first US-Ukraine minerals fund deal
The first of three investments planned this year by the fund β€” officially known as the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund β€” will go to Sine Engineering, a Ukrainian dual-use military technology company, two people familiar with the deal told the Kyiv Independent.

Ukrainian-born OnlyFans owner dies at 43 (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-born-onlyfans-owner-dies-at-43/)
Ukrainian-born OnlyFans owner Leonid Radvinsky has died aged 43 after a long battle with cancer, the company said on March 23.

⚑️Update: Russian missiles, drones strike apartment buildings (kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-in-multiple-ukrainian-cities-amid-russian-missile-drone-attack/) in multiple Ukrainian cities, injuring at least 3.
Several residential buildings have been damaged in Zaporizhzia and Poltava amid a combined Russian missile and drone attack on Ukrainian cities overnight on March 24.

⚑️Update: 3 killed (kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-in-multiple-ukrainian-cities-amid-russian-missile-drone-attack/), 14 injured in Russian missile, drone attack on Ukrainian cities.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦β€¬ β€ͺ@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
Β· 3h
⚑️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE β€” MAR 24, 2026
β–  Engagements and casualties below average; no territorial change; net 30-day πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ gains at 123 kmΒ²
β–  Fewer drones shot down; land-based losses slightly above average, including five tanks
β–  Major attack wave including 392 strike drones (94% intercepted); 25 of 34 missiles intercepted (74%)
β–  8 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ strikes reported; πŸ‡·πŸ‡Ί drone launches above average; 30-day strike ratio <18Γ—

Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 24/03/2026 11:46

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

A unknown alleged drone entered Lithuanian airspace and crashed into an ice-covered lake about 20 km from the Belarusian border, army spokesman Gintautas Ciunis said.
He noted that debris found around a hole in the ice likely belonged to the drone.

Germany will finance the production of 15,000 Ukrainian STRILA interceptor drones for units of the National Guard of Ukraine, the German Embassy in Ukraine reported.
The STRILA interceptor drone is specifically designed to destroy fast and maneuvering aerial targets.

πŸ‡²πŸ‡© Moldovan President Maia Sandu announced that her country has expressed readiness to join the β€œCoalition of the Willing.”

🚒 A Russian β€œshadow fleet” tanker intercepted by France has arrived in Marseille.

The occupiers have β€œsentenced” three children from temporarily occupied Melitopol to 7–8 years in prison. Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets has sent letters to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the President of the ICRC, and the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights.

Ukraine’s defense potential is drawing interest not only from Gulf countries, said Andrii Sybiha.
Countries around the world are watching developments in the Middle East and seeing how economically efficient and technologically advanced Ukrainian capabilities are, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister stated.
He added that Ukraine is interested in developing mutually beneficial partnerships not only in Europe, North America, and the Gulf countries, but also in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other regions.

πŸ‡±πŸ‡ΉπŸŽΈ Lithuania has canceled concerts by former Modern Talking member Dieter Bohlen over his calls for β€œfriendship” with Russia.
His band Blue System was scheduled to perform in November, but organizers have removed posters and stopped selling tickets.

πŸ‡²πŸ‡©β—οΈ Moldova has urged citizens to reduce electricity consumption as much as possible following a Russian attack on Ukraine’s power grid.
Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu announced the shutdown of the Isaccea–VulcΔƒneΘ™ti cross-border power line, which supplies about 50% of the country’s electricity needs.
During the massive strike, Russian forces targeted this line on Ukrainian territory. The Isaccea–VulcΔƒneΘ™ti line is the main route for importing electricity from Romania to Moldova. Officials in ChiΘ™inΔƒu described the situation as β€œvery difficult.”

Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 24/03/2026 11:51

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Russia’s long-awaited spring offensive in eastern Ukraine is making little to NO progress, (www.kyivpost.com/post/72443) with Ukrainian sources reporting heavy losses and minimal gains.
Officials describe repeated β€œmeat assaults” by Russian armor and infantry running into drone swarms, while the Kremlin is so far zip-lip.

Ukraine is preparing to fight for β€œanother three years” as Kyiv’s parliament drafts a plan in case the war lasts that long, Ukrainska Pravda reports, citing sources.
A senior official from President Zelensky’s Servant of the People party said, β€œWe understand that trilateral negotiations will most likely be put on hold, as none of the sides are ready to make concessions.”

European officials are meeting in smaller groups (www.kyivpost.com/post/72452) and restricting sensitive discussions amid fears that Budapest may be passing information to Moscow.

Hungarian election challenger PΓ©ter Magyar has called for an investigation after reports that Hungarian officials shared confidential EU information with Russia, (www.kyivpost.com/post/72460) raising concern in Brussels and prompting denials from Viktor OrbΓ‘n’s government.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un invited Belarusian dictator and self-proclaimed president (www.kyivpost.com/post/72476) Lukashenko for a two-day official visit β€œto strengthen bilateral cooperation.”

NATO chief Rutte says the US remains central to Ukraine’s defence, (www.kyivpost.com/post/72422) supplying vital intel and weapons alongside European allies.
He added Trump is juggling competing interests as he pushes to end the war β€” despite fears oil policy could benefit Russia.

Russia plans to deploy four ground control stations for long-range drones in Belarus and Ukraine’s occupied territories, Zelensky said after a briefing by Ukraine’s military intelligence chief.
He added that Kyiv has clear evidence Russia continues to provide intelligence to the Iranian regime.

Kyiv hit multiple Russian air defence systems, (www.kyivpost.com/post/72438) radar sites and logistics depots overnight into Monday.
Targets included a Tor system, a radar station and several fuel and ammo depots across occupied territories and inside Russia.

Russia pushes new β€˜Max’ messaging app without encryption (www.kyivpost.com/post/72439.) as WhatsApp and Telegram face restrictions
Critics warn the rollout could expand state surveillance and further isolate citizens by tightening control over online communication.

Putin’s troops kill each other in frontline chaos, (www.kyivpost.com/post/72450) confirmed by an intercepted call published by Ukraine’s intelligence, in which a Russian soldier admits he shot a comrade in panic: β€œI had to take him out β€” turned out it was one of ours.”

Trump approved a military operation targeting Iran’s leadership after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu urged a strike on (www.kyivpost.com/post/72489) Supreme Leader Khamenei.
Fresh intelligence about a high-level meeting in Tehran helped determine the timing of the US-Israeli operation targeting the regime’s top figures.

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 24/03/2026 11:54

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

πŸ‡­πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ͺπŸ‡ΊHungary has accused the EU of wiretapping Foreign Minister PΓ©ter SzijjΓ‘rtΓ³ after earlier reports suggested he had been briefing Russia on EU meetings.
On the morning of March 23, pro-government Hungarian outlet Mandiner reported that a local opposition journalist had allegedly passed SzijjΓ‘rtó’s phone number to the intelligence service of a European country so it could monitor him. The same journalist was described as a friend of politician Anita OrbΓ‘n, who could become Hungary’s foreign minister if the opposition Tisza party wins.

⚑️Ukraine is preparing a mechanism to restrict military personnel’s access to gambling during martial law.
According to the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the system will work as follows: when logging into a gambling platform, users will be checked against a registry of individuals restricted from gambling as well as a registry of military personnel. If a restriction is confirmed, access to the platform will be blocked.
At the same time, gambling operators will not see whether a user is a member of the military. The system will only transmit the fact of the restriction β€” without disclosing any personal data or explanations.

πŸ‡­πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡·πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ‡°Opposition Hungarian journalist Szabolcs Panyi published a transcript of a 2020 conversation between Hungarian Foreign Minister PΓ©ter SzijjΓ‘rtΓ³ and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in which the Hungarian minister asked Russia to support the victory of Slovakia’s Social Democrats, led at the time by Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini, in the elections.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
AskingQuestionsAllTheTime · 24/03/2026 13:06

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 24/03/2026 11:35

Yes, strange isn't it.

I sometimes wonder about the guy who -was- shot and killed in the assassination attempt on Trump. Everyone has forgotten him.

I think "assassination attempt" belongs in inverted commas, really.

"A unknown alleged drone entered Lithuanian airspace and crashed into an ice-covered lake about 20 km from the Belarusian border, army spokesman Gintautas Ciunis said.
He noted that debris found around a hole in the ice likely belonged to the drone."

I would not want to be the person venturing onto possibly unstable ice to locate and sort that debris.

DdraigGoch · 25/03/2026 01:42

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 24/03/2026 11:35

Yes, strange isn't it.

I sometimes wonder about the guy who -was- shot and killed in the assassination attempt on Trump. Everyone has forgotten him.

The assassination attempt where Trump was bleeding from the ear, yet there's no scarring at all despite ears being cartilage? That doesn't sound iffy at all...

For thst matter, why did the Secret Service allow him to stand up and punch the air?

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