We are doing everything to provide our warriors with more opportunities, more weapons; and we will ensure this – address by the President of Ukraine

28 March 2024 – 20:49

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

The key points for today.

I introduced the new Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine to the FIS staff – it is a combat general, Oleh Ivashchenko. He is an experienced and strong person. The analytical potential of our intelligence is quite high, and now we have to enhance its operational capabilities. More information and opportunities for influence are needed.

Russia spends billions and billions of dollars each year on influence operations in other countries. They spread chaos, undermine the work of established institutions, fund disinformation, and bribe civil and political leaders. This concerns different regions of the planet – sensitive regions. Africa, various parts of Asia, and Europe, which is particularly vulnerable to destabilization provoked and fueled by Putin’s system. Both North and Latin America are also targets of Russian intelligence and disruptive activities. In many ways, this influence works against our country and our defense.

Obviously, we cannot match Russia’s resources, including financial ones. But Ukrainians are capable of defeating Russia with their courage, determination, and ideas. The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine should considerably increase its activities in fulfilling the institutional tasks. On the other hand, the robust work of such an organization cannot be cheap. And this is now the task for the government as a whole and the Ministry of Finance: we need to seek and find a financial basis for the work of our intelligence – to expand funding for specific projects, for specific goals, and for the development of the foreign intelligence system in general.

The second point for today.

There was a lot of international communication. We spoke with Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. We discussed what is crucial now for the protection of life and international security. I informed him of the situation at the front, of the continued Russian attacks on our cities – their terror is only getting worse and can only be stopped by the physical force of our defense. Ukraine is grateful for the support of the United States and every American who shares our belief that freedom must never lose. And it is very important that the Congress maintains its leadership so that the defense of freedom remains a unifying idea both within countries and for the global majority. Right now, it depends on our determination, our joint actions, what the world of our children will be.

Today, we discussed exactly the same things with the President of the French National Assembly, who is on a visit to Ukraine, and I am grateful for her attention to our country and to the way Ukrainians endure this time and this battle. We discussed the prospects of how we can speed up a just end to this war and the expulsion of the Russian occupiers. I thanked the French parliament for its endorsement of the security agreement concluded with President Macron. Of course, we also discussed Emmanuel’s recent security proposals. Anything that enhances protection against Russian aggression and limits Russia’s war potential truly contributes to peace in Europe. I am grateful to all our partners who understand this and help Ukraine.

And today I met with a delegation of MEPs from the Renew Europe group. This is an important European political group. Elections to the European Parliament are coming up, and all of us in Ukraine should get used to the fact that this process is important for Ukraine as well. Of course, we talked about support, about the current threats, and about what we can achieve together in Europe by defending our countries, but also common values, and therefore the security of all Europeans.

And one more thing.

Today, Defense Minister Umerov made a report on the defense packages that we are getting and that we are working on with our partners. We are doing everything to provide our warriors with more opportunities, more weapons. And we will ensure this.

Thank you to everyone who helps! Glory to everyone who defends Ukraine and destroys the occupier.

Glory to Ukraine!

Zelensky says he spoke with House Speaker Johnson and urged him to quickly pass Ukraine military aid bill.

“We recognize that there are differing views in the House of Representatives on how to proceed, but the key is to keep the issue of aid to Ukraine as a unifying factor.” https://t.co/COWyDmQKXh

— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) March 28, 2024

"We need help now": President Zelenskyy says a major Russian offensive is expected in late May or June.

In an interview with CBS News, the President shared that the AFU managed to contain the Russians during the winter months and "stabilize the situation." However, Ukraine is… pic.twitter.com/diTKRcqQp9

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) March 28, 2024

“We need help now”: President Zelenskyy says a major Russian offensive is expected in late May or June.

In an interview with CBS News, the President shared that the AFU managed to contain the Russians during the winter months and “stabilize the situation.” However, Ukraine is not ready to defend against another major offensive.

The president met with journalists in Sumy region, whose border areas suffer from Russian shellings.

“Usually, when they attack with artillery and destroy villages, after that, they always try to occupy them. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow. That’s why we have to prepare,” Zelenskyy said.

The president said that if Ukraine does not stand, Kazakhstan will be next, then the Baltic states, Poland, and Germany – “at least half of Germany.” Therefore, Zelenskyy called on Western partners to provide Ukraine with more Patriot missile systems and artillery.

“Let’s be honest, the money that Congress appropriates, the administration, in most cases, 80% of that money – well, at least more than 75% – stays in the United States. Those munitions are coming to us, but the production happens there, and the money stays in the U.S., and the taxes stay in the U.S.,” he said.

President Zelenskyy said that the war in Gaza has reduced attention to the war in Ukraine, and Putin is actively making use of it. However, this is not the dictator’s only tool. According to him, Putin is using the terrorist attack in Crocus City Hall in an attempt to unite his society and “justify that Ukraine does not exist.”

 

Addressed the extraordinary Ukraine-@NATO Council meeting, which was held at Ukraine's request.

The primary focus was on russia's recent massive air strikes and the necessity of strengthening Ukraine's air defense.

The total explosive power of combined air attacks on Ukraine… pic.twitter.com/TTuehzpn6b

— Rustem Umerov (@rustem_umerov) March 28, 2024

Addressed the extraordinary Ukraine- @NATO Council meeting, which was held at Ukraine’s request.

The primary focus was on russia’s recent massive air strikes and the necessity of strengthening Ukraine’s air defense.

The total explosive power of combined air attacks on Ukraine since the beginning of the year exceeds 9 kilotons. Only 3% of those russian missiles, drones, and guided bombs hit military targets, while 97% struck civilian infrastructure. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reports that missile and loitering munition attacks caused 712 of the 1,804 civilian casualties verified by the UN during the past 3 months.

Provided an in-depth overview of the urgent air defense needs of Ukraine.

The support of partners in this matter is crucial. It will save thousands of innocent lives.

The more russian missiles are shot down in Ukrainian skies, the less threat they pose to NATO member states that border Ukraine.

Germany:

Great news from Germany 🔥
A new package of German military aid provides:
◾️5 Warthog repair and recovery vehicles
◾️9 Warthog command vehicles
◾️6 Wisent 1 mine clearing tanks
◾️2 Beaver bridge-laying tanks
◾️1 Bergepanzer 2 armored recovery vehicle
◾️1 Dachs armored engineer… pic.twitter.com/yrfP2oRe9m

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 28, 2024

Great news from Germany 🔥
A new package of German military aid provides:
◾️5 Warthog repair and recovery vehicles
◾️9 Warthog command vehicles
◾️6 Wisent 1 mine clearing tanks
◾️2 Beaver bridge-laying tanks
◾️1 Bergepanzer 2 armored recovery vehicle
◾️1 Dachs armored engineer vehicle
◾️3 border protection vehicles
◾️6 Zetros tankers
◾️9 mine ploughs
◾️14 VECTOR reconnaissance drones
◾️30 RQ-35 HEIDRUN reconnaissance drones
◾️5 anti-drone sensors and jammers
◾️180 RF 360 fieldkits – drone detection systems
◾️1 Satcom surveillance systems
◾️330 IR cameras
◾️Ammunition for LEOPARD 2 A6
◾️18,000 rounds 155mm ammunition
◾️2,056 RGW 90 Matador man-portable anti-tank weapons
◾️24,000 rounds 40mm ammunition
◾️70 GMG grenade launchers
◾️3,000 camouflage nets
◾️2,000 ponchos
◾️2 emergency power generators

Thank you for your steadfast support!
The power of unity brings victory closer!
🇺🇦🤝🇩🇪
@BMVg_Bundeswehr

Czechia:

⚡️Participants in the Czech initiative to purchase artillery shells for Ukraine outside Europe have signed an agreement under which Kyiv will receive one million rounds of ammunition.

This was reported by Corriere della Sera, citing its own sources.

At first, it was assumed… pic.twitter.com/fXGupEHOUt

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) March 28, 2024

⚡️Participants in the Czech initiative to purchase artillery shells for Ukraine outside Europe have signed an agreement under which Kyiv will receive one million rounds of ammunition.

This was reported by Corriere della Sera, citing its own sources.

At first, it was assumed that 800,000 shells would be purchased: 500,000 155 mm shells and 300,000 122 mm shells, but Czech officials found another 200,000 shells.

“It is not known to which enterprises exactly the requests were addressed, although rumors point in particular to South Korea, Turkey, and possibly South Africa,” the newspaper said.

In addition, according to Corriere della Sera, Ukraine may receive the first batches of ammunition not in June, as the Czech government has previously publicly stated, but as early as April.

A total of 15 countries have joined the Czech initiative, according to the article, including Germany, France, Holland, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Belgium, Poland and Canada. Not all of them have publicly announced exactly how much they have contributed to the purchase of shells.

Source: https://corriere.it/esteri/24_marzo_28/praga-chiuse-trattative-milione-proiettili-kiev-15-paesi-ue-non-c-l-italia-b97ebfc8-ecf3-11ee-9b2a-e24dadf21a23.shtml

Washington DC:

Interesting chapter from Alexander Bick who led the NSC's Russia-Ukraine Tiger Team on the Biden administration's thinking during the Russian buildup:

"Over the fall, the administration was trying to balance two contradictory objectives—to ensure that Ukraine had the… pic.twitter.com/myrQlD8yjw

— Rob Lee (@RALee85) March 28, 2024

Interesting chapter from Alexander Bick who led the NSC’s Russia-Ukraine Tiger Team on the Biden administration’s thinking during the Russian buildup:

“Over the fall, the administration was trying to balance two contradictory objectives—to ensure that Ukraine had the capabilities to defend itself, while avoiding any steps that might increase the likelihood of an invasion or affix blame on the United States. As Colin Kahl, then under secretary of defense for policy, later put it, ‘we didn’t want to inadvertently speed up the Russian clock, incentivize Putin, or give him a pretext to make a decision he had not made. Us leaning too far forward could create dynamics either within the alliance or as we were trying to build world opinion against the Russians that made us look like we were the provocateurs.'”
https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/1/oa_edited_volume/chapter/3881922

I clicked  the link and gave the chapter a read. I think the excerpt below contains the really important information: (emphasis mine)

Another urgent task was to articulate a list of strategic objectives to guide our plans. Naturally, high-level policy documents on Russia and Ukraine from earlier in the administration had neither foreseen nor developed objectives specific to a full-scale invasion scenario. To develop a coherent plan, we needed the equivalent of “commander’s intent.” The closest thing we had was a list of objectives the Joint Staff had developed for Chairman Milley that he shared with the president during the Oval Office meeting in October. In a later interview, Milley recounted these as: (1) avoid a kinetic conflict between the US military and NATO with Russia, (2) contain the war inside the geographic boundaries of Ukraine, (3) strengthen and maintain NATO unity, and (4) empower Ukraine and give it the means to fight.21 Using these as a starting point, the team developed a more comprehensive list that encompassed our broader diplomatic, humanitarian, and other objectives, including to ensure that Ukraine emerged from the war as a democratic, independent, and sovereign state. This list was reviewed and approved by the Deputies Committee and would guide planning going forward.

Did you catch what is missing here in the discussion of the development of the US’s strategic objectives to guide planning on how to respond when Russia re-invaded Ukraine? There’s nothing there about empowering Ukraine to win. Nor is there anything there about ensuring that Ukraine emerged from the war with all of its territory. This confirms what I assessed was driving the Biden administration’s policy and strategy towards supporting Ukraine. Specifically, that the policy is not for Ukraine to win, nor for it to regain its occupied territories. What is articulated above, which are the strategic objectives the Biden administration developed in regard to Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s genocidal re-invasion, makes it clear that the US’s policy is not to see Ukraine win, nor to see it emerge from this war with all of its territory. We now have a first person recounting of the US’s strategic failure and malpractice regarding Ukraine.

Kharkiv:

Russia seems to have chosen playgrounds in Kharkiv as their legitimate targets. Tonight Kharkiv was attacked with Shahed drones pic.twitter.com/aCf1rFgSRp

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) March 28, 2024

This wounded Kharkiv resident rescuing his cat Mia after the recent Russian bombings tells you everything about the heart of the Ukrainian people. 🥺 Another reminder that Russia is a terrorist state. pic.twitter.com/eIWOwawlVn

— Nate Mook (@natemook) March 28, 2024

Somewhere on the Dnipro River courtesy of Magyar’s Birds:

Rus. sappers mining a body of water blow up on their own mine.

Source: Madyar.https://t.co/JFiZ2S6t7R pic.twitter.com/k0P0FK1EdB

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) March 28, 2024

Krynky, Russian occupied Kherson Oblast:

/2. Comparison of the projectile on the video with AASM pic.twitter.com/7ksQcElyOU

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 28, 2024

Sevastopol, Russian occupied Crimea:

Russian military jet shot down over Sevastopol. It's unfortunate they still possess many, while Ukraine awaits F-16s. pic.twitter.com/90Gkiv0h6v

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) March 28, 2024

/2. It looks like the pilot managed to eject. A parachute was spotted in the sky. pic.twitter.com/LxWX8LlP7L

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 28, 2024

/4. About 10 minutes before the first footages of a downed aircraft appeared, Russian sources reported an air raid alert in Sevastopol. pic.twitter.com/LHCXqQ2TLN

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 28, 2024

/6. Detailed video showing the moment of the crash and a crash site. Also, the aircraft model is more likely to be Su-27 rather than Su-35. https://t.co/Z60HAetY35

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 28, 2024

Moscow:

If you don't believe me, just check an official statement by the Russian Orthodox Church from May 27.

It's just nothing but pure Hitlerism:https://t.co/5DTy5XrFSL

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) March 28, 2024

Here’s the full text of Ponomarenko’s first tweet.

A very good illustration of today’s world and why things are so fucked up and only getting worse.

The Pope in Rome: Propagates ‘negotiations’ with the Kremlin over its war on Ukraine and ‘the courage of hoisting the white flag’.

Patriarch Kirill in Moscow: Propagades a ‘Sacred War on the Satanic West’, complete eradication of Ukraine, and the further territorial expansion of ‘the Russian world’.

More on the Crocus disco attack:

Budanov destroys pro-Kremlin conspiracy theorists regarding the Crocus City Hall attack: "Russia knew in advance about the preparation of a terrorist operation in the Moscow region, but allowed it either because of the “struggle of towers of influence” or the underestimation of… pic.twitter.com/8QMXyt8Zzd

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) March 28, 2024

Budanov destroys pro-Kremlin conspiracy theorists regarding the Crocus City Hall attack: “Russia knew in advance about the preparation of a terrorist operation in the Moscow region, but allowed it either because of the “struggle of towers of influence” or the underestimation of the scale of what could happen.”

He also adds he does not condone such terrorist attacks: ““Explanations from Patrushev and Bortnikov appeared, who accused me personally and that Ukraine did all this. This is nonsense. By the way, if we touched on this painful issue, even though this is the enemy, I do not approve in principle of terrorist acts against civilians.”

Read full on Pravda: https://pravda.com.ua/rus/news/2024/03/27/7448459/

From Ukrainska Pravda:

Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence has stated that Russia was aware of the impending terrorist operation near Moscow but allowed it to take place due to the “struggle of the towers of influence,” or a lack of understanding of the scope of the attack.

Source: Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (DIU), during a conversation at the Third International Forum on Strategic Communications, as reported by the press service of DIU

Quote: “At least since 15 February 2024, the Russian Federation has been aware of the preparations. I’ll tell you even more: this information was passed through the group’s intelligence agency in Syria. From there, it was passed on to Moscow. And don’t let them tell you that it miraculously appeared out of nowhere.

There are several possible explanations for why they let it happen. The first, as is customary in Russia, is a power struggle – removal of several high-ranking officials. Another option is that they may have underestimated the severity of the situation. They assumed it would be smaller in nature and wanted to blame Ukraine for everything.”

Details: Budanov stated that Russia knew where combat groups would come from and how they would transit two countries before arriving on Russian territory.

The general noted that the Kremlin has already changed three versions of what happened at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow Oblast, attempting to incorporate the so-called “Ukrainian trace” into the terrorist attack.

“There were explanations from Patrushev [Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation] and Bortnikov [Head of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB)], who accused me personally and said that it was all done by Ukraine. This is nonsense. By the way, if we touch on this painful issue, even though it is the enemy, I do not approve in principle of terrorist acts against civilians,” Budanov said.

The Ukrainian intelligence chief added that Russia had sown chaos and was overconfident in its ability to control it.

Quote: “There is a known saying, even a parable of some sort. And it always applies in the case of secret services, where everyone is attempting to create controlled chaos. At various points in time, almost every serious organisation attempted to do this. And the axiom states that none of them could make it controllable. The same thing occurred here.”

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron tweets or videos today. So here’s some adjacent material.

I put a spell on you pic.twitter.com/cjLgwYwvU0

— Eugene Kibets (@eugenehmg) March 25, 2024

What would you do with your million dollars? For us, the answer is crystal clear!💰💸 With countless animals in need, our mission is to alleviate their suffering in the war-torn regions of Ukraine. From life-saving evacuations to vital sterilization efforts, we're on the front… pic.twitter.com/j1ScgCJ8Qm

— UAnimals.ENG 🇺🇦 (@UAnimalsENG) March 27, 2024

 

What would you do with your million dollars? For us, the answer is crystal clear!💰💸 With countless animals in need, our mission is to alleviate their suffering in the war-torn regions of Ukraine. From life-saving evacuations to vital sterilization efforts, we’re on the front lines providing food and support to animals there 🐈
We are able to accomplish it all thanks to your financial support! Visit our website and find how you can help us continue what we do👇 http://uanimals.org/en/how-to-help

We at UAnimals believe that every life is valuable! 🐐💛
🚐 UAnimals and the team of “12 Vartovykh” rescued these three precious souls from a border village in Sumy region. Now they are safe!
This rescue mission happened thanks to your donations 😊🙏https://t.co/VI70deg9Za pic.twitter.com/8Q81aRvKZA

— UAnimals.ENG 🇺🇦 (@UAnimalsENG) March 26, 2024

Open thread!

Now the common task is to provide every opportunity for Sumy region to create jobs and ensure social protection – address by the President of Ukraine

27 March 2024 – 18:40

Dear Ukrainians!

Today we are in Sumy region. I’ve been here with the team all day. First, our military. I visited our guys who are recovering from injuries and honored them with state awards. I am immensely grateful to the doctors, nurses, and everyone who helps them recover from their injuries.

The second issue for today is, of course, everything related to the defense of Sumy region, each community, each city. It is especially difficult in the border area, which is subject to constant Russian terror. There is constant shelling, air strikes, and countering enemy subversive groups. I am grateful to all the soldiers, all the commanders of the Armed Forces, the border guards, our police, the National Guard, the Security Service of Ukraine – everyone who is involved. To everyone who protects us. Thank you for not allowing our land to be turned into a zone of Russian presence. Every occupier who dares to come here will be destroyed.

I held a long coordination meeting. We addressed the issues of internal security in the region – from shelters to combating crime – and all the issues of defense. We also discussed the economy and social situation in a very substantive way. Now the common task of the government, regional authorities and community leaders is to provide every opportunity to create jobs here in our Sumy region, to ensure social protection and reliable budget revenues.

For the first time, we held a regional meeting on our new economic policy program “Made in Ukraine.” There is a significant amount of funds for this year – for all regions of our country. Sumy region is guaranteed to receive it as well. There are very specific tasks for government officials, the State Property Fund, the President’s Office and the regional authorities based on the results of the meetings and discussions held here today. There are contracts signed for our defense industry. I am proud that every month more and more companies and developers come up with specific samples of weapons, shells, equipment, demining machines, and many other things that are needed at the front and that will save the lives of our people thanks to the power of technology. In particular, today there are new contracts for automated firing systems, new FPV drones with appropriate dropping systems, and simulators for mobile firing groups that will help shoot down “Shahed” drones more effectively. All this is really needed.

And one more thing. Something that is particularly inspiring.

I met with the students studying at the university here in Sumy region. They obviously want Ukraine to succeed, to win, so that they can live and thrive here, at home, in Ukraine. We will do everything for this.

Ukraine knows how to be strong. Every day we have to add to the confidence of our country and people. And please, always be grateful to those who preserve normal life in our country, in all our communities.

Thank you, Sumy region!

Glory to Ukraine!

🇺🇦🇱🇹 Together with Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi @CinC_AFU, extended our sincere congratulations to Laurynas Kasčiūnas @LKasciunas on his recent appointment as the Minister of Defense of Lithuania.

The video call was also attended by the Lithuanian Chief… pic.twitter.com/vKk5QchN3K

— Rustem Umerov (@rustem_umerov) March 27, 2024

🇺🇦🇱🇹 Together with Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi @CinC_AFU, extended our sincere congratulations to Laurynas Kasčiūnas @LKasciunas on his recent appointment as the Minister of Defense of Lithuania.

The video call was also attended by the Lithuanian Chief of Defense Valdemaras Rupšys.
General Syrskyi provided an update on the security situation in Ukraine.

We discussed ways to expand our bilateral defense cooperation and thanked Lithuania for its unwavering support.
Looking forward to hosting Minister Kasčiūnas in Kyiv in the near future.

Hungary:

Viktor Orbán UNDER FIRE in corruption scandal again as thousands came out in Budapest on Tuesday demanding the Hungarian prime minister to resign after former diplomat Péter Magyar released a tape of Justice Minister Judit Varga stating how other government officials caused… pic.twitter.com/ryxde60dWv

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) March 27, 2024

Viktor Orbán UNDER FIRE in corruption scandal again as thousands came out in Budapest on Tuesday demanding the Hungarian prime minister to resign after former diplomat Péter Magyar released a tape of Justice Minister Judit Varga stating how other government officials caused evidence to be removed from court records to cover up their roles in corrupt business dealings.

We watch closely as we believe in the will and fairness of the Hungarian people tired of 14 years of Fidesz (ruling party) in power.

I’ll be curious to see if anything comes of this.

Poland:

Poland has decided to double its commitment to the Czech-led initiative to purchase artillery shells for Ukraine, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in Riga on March 27, without providing a specific figure.

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 27, 2024

From The Kyiv Independent:

Poland has decided to double its commitment to the Czech-led initiative to purchase artillery shells for Ukraine, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in Riga on March 27, without providing a specific figure.

Czech President Petr Pavel said in February that Prague had identified 500,000 155 mm shells and 300,000 122 mm shells outside of Europe that could be bought and sent to Ukraine after the necessary funds were allocated to the initiative.

Czechia’s foreign minister, Jan Lipavsky, said on March 25 that the initiative may collect as many as 1.5 million rounds.

Speaking at a press conference in Latvia‘s capital alongside his Latvian counterpart, Krisjanis Karins, Sikorski praised relations between Riga and Warsaw as “exemplary,” noting the two countries are both leaders in helping Ukraine to resist Russian aggression.

Commenting on Moscow’s recent uptick in missile and drone attacks against Ukraine, Sikorski said: “It seems to me that some media in the West are not shocked enough by this unprecedented wave of air terrorism against Ukraine.”

Poland’s top diplomat stressed that the U.S. assistance bill for Ukraine, currently stuck in Congress, is “urgently, even desperately needed.”

“If everyone did what Poland and Latvia are doing, Ukraine would be in a much better situation,” Sikorski said.

Poland has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters since the outbreak of the full-scale war, donating some $3.2 billion in military aid and hosting around 1 million Ukrainian refugees.

In the past few months, Polish-Ukrainian relations have been strained somewhat by the ongoing disputes over agricultural trade and intermittent blockades by Polish farmers at Ukraine’s border.

France:

🇫🇷 Les 300 missiles Mistral sol-air de courte portée prévus pour être livrés début 2025 devront être livrés à l'été 2024 indique le ministre @SebLecornu.

Les 200 missiles Aster de longue portée devront être livrés au 2e semestre de cette année et non plus en 2026 comme prévu… pic.twitter.com/wPfFbFeBWY

— OpexNews (@OpexNews) March 26, 2024

Here’s the machine translation of the tweet:

🇫🇷 The 300 short-range ground-to-air Mistral missiles planned to be delivered at the beginning of 2025 must be delivered in the summer of 2024, indicates the minister @SebLecornu.

The 200 long-range Aster missiles must be delivered in the second half of this year and no longer in 2026 as initially planned.

The ministry @Armees_Gouv expects to receive from #Nexter 55,000 155 mm shells for the guns #CAESAr starting this summer and no longer over several years.

Safran is also concerned. The group will have to deliver 600 guided air-to-ground bombs in 2024 and 1,200 the following year. #BITD

Imagine that, you can put your defense industrial base on a war footing. Who could’ve possibly conceived of such a thing?

Kharkiv:

Just received a message from a friend: Two guided bombs, one struck the yard of a residential building. Damned terrorists. One killed, two badly injured pic.twitter.com/uqbbAvMMvq

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) March 27, 2024

As of now, it is known that one civilan was killed and 16 were wounded in the russian attack on Kharkiv, which for the first time involved the use of a large-caliber guided aerial bomb. Among the wounded are four children, including a three-month-old infant.
📷Serhii Bolvinov pic.twitter.com/zuJwQl1vfO

— Iryna Voichuk (@IrynaVoichuk) March 27, 2024

This is precisely what I meant when I said that the russian troops are intensifying their attacks on Kharkiv Oblast. They are now dropping aerial bombs on Kharkiv, a city with a population of over one million. Ukraine needs weapons to shoot down these aircraft. https://t.co/fEYcUFHoOo

— Iryna Voichuk (@IrynaVoichuk) March 27, 2024

Kherson Oblast:

Strike on Russian UAV operators. Oleshky forest, Kherson region. https://t.co/6Uz2HAuzje pic.twitter.com/6d5AIWHmvb

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 27, 2024

/2. Lyubymivka, Kherson region.
(46.8123161, 33.5510921)@GeoConfirmed pic.twitter.com/0pqS5vDWgy

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 27, 2024

Somewhere on the frontline in Ukraine:

Very unique Russian VTS “Ladoga”, military transport vehicle, targeted by FPV drone on the frontline.

It is known that no more than 4-5 similar machines were produced, including a prototype for testing. The Ladoga was built on the basis of the T-80 tank chassis. Designed to… pic.twitter.com/3HL53vHagr

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 27, 2024

Very unique Russian VTS “Ladoga”, military transport vehicle, targeted by FPV drone on the frontline.

It is known that no more than 4-5 similar machines were produced, including a prototype for testing. The Ladoga was built on the basis of the T-80 tank chassis. Designed to operate in conditions with high levels of radiation, chemical or bacteriological contamination. In Chernobyl it was used for radiation reconnaissance.

Perhaps the most unusual thing you notice is the interior of Ladoga, which looks no worse than a business class cabin from the mid-twentieth century. According to some Russian media, Ladoga is used in the Russian military for the “evacuation of senior command personnel”.

https://t.me/ombr_63/520

Somewhere in Russia:

In a newly released media clip, Putin once again dismisses Ukraine's right to sovereignty by saying that he's fighting for "his historical lands".

He says the idea that he's going to fight with NATO is "complete nonsense designed to racket money from their [NATO] population" due… pic.twitter.com/NuOCKjN8Mz

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) March 27, 2024

In a newly released media clip, Putin once again dismisses Ukraine’s right to sovereignty by saying that he’s fighting for “his historical lands”.

He says the idea that he’s going to fight with NATO is “complete nonsense designed to racket money from their [NATO] population” due to discrepancy between defence budgets.

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron tweets or videos tonight. Here is some adjacent material from the Ukrainian MOD:

There is an old wisdom that says that a cat in a mortar team boosts the accuracy of every shot. 

📹: Khartiia Brigade pic.twitter.com/VwdzafmoTo

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 27, 2024

Open thread!

I expect strengthening of the strategic capabilities of our state to predict and influence the processes on which national security depends – address by the President of Ukraine

26 March 2024 – 19:26

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

I started the day with gratitude to the National Guard of Ukraine – today is the tenth anniversary of its establishment. I personally congratulated the national guardsmen and presented awards to the warriors. Our entire country should appreciate that the National Guard of Ukraine is a truly indispensable element of our country’s Defense and Security Forces and in many ways sets the standards for all our defenders.

I would also like to mention specific units and specific warriors who deserve special, personal gratitude for their effective actions at the front during this time. The 1st Presidential Operational Brigade – Soldier Ruslan Turanov and Lieutenant Dmytro Kalin. The 3rd Operational Brigade of the National Guard – Soldier Vladyslav Romanchuk, Senior Soldier Yehor Holubin, Sergeant Serhiy Maryshev. The 4th Operational Brigade – Soldier Artur Mizin and Junior Lieutenant Ruslan Minchenko. The 5th Separate Slobozhanska Brigade – Senior Soldier Oleh Shumov, Sergeant Bohdan Keichyn and Chief Sergeant Oleh Miroshnychenko. The 12th Special Forces Brigade of the National Guard – Senior Soldier Leonid Kubyshkovskyi and Junior Sergeants Mykola Halinskyi and Bohdan Petryniak. As well as the 18th Slovyansk Brigade – Sergeant Ruslan Khaimenov, Senior Sergeant Vladyslav Soroka and Junior Lieutenant Artem Holubenko. I thank all of you guys!

I would also like to mention the Omega Special Forces Center of the National Guard – all its warriors. Recently, I signed a decree to posthumously confer the title of Hero of Ukraine on Colonel Andriy Pryimachenko, commander of the 1st Detachment of the Omega Center. Our country has exemplary brave warriors. We are proud of each of them.

Today I continued the reboot of our state’s governance system. There are personnel changes. I am grateful to Oleksiy Danilov for his work as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. He is being reassigned to another area. More details will follow. I have appointed Oleksandr Lytvynenko as the new Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council – he will combine his experience of leading the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine with the tasks of the National Security and Defense Council. Oleh Ivashchenko has become the new Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, he has the relevant experience. In general, I expect strengthening of the strategic capabilities of our state to predict and influence the processes on which the national security of our country depends.

We will continue to strengthen Ukraine and upgrade our state system in all areas.

One more thing.

Every day, we continuously monitor the work in the regions, including Kharkiv, on eliminating the consequences of Russian strikes. Today, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal made a report on the matter. And I am grateful to everyone on the ground who works for the people, who non-stop, around the clock, does everything possible to ensure that people and businesses have electricity, communication, transport – all those essentials of life that are needed.

Thank you to everyone who cares about Ukraine! Thank you to everyone who protects our country and people!

Glory to Ukraine!

10 years ago, the National Guard of Ukraine was created.

The brave warriors of the National Guard defended Ukraine during 10 years of russian aggression and more than 2 years of the full-scale invasion. They destroy the enemy on the most difficult axes of the front and bring 🇺🇦… pic.twitter.com/U1DaWC3QZ9

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 26, 2024

10 years ago, the National Guard of Ukraine was created.

The brave warriors of the National Guard defended Ukraine during 10 years of russian aggression and more than 2 years of the full-scale invasion. They destroy the enemy on the most difficult axes of the front and bring 🇺🇦 victory closer every day.

Thank you for your service.
Congratulations on National Guard of Ukraine Day!

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reshuffled his top intelligence and national security chiefs, the second personnel shake-up this year aimed at reinvigorating Ukraine’s war effort and turning the momentum in its favour. https://t.co/MKTcI9tfxc via @FT

— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) March 26, 2024

From The Financial Times:

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reshuffled his top intelligence and national security chiefs, the second personnel shake-up this year aimed at reinvigorating Ukraine’s war effort and turning the momentum in its favour.

The Ukrainian president dismissed Oleksiy Danilov, head of the national security and defence council, and replaced him with foreign intelligence chief Oleksandr Lytvynenko, according to decrees published on the presidential website on Tuesday.

Oleh Ivashchenko will replace Lytvynenko as chief of foreign intelligence, according to the site. Ivashchenko previously served as deputy head of the military intelligence directorate (GUR), whose aerial and sea drone attacks on high-value targets have rankled the Kremlin.

“Today I continued rebooting the system of managing our state,” Zelenskyy said later on Tuesday. “I appointed Oleksandr Lytvynenko as the new secretary of the national security council. He will combine his experience of leading the Foreign Intelligence Service with the tasks facing the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.”

“In general, I expect the strengthening of the strategic capabilities of our state to predict and influence the processes on which the national security of our state depends. The strengthening of Ukraine and the renewal of our state system in all directions will be continued.”

The 51-year-old Lytvynenko had served as foreign intelligence chief since July 2021. A veteran national security and intelligence official, the multilingual Lytvynenko is widely respected among his western and Ukrainian counterparts. The shake-up now has him returning to the NSDC, where he previously served as the agency’s chief.

Zelenskyy’s personnel change comes a little more than a month after he dismissed the commander-in-chief of the armed forces Valeriy Zaluzhny, with whom he had disagreements. Zaluzhny has since been tapped by the president to serve as Ukraine’s ambassador in London.

The Ukrainian president has asserted that the changes in his defence, intelligence and security apparatus are needed to reboot Ukraine’s war effort after its unsuccessful counteroffensive last year and as it faces significant challenges, including exhausted troops, a shortage of manpower and dwindling ammunition.

More at the link!

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba sat for an interview with Politico. Here are some excerpts:

KYIV — Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba doesn’t mince his words. There’s one item his country desperately needs to fend off Russia’s relentless missile attacks.

“Give us the damn Patriots,” he demanded. Originating in the United States, Patriot surface-to-air missiles are the best defense system to combat the ballistic missiles that have been raining down on Ukraine with increasing intensity in recent days.

“If we had enough air defense systems, namely Patriots, we would be able to protect not only the lives of our people, but also our economy from destruction,” he added.

The need for such defenses is all too clear for residents of Kyiv. Just an hour before Kuleba sat down with POLITICO at the foreign ministry on Monday, in broad, mid-morning daylight, the Ukrainian capital came under attack from Russian ballistic missiles.

A couple of loud blasts rang out just moments after air raid sirens blared across the city. Kuleba was in the city’s botanical gardens to make a video for an upcoming trip at the time.

The missiles were intercepted by Patriot air defenses. But nine people, including a teenage girl, were still injured from falling debris, including in the district near to where Kuleba was filming.

The foreign minister’s demand comes at a fraught moment for Ukraine in its attempt to repel Vladimir Putin’s invading forces. Western support, strong at the start of the invasion two years ago, has weakened in recent months, with a major new U.S. aid package held up by partisan divisions in Congress.

European allies have struggled to plug the gap in the supply of funding and arms that Kyiv so badly needs. Ukraine’s war of self-preservation is precariously placed. Russia is making advances on the battlefield and Putin, fresh from a distorted election victory, is leaping on every opportunity to intensify the Russian assault.

Ukraine’s tired soldiers in the east of the country must somehow hold their lines.

“When Ukrainian troops are losing positions, let’s look at the reason why,” Kuleba said. “It is because Russia has began to massively use upgraded aerial guided bombs.”

He explained that these bombs are weapons “you cannot escape from” if you’re the intended target. “You cannot jam it. It just falls on your head and destroys everything. This is how we’re losing positions and the only way to prevent this is to shoot down the planes carrying the bombs,” he added. “We need air-defense systems on the frontlines.”

Last week, it was reported that the US has urged Kyiv to halt attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure and oil facilities, fearing Ukrainian drone strikes will drive up global energy prices. Kuleba wouldn’t confirm that, but asked if he sometimes feels Western allies want Ukraine to fight with one hand tied behind its back, he replied: “Yes, I do.”

Kyiv is, of course, unconditionally grateful for all the support that is coming from the Western alliance, he said. But he worries the allies’ actions don’t always match their rhetoric and as the war drags on, they are “going back to the usual way of doing politics.”

He describes a vicious circle – weapons are withheld or delayed or supplied in insufficient numbers and then the allies say Ukraine is retreating, it is impossible for Ukraine to win. And the allies ask themselves, why they should provide Ukraine with “game-changing” weapons.

“But guys all this picture of reality that you paint for yourselves is the outcome of one simple fact — that Ukrainian soldiers do not have sufficient amounts of weapons because you did not provide them,” he said.

Asked about Joe Biden’s $60 billion aid package for Ukraine that’s been stalled for months by Republicans on Capitol Hill, the bespectacled Kuleba is terse. “We will welcome a decision,” he said. Ukraine has been given timeframes for delivering the aid since last October. “Every time I hear a new deadline, I just say, ‘God bless America and the U.S. Congress,’” he said with a smile.

What about Germany, which is tying itself in knots over whether to supply long range Taurus missiles, another important item on Kyiv’s wish list? “Listen, I’m tired of answering this. Sorry. You can quote me, I don’t mind. But every time I answer the question, I get irritated feedback from Berlin. Leave it to them. They put themselves in this situation. Let them find a way out,” he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron escapes the Kuleba critique. After a shaky start, Macron has recently stiffened his resolve — in his public commentary at least — insisting that Europe cannot rule out sending ground troops to Ukraine if that’s what is needed to prevent Russia winning. “We were pleased to see President Macron evolve in that direction,” he said.

While Ukraine has never asked for “European combat troops’ boots on the ground”, EU leaders need to get used to the idea that “the day may come.”

“I’m perfectly aware that Europeans are not used to the idea of war,” he said. “But this is a carelessness Europeans simply cannot afford — neither for themselves nor their children,” he says grimly. “Ukraine can win. But if Ukraine loses, Putin will not stop.”

There’s a bit more at the leak.

But, you might ask, wasn’t there money for Ukraine in the just passed 2024 Defense Appropriations Act? Yes there was. It wasn’t very much. Also, the DOD spent it in November 2023. Politico has the details.

When Congress approved $300 million to arm Ukraine late last week, it marked the first time lawmakers have approved new funding for Kyiv’s war effort in more than a year.

There’s just one problem: The money is already gone.

The cash, allocated to the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, was included in a $1.2 trillion government funding package signed by President Joe Biden on Saturday. But the money was actually obligated in November while the Pentagon was operating under a temporary continuing resolution, an administration official said.

So while its passage might’ve marked a brief bipartisan win, it was essentially a symbolic move. That $300 million “is not available for us to use now,” said the official, who was granted anonymity to discuss the dynamics of the budget.

The security assistance initiative puts money toward contracts for future deliveries of munitions and equipment for Ukraine. The Pentagon broadcast that it had depleted the account months ago, noting that a $300 million support package in November “exhausts the remaining USAI funds currently available to support Ukraine.”

Even if it were available, the money wouldn’t turn the tide of the war. Rather, it was a gesture from Washington that the U.S. isn’t out of the game, despite House Republican leadership holding up roughly $60 billion in military aid for months.

During that time, Ukraine’s counteroffensive sputtered out and its front-line units ran low on critical artillery shells and other munitions. And lawmakers told POLITICO the money won’t fix Ukraine’s immediate crisis.

Congress has appropriated funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative annually since Russia invaded Crimea in 2014. That funding is separate from the process of transferring existing weapons from U.S. inventories directly to the front lines, known as presidential drawdown authority, which officials have used to rush equipment to the battlefield. After a transfer, lawmakers must then provide the Pentagon with money to buy new replacement equipment.

USAI money, by contrast, has been used for longer-term needs. Big-ticket items purchased since the 2022 full-scale Russian invasion include Abrams tanks and Patriot air defense systems.

In the meantime, the White House and Pentagon leaders have warned for months that both pools of funding have dried up and scaled-back efforts to send Kyiv more weapons, ammo and equipment. The U.S. recently scraped together a separate $300 million package of missiles, ammo and other weapons for Ukraine using Army contract savings.

The only solution from here, administration officials argue, is for the House to pass tens of billions of dollars worth of new assistance.

“DOD has repeatedly urged Congress to pass a supplemental to support Ukraine in its time of need and to replenish our stocks,” Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Charlie Dietz said. “For Ukraine, this supplemental is vital — there’s no other way to meet Ukraine’s needs at scale.”

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby on Friday said a Russian missile attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure that day underscored the need to restart aid. Kirby said it is “vital [that] we continue to provide Ukraine with air defense systems and capabilities.”

“Mr. Putin is not waiting. He’s not sitting on his hands,” Kirby said. “He’s making lethal use of every single minute available to him while our own Congress refuses to act. He’s not wavering, and neither should we.”

More at the link.

Ukraine is doing what it can, under the circumstances, to increase their own production.

UKRAINE RAMPS UP AMMO PRODUCTION, Russia struggles to advance despite 10x ammo and personnel advantage.

AP footage shows weapon systems and ammo production in Western Ukraine.

pic.twitter.com/r4DbXH8187

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) March 26, 2024

Iceland:

🇺🇦🤝🇮🇸
We are grateful to Iceland for its decision to provide approximately €2 million to the Czech Republic's initiative to purchase ammunition for Ukraine.
Iceland will also provide 75 million ISK to purchase equipment for women in the Ukrainian army, including uniforms,…

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 26, 2024

🇺🇦🤝🇮🇸
We are grateful to Iceland for its decision to provide approximately €2 million to the Czech Republic’s initiative to purchase ammunition for Ukraine.
Iceland will also provide 75 million ISK to purchase equipment for women in the Ukrainian army, including uniforms, bulletproof vests, and medical and hygiene products.
Thank you, friends!
Together, we are stronger.

Also Iceland:

🌟 The Ukrainian national team has qualified for the final stage of the European Football Championship after winning the playoff match with Iceland!

Thank you, Iceland, for a great match and unwavering support for Ukraine 🇺🇦🫂🇮🇸

Congratulations! We are beyond proud! 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Xq4V3Z5Skc

— MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) March 26, 2024

Kyiv:

Earlier today:

15 minutes into air raid alert after 8 pm on 26 March, people in Kyiv are waiting it out in an underground passage. Some of them brought along their small folding chairs. These are available at almost any angling equipment store, while stocks last pic.twitter.com/c0ApTboP17

— Andriy Kulykov (@AndriyKulykov) March 26, 2024

Remember the video of the Kyivan barista continuing to serve coffee despite the plate glass of her shop being blow out yesterday? This is what happened to blow the plate glass of her shop out. No one was hurt! Amazingly!

The moment when the ballistic missile hit Kyiv from the cameras of the same coffee shop where the girl later continued to make coffee. pic.twitter.com/1zJWviO98u

— Roman Sheremeta 🇺🇦 (@rshereme) March 26, 2024

"This is a warhead of yesterday's 3M22 missile. As long as a Shahed-136 warhead, weighing no more than 200kg, of which 80 kg of explosives."https://t.co/2z9hEUd5nb https://t.co/sSEIuhJvgU pic.twitter.com/AjydoyyXRf

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 26, 2024

Kharkiv:

Russian forces just hit a civilian facility in Kharkiv with a missile!

— Iryna Voichuk (@IrynaVoichuk) March 26, 2024

As Western politicians procrastinate, once-inhabited areas in Kharkiv Obl are becoming ruins & graveyards due to intensifying russian attacks. The responsibility for the bloodshed lies not only with the russians but also with those who deliberately delay military aid to Ukraine.

— Iryna Voichuk (@IrynaVoichuk) March 26, 2024

Kharkiv's main power station, crucial for providing power and heating to the second-largest Ukrainian city, destroyed by missile attack on March 22nd. Reconstruction will be as complex as building a new one. Russia has repeatedly attempted to destroy this facility for two years pic.twitter.com/EidRysrZTy

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) March 26, 2024

The Kreminna front:

Destroyed Russian AFV column on the Kreminna front. Russian losses of 1xT-72, 4xBMP-2, 1xBMP-3, 1xBTR-82 shown on the video. https://t.co/U4gYCcESOK pic.twitter.com/ItgWLXOXto

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 26, 2024

 

Kherson Oblast:

The new methods of air defense.
A Ukrainian FPV drone intercepted a russian aircraft-type drone in the Kherson region.

📹: 38th Marines Brigade pic.twitter.com/ctJLP2X1kI

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 26, 2024

Zaporizhzhia Oblast:

Mr. Himars is on the hunt!
The russian Buk air defense system was destroyed on the Zaporizhzhia axis.

📹: @SOF_UKR pic.twitter.com/f5uxRJZVxK

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 26, 2024

You know what that means!

Russian occupied Sevastapol, Crimea:

/2. The missile hit the rear of Ivan Khurs. pic.twitter.com/tFDBLBpTfr

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 26, 2024

Here’s the full text of the first tweet:

/1. Today, the Ukrainian Navy released a statement that during the recent missile attack on Sevastopol, the Russian Yury Ivanov-class intelligence ship (Project 18280) – Ivan Khurs, also came under attack.

Now, satellite images have appeared confirming the fact of a direct hit on Ivan Khurs, as a result of which the ship was damaged.

Location of the ship – (44.6132900, 33.5290100).
https://t.me/kiber_boroshno/7473

/4. Ivan Khurs was attacked by marine kamikaze drones back in May 2023 but has not suffered any visible damage as a result. https://t.co/fhf6c5UHUG

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 26, 2024

And the full text of the third tweet:

/3. Yury Ivanov-class intelligence ship, Ivan Khurs. This is the only ship of this class in the Russian Black Sea Fleet. On June 25, 2018, Ivan Khurs officially became part of the Black Sea Fleet.

The main purpose of the ship is to provide communications and fleet control, conduct electronic reconnaissance and electronic warfare.

Characteristics:
Displacement: 4000 tons;
Length – 96m, width – 16m, draft – 4m;
Crew: 131.

Belgorod Oblast, Russia:

EXPLOSIONS are heard now in war-torn Belgorod as furious residents are in conflict with infamous propagandist Solovyev who told them to "shut up, scum" on federal TV and called their complaints "disgusting hysteria". pic.twitter.com/amgFTIwXg1

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) March 26, 2024

Lukashenko gives the game away on the Crocus disco attack:

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said the terrorists who fled after attacking a Moscow concert hall turned toward the Ukrainian border because they “understood that they couldn’t get into Belarus.”https://t.co/NkzQMlniCL

— Meduza in English (@meduza_en) March 26, 2024

Meduza has the details:

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said the terrorists who fled after attacking a Moscow concert hall on Friday turned toward the Ukrainian border because they “understood that they couldn’t get into Belarus.”

Russia’s Federal Security Service reported on Saturday that it had apprehended four of the suspects in Russia’s Bryansk region, which borders both Belarus and Ukraine.

According to Lukashenko, Belarusian security forces set up roadblocks, including at the Russian border. “Therefore, there was no way for [the terrorists] to get into Belarus. They saw this, so they turned away and went toward the Russia-Ukraine border,” Belarusian state-run news agency Belta quotes Lukashenko as saying.

Lukashenko also said that he spoke with Putin about the closure of the Belarusian border, which the Russian president had allegedly requested.

 

Oh, now Lukashenko SUDDENLY confirms ISIS terrorists tried to make it to Belarus but failed and simply took another road that leads toward the border with Ukraine – well, a large-scale, active war zone front line featuring large military forces and belts of minefields on BOTH…

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) March 26, 2024

Oh, now Lukashenko SUDDENLY confirms ISIS terrorists tried to make it to Belarus but failed and simply took another road that leads toward the border with Ukraine – well, a large-scale, active war zone front line featuring large military forces and belts of minefields on BOTH sides.

But hey – Putin needs Ukraine to be behind the ISIS mass murder in Moscow he failed to prevent and respond to.

It could have been Santa Claus if Putin had a personal war on Santa Claus and needed ordinary Russians to keep drowning in irrational morbid hatred towards Santa.

Tatarigami and his team take a deep dive into the security failures at the Crocus disco in EuroMaidan Press:

On 22 March, without any apparent difficulty, four terrorists entered Crocus City Hall, a major music venue in Moscow, where they killed over a hundred people. Afterward, they exited the venue, got into the same car they arrived in, and safely drove away from Moscow, one of the most heavily surveilled cities in the world.

The systemic failure across every security layer, from top to bottom, understandably leaves many observers puzzled, prompting them to question whether it signifies a complete collapse of state security or something else.

How could Russia, one of the most heavily surveilled states in the world, where a single opposition protester with anti-war signs will be swept away in minutes, have committed this glaring failure? Was it permitted to happen or merely a consequence of systemic failure within corrupt intelligence and law enforcement structures?

After all, its police force is one of the largest in the world – 934,011 serving a roughly 140 million population. With nearly 639 officers per 100,000 people, it exceeds China’s fourfold on a per capita basis.

Moreover, Russia’s security structure includes the National Guard,with 400,000 personnel, and around 200,000 employees of the Federal Security Service, a portion of whom are involved in extensive digital surveillance.

On 7 March, the US embassy in Russia stated that it was monitoring reports of imminent plans by extremists to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts, advising US citizens to steer clear of such venues. Additionally, Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the US National Security Council, stated that the US government had shared this information with Russian authorities in line with its longstanding “duty to warn” policy.

On the same day, one of the perpetrators of the terror attack, Shamsiddin Fariduni, visited Crocus City Hall. The most plausible explanation is that this visit constituted a reconnaissance operation, intended to survey and familiarize oneself with the environment, security measures, and potential routes of movement.

On 19 March, mere days before the attack, Putin, during an FSB board meeting, disregarded the warnings, denouncing them as “provocative” and equating them to “outright blackmail.”

On 22 March, at approximately 19:55, the terrorist assault group arrived near the Concert Hall in a white Renault sedan. This arrival was captured on a dashcam by a passing vehicle. Geolocation data indicates that they parked the car not far from the entrance, locking it before departing.

This detail is significant, as it suggests that the car was unoccupied and there was no driver left inside. Consequently, they would need to return to the parked car at this spot at a later time.

Around 20:00 witnesses started to report loud sounds resembling shots. Soon after, videos emerged on multiple Telegram channels, depicting the attackers shooting at people.

State-affiliated outlets such as Gazeta and KP reported that terrorists left the scene at 20:13.

Around 20:30, it was announced that Russian rapid reaction forces were on their way, approximately 17 minutes after the perpetrators had already left the scene.

According to the Telegram channel “Ostorozhno Novosti,” correspondents on-site reported that firefighters were unable to combat the fire as they awaited the arrival of special forces, which had not yet reached the scene. This information was posted at 20:44, nearly 30 minutes after the terrorists had departed.

As a result, the terrorist attack unfolded without encountering any significant obstacles, for a duration of almost 20 minutes. The anti-terror units not only arrived nearly an hour (!) late but also wasted time preparing for the assault and searching for the assailants inside the burning building, who had already escaped.

Such sluggishness and incompetence have raised numerous questions, including whether this delay was deliberate, potentially allowing the perpetrators to evade capture.

As previously noted, Moscow stands as one of the most heavily surveilled cities globally, having one of the highest police-to-population ratios. As the political, military, and economic hub of Russia, Moscow has long been the focal point of Russian law enforcement agencies. With numerous bases and facilities dispersed throughout the city, it houses rapid reaction forces alongside regular armed police units.

Crocus City Hall was not an isolated case. Situated less than 2 kilometers from the Moscow Oblast Government and Moscow Oblast Duma (Council), the area has a notable police presence. A mere 500 meters from Crocus City Hall, across the road, lies the closest police station.

Further examination via Yandex street view corroborates the existence of the police station, identified as the Pavshyno police department.

Of particular significance to this case is the presence of a sizable National Guard base, situated a mere 10 minutes away from the venue.

This is important given that Rosgvardia, the Russian National Guard, functions as a militarized police unit tasked with maintaining public order, ensuring safety, and combating terrorism and extremism. This unit also accommodates rapid reaction forces, equipped to respond to armed incidents rapidly.

Given the absence of a reported hostage situation, these forces should have been present at the venue. However, as it was discovered earlier, rapid reaction forces, possibly from another unit, were deployed after the attackers had already left.

Another overlooked, yet equally significant failure that occurred that evening was the armed guard’s failure to respond.

According to Alexander Khinshtein, a member of the Russian parliament, Crocus City Hall was protected by the private security company “Crocus Profi,” which boasted a rapid response group armed with MP-71 pistols and Saiga-20 KV rifles. Additional verification has confirmed that private security company “Crocus Profi” is indeed registered at Mezhdunarodnaya 6 street – a building located in very close proximity to Crocus City Hall.

Much, much more at the link. Including plenty of imagery.

They seem nice!

Whether they simply stopped caring about the optics, or it’s my confirmation bias, but recently there’s been visibly more Russian special forces/military with very obvious swastika patches in *officially publicized videos*. This one is FSB (source https://t.co/OWVOGBuFdV at 1:55) pic.twitter.com/S7u5cSraGK

— Alexey Kovalyov (@Alexey__Kovalev) March 26, 2024

These asshats too. Notice the Nazi salute?

In Moscow subway, a Yakut woman (most likely a Russian citizen) was verbally assaulted by Russian nazis. No one came to help her. pic.twitter.com/D7km9Opp43

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) March 26, 2024

The Yakut are a Turkic ethno-national group from northern Siberia.

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron tweets or videos today, so here’s some adjacent material.

Happy dogs 🐕 as Sasha from the Hachiko team refills one of the feeding stations in eastern Ukraine today! We have nearly 150 stations like this across front line cities to serve the homeless pets with your help. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/I1LRRNybPN

— Nate Mook (@natemook) March 26, 2024

For those interested, here’s the link to the Hachiko Foundation.

Legends. pic.twitter.com/t7bWVKBNMa

— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) March 20, 2024

Open thread!

Now it is extremely important to take care of those who need support; do not leave people alone with their difficulties – address by the President of Ukraine

25 March 2024 – 22:51

Dear Ukrainians!

A few summaries for this day.

First. I thank everyone who is working to eliminate the consequences of Russian strikes. Kyiv – ballistic missiles damaged houses and the building of the Academy of Arts today. All the injured have been provided with the necessary assistance. Thank God, there were no children at the academy. The debris clearance lasts all day. Odesa and Mykolaiv – after the attacks on power facilities, the situation is complicated, all the necessary services and repair crews were involved. In the afternoon, there was another strike on Odesa – people were injured. Kharkiv is still in a particularly challenging situation, but every day energy supply to the city is being gradually restored. I am grateful to everyone who works for the city, to everyone who cares about people and helps others. Now it is extremely important to take care of those who need support. And even if people feel uncomfortable asking others for support, please pay attention and support them yourself, do not leave people alone with their difficulties.

Second. Throughout the day, there were reports from the military, intelligence, and the Security Service of Ukraine. Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Budanov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Umerov. We had thorough discussions on how to further reduce Russia’s terrorist potential. And we are carefully planning our actions. There was a report by Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service Lytvynenko on the current threats. There was also the usual weekly report by Head of the Security Service Maliuk on the results of the SSU over the past week and the planning of tasks for this week. Of course, today I congratulated General Maliuk and the entire staff of the Security Service of Ukraine on their professional day. All of us in our country should be grateful to the combat-ready Security Service of Ukraine, which is truly inflicting significant damage on the enemy and achieving the goals that Ukraine really needs, along with all other elements of the Defense and Security Forces. I am grateful to every SSU warrior, to everyone in the Security Service who works really effectively for the sake of Ukraine.

Third. Today, I took part in an iftar – a special dinner that takes place during the month of Ramadan. Together with representatives of the Ukrainian Muslim community, Muslim warriors, representatives of the diplomatic corps from the countries of the global Muslim community, and, of course, representatives of the Crimean Tatar people, we thanked everyone who cares about Ukraine and helps us. We honored our warriors. And with everyone who had the honor to share the iftar today, we wished a fair and just peace for Ukraine and for all nations who, just like us, cherish life.

And one more thing. Today, Putin was talking to himself again, and it was again broadcast on television. Again, he accuses Ukraine. A sick and cynical creature. Everyone is a terrorist to him, except for himself, although he has been fueled by terror for two decades already. He is the biggest opening for terror. He and his special services. And when he is gone, the demand for terror and violence will disappear with him, because it is his demand. No one else’s.

I thank everyone who protects people and values life! I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!

2000+ russian cruise and ballistic missiles have been shot down since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
 
That’s a result of the titanic work of Ukrainian air defenders. Thousands of lives were saved by modern air defense systems provided by our partners.
 
However,… pic.twitter.com/EmlFd9BHwg

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 25, 2024

2000+ russian cruise and ballistic missiles have been shot down since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

That’s a result of the titanic work of Ukrainian air defenders. Thousands of lives were saved by modern air defense systems provided by our partners.

However, Ukraine still needs more air defense systems to protect our people from russian terror. Because civilian infrastructure remains the primary target of russian strikes.

The EU:

“We cannot afford [for] Russia to win this war,” says EU top diplomat @JosepBorrellF. “Otherwise the US and European interests will be very damaged. It’s not a matter of generosity alone… of supporting Ukraine because we love Ukrainian people. It is in our own interest.” pic.twitter.com/Yl2mdTbUp9

— Christiane Amanpour (@amanpour) March 25, 2024

The Baltics:

Three ministers will also meet with U.S. Treasury and White House NSC officials to discuss 'reaching the most important goal – Ukraine’s victory,' as Estonian FM puts it. #StandWithUkraine

— Alex Raufoglu (@ralakbar) March 25, 2024

Baltic Ministers tell Blinken that they value security, safety, prosperity "that we managed to through the decades, and also looking to the future so that it does not happen again – not in other countries that are fighting for their security and their freedom today, such as…

— Alex Raufoglu (@ralakbar) March 25, 2024

Text of tweet 3:

Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania have been supporting Ukraine at the time when their support is ‘absolutely vital’ Blinken tells foreign ministers.

“It’s a recognition — on the part of all three countries, as well as the U.S. — of what the stakes are when it comes to our support to Ukraine. Stakes that go beyond even Ukraine itself…”

And tweet 4:

Baltic Ministers tell Blinken that they value security, safety, prosperity “that we managed to through the decades, and also looking to the future so that it does not happen again – not in other countries that are fighting for their security and their freedom today, such as Ukraine, and Moldova looking for accession to EU, and Georgia that has been attacked in 2008”

Kyiv:

This is Kyiv State Academy of Decorative Applied Arts and Design after today’s ballistic attack. Missile made it from occupied Crimea to Kyiv for 2-3 min. Ironically academy named after Mykhailo Boychuk, repressed in 1937 artist and teacher. Photo @kztsky pic.twitter.com/jkvvZL9saU

— Ukrainian Art History (@ukr_arthistory) March 25, 2024

On March 25, 2024, rus-ns bombed the Kyiv Art Academy named after the great artist M. Boychuk. In 1937, he and two of his students were m-rdered by NKVD. Almost all their paintings and frescoes were destroyed, so that there would be nothing left except "great Ruzzian culture." pic.twitter.com/DW2Smvw1sk

— NEIVANMADE (@neivanmade) March 25, 2024

One of the damaged buildings in Kyiv – Arr and design academy named after Boychuk. Russia continues its genocidal daily attacks on Ukrainian peaceful civilians for 761 days now! #StopRussiaNow https://t.co/sT8ddnN8hF pic.twitter.com/mCh6qCKS7G

— Oksana Markarova (@OMarkarova) March 25, 2024

Russian terrorist attack on Kyiv today struck a building that they, with literally zero evidence, claim was an SBU HQ. Wounding 7 people (so far known). Miraculously only 7 somehow, given they fired missiles into an extremely dense part of the city and demolished many buildings. pic.twitter.com/x3ADHxJSiQ

— Andrew Perpetua (@AndrewPerpetua) March 25, 2024

Two ballistic missiles destroyed over Kyiv. Russia launched them from temporarily occupied Crimea. Falling debris caused damage in four different locations. pic.twitter.com/qVQaKsKtv4

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) March 25, 2024

Parts of a downed Russian hypersonic cruise missile 3M22 Tsirkon. Today in Kyiv. Two such missiles were launched by Russians from Crimea. Both were reportedly downed. https://t.co/m9RjgbBmrg pic.twitter.com/n4R08SRJwk

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 25, 2024

Russia launched this deadly Zircon hypersonic missile targeting Kyiv today. With its modernized capabilities, it covers Crimea to Kyiv in just 5-6 minutes, making interception extremely difficult. As Russia utilizes everything, is it time to reconsider 'not provoking Putin by… pic.twitter.com/lB6He8Vama

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) March 25, 2024

Russia launched this deadly Zircon hypersonic missile targeting Kyiv today. With its modernized capabilities, it covers Crimea to Kyiv in just 5-6 minutes, making interception extremely difficult. As Russia utilizes everything, is it time to reconsider ‘not provoking Putin by arming Ukraine’ stance?

The Kyiv Independent has the details:

A series of explosions rocked Kyiv on March 25 as Russia launched yet another missile attack on Ukraine’s capital.

Kyiv Independent correspondents in the capital heard at least four loud explosions just seconds after air raid sirens sounded at around 10: 30 a.m. local time and saw smoke rising from the left bank of the city.

Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, said in a post on Telegram that debris from an intercepted missile had fallen in the city’s Pechersk district, damaging a non-residential building.

Debris fell on a building of the Kyiv State Academy of Decorative and Applied Arts, destroying the academy’s gym and concert hall, according to a Kyiv Independent reporter on the ground, citing the institution’s employees. The Culture Ministry confirmed the academy was struck, adding that an employee was wounded.

Debris from intercepted missiles damaged two houses in the Solomianskyi district and a house in the Darnytskyi district, where the attack also caused a fire in a non-residential building, according to the city authorities.

Debris was initially also reported in the Dniprovskyi district though this was later retracted.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed emergency services had been called to the Pecherskiy, Solomyanskyi, and Dniprovskyi districts of the capital.

As of 3:30 p.m. local time, the number of victims in Kyiv’s Pecherskiy district rose to 10, according to the State Emergency Service. The Kyiv City Military Administration clarified that out of the 10 victims, two people were wounded and hospitalized, and the remaining eight people had suffered from shock.

Klitschko said that two pregnant women and a 16-year-old girl were among the victims.

The rescue operation concluded at about 6:50 p.m. local time.

President Volodymyr Zelensky and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urged Western allies to provide Ukraine with more air defense systems following the recent Russia’s missile strike against Kyiv.

A Russian ballistic missile attack on Odesa injured four people, the Southern Defense Forces reported on Telegram on March 25.

The air raid siren sounded in Odesa at around 5:20 p.m. local time. Explosions were heard minutes later.

Two buildings were destroyed, and windows in the surrounding buildings were shattered, according to the Southern Defense Forces.

Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper said that three women had been wounded, but their injuries were “not serious.”

Kiper also reported that due to previous attacks on the city’s power network, 300,000 people in Odesa are currently cut off from electricity.

A video by @RFERL.

This barista girl in downtown Kyiv keeps serving coffee even though her place's front window was smashed in today's Russian missile strike.

That's our Kyiv! pic.twitter.com/INuediWfYf

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) March 25, 2024

Kharkiv:

Kharkiv. 25th March. Blackout following Russian attacks on the local thermal electric plant #StopRussia #StandWithUkraine
Photo: Yan Dobronosov/Telegraf pic.twitter.com/Ft86H7dNqm

— Mariana Betsa (@Mariana_Betsa) March 25, 2024

“The restoration of the energy infrastructure in Kharkiv is not a matter of weeks or even months” said Kharkiv Oblast Governor Syniehubov.

This is what Ukraine's second largest city looks like now.

📷Yan Dobronosov pic.twitter.com/VQ3C3qL2qO

— Iryna Voichuk (@IrynaVoichuk) March 25, 2024

Kharkiv tonight.

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light".

📹place_kharkiv pic.twitter.com/0qDC54vLTr

— Iryna Voichuk (@IrynaVoichuk) March 25, 2024

 

Ukraine has stepped up its strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.

Large parts of Ukraine’s Odesa and Kharkiv are currently out of power because of Russian strikes.

— Yaroslav Trofimov (@yarotrof) March 25, 2024

More fallout from the Crocus disco attack.

France raises terror alert warning to highest level – Reuters https://t.co/SnqXWqa11B

— Milenaac (@milenaac) March 25, 2024

More from Reuters:

PARIS, March 24 (Reuters) – The French government is raising its terror alert warning to its highest level following the shootings on Moscow, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said on Sunday after a meeting with senior security and defence officials with President Emmanuel Macron.

Attal said in a post on X that the decision, which comes months before Paris hosts the Olympic Games, was taken “in light of the Islamic State’s claiming responsibility for the (Moscow) attack and the threats weighing on our country”.

France’s terror alert system has three levels, and the highest level is activated in the wake of an attack in France or abroad or when a threat of one is considered to be imminent.

It allows for exceptional security measures such as stepped-up patrols by armed forces in public places like train stations, airports and religious sites.

Moscow:

This is little more than rambling nonsense. And he hardly looks confident. Things are not going well. pic.twitter.com/IUO3jhuV5g

— Carl Bildt (@carlbildt) March 25, 2024

Putin is really that deranged now.

He’s not pretending.

At some point, all dictators become like that on their way to downfall.

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) March 25, 2024

That’s enough for tonight.

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