Russian terrorists used almost 190 missiles, about 140 “Shahed” drones and almost 700 guided aerial bombs this week – address by the President of Ukraine

24 March 2024 – 20:40

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

First, I would like to thank our defenders of the sky. I am grateful to all the warriors of the mobile firing groups, our aviation, the Air Defense Forces of the Ground Forces, and all the specialists of our electronic warfare. Thank you for every missile shot down, for every downed “Shahed” drone.

Of course, our sky shield requires significant strengthening. We are working on this with all our partners whose decisions can change the nature of this war and protect our cities and villages from terror. But already now, our warriors are shooting down at least some of the missiles and most of the “Shahed” drones.

Over the past week, from Monday to today, Russian terrorists have used nearly 190 missiles of various types and almost 140 “Shahed” drones. Also, they launched almost 700 guided aerial bombs. There has not been a single week in the more than 2 years of this war when Russia refrained from terror. And we are doing our best to make sure that the occupation contingent feels our quite fair response to this terror in the same way – every week, every day.

I am grateful to all of our heroes who destroy enemy logistics in the occupied territories. Those who clear Crimea and the Black Sea of the occupiers’ presence. This is a difficult task, but our warriors are completing it step by step. Everyone sees it.

And, of course, I would like to express my special gratitude to all units of our Defense and Security Forces that reduce Russia’s war potential. The less money Putin’s system makes, the stronger the sanctions against it and the physical destruction of Russia’s war potential, the sooner Ukraine, our Europe, and the world will feel safe again.

Restoration work is underway in some of our regions after the Russian strikes on Friday night. I am grateful to everyone who is working non-stop in Kharkiv to restore electricity and heat supply to people. The situation is extremely difficult. More than 200,000 customers – apartments and houses – in the city of Kharkiv and one of the districts of the region are without stable power supply and are subject to rather tough electricity schedules. Local authorities, all services and the government clearly understand the timeframe and technical basis for normalizing the situation. In other regions, electricity supply has been restored to all consumers. I am grateful to everyone who ensured this result and to everyone in the world, all our partners, who supported Ukraine after such a heinous attack against our energy sector.

One more thing.

This week yielded many results in relations with partners. The European Union has approved a €5 billion Ukraine Assistance Fund. This will significantly contribute to our defense. There is a new €4.5 billion macro-financial tranche from the European Union. There is also a decision on a new IMF tranche – almost $900 million. Canada has provided 2 billion Canadian dollars in macro-financial direct budgetary support.

There are good results in terms of defense support packages as well, with both received packages and new ones announced. These include artillery, drones, and armored vehicles. I have also just spoken with Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez. We focused on air defense for Ukraine, as we need more systems. We also discussed our cooperation with Spain at the bilateral level and in European institutions. I am grateful to Spain for its unwavering support and our shared belief that life must prevail.

The key is not to grow weary, not to reduce our activity, not to lose faith in Ukraine, in our people, and in our ability to convey to the world that the enemy of human life has no right to win – Putin has no right to win. He must lose the ability to destroy the lives of others. This is the only way to ensure the common security of our people, of all Europeans, of the whole world. I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine! Glory to all our warriors, to all our people!

Glory to Ukraine!

First some good news:

Great news 🔥
-2 russian ships.
Overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force successfully struck "Yamal" and "Azov" Ropucha-class landing ships in temporarily occupied Sevastopol.
In addition, the russian Black Sea Fleet's communications center and several infrastructure facilities were… pic.twitter.com/EdGhK18nxf

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 24, 2024

Great news 🔥
-2 russian ships.
Overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force successfully struck “Yamal” and “Azov” Ropucha-class landing ships in temporarily occupied Sevastopol.
In addition, the russian Black Sea Fleet’s communications center and several infrastructure facilities were hit.

Bravo! Crimea is Ukraine!

Anne Applebaum is correct:

"It's a really extraordinary moment, we have an out-of-power ex-president who is in effect, dictating American foreign policy on behalf of a foreign dictator or with the interests of a foreign dictator in mind," @anneapplebaum tells @JeffreyGoldberg. pic.twitter.com/sXACvl4mnT

— Washington Week with The Atlantic | PBS (@washingtonweek) March 23, 2024

This is what happens when you treat an ongoing revolt against the federal government and the constitution, led by the former president and his key surrogates and allies, as if it is an ordinary criminal case. Sure the DOJ has arrested, prosecuted, and gotten convictions of six hundred or so dumbasses and a dozen more serious actors from the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. But at the end of the day, the leaders of this revolt, who planned and led the insurrection on 6 January 2021, have either not been arrested, are never going to be arrested, or are unlikely to ever actually be prosecuted or convicted. None of the members of the GOP House caucus that we know were involved have been charged. And we know there were at least a half dozen. Same for the Senators. That the DOJ treated PA Representative Scott Perry’s claim that his planning and conspiring with the President, as well as other leaders of the insurrection and rebellion like Bannon and Giuliani and Ginni Thomas is somehow covered under the Speech and Debate clause of the constitution is just absurd. You have a member of Congress who is also a brigadier general in open revolt against the federal government and DOJ reluctantly seized his phones and has sat on them for well over a year because Perry claims his activities are covered under the Speech and Debate clause. That’s just preposterous. If a state or the administration of a state cannot or will not defend itself against open revolt then it isn’t much of a state or an administration.

And now more on the Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets.

For the third pre-dawn morning this week, all of Ukraine is under an air alert and has been advised to seek shelter. Russia continues to indiscriminately launch drones and missiles with no regard for millions of civilians, violating international law.

— Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) March 24, 2024

If only you were the ambassador for the nation-state with the most powerful military in history, which is also a member of the most powerful military alliance in history. Then, perhaps, you might be able to do something more than tweet.

Like this:

JUST IN:
In response to the violation of Polish airspace, a NATO official says “NATO has significantly enhanced our posture on our eastern flank, including with allied jets to protect Polish skies. We continue to assess our posture and remain ready protect and defend all allies.”

— Teri Schultz (@terischultz) March 24, 2024

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister gets it!

We should be sending a very clear message that the next time a missile violates NATO airspace, it will be taken down. pic.twitter.com/Q15aOBKdqZ

— Gabrielius Landsbergis🇱🇹 (@GLandsbergis) March 24, 2024

Poland:

"The decision resulted from information from our radar systems. The assessment of the missile's trajectory, speed and altitude indicated that it would leave our airspace," Operational Command spokesperson Lt. Col. Jacek Goryszewski said.

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 24, 2024

⚡️Warsaw to ‘demand explanations’ from Moscow after Russian missile entered Polish airspace.

Poland will demand explanations from Moscow after a Russian missile violated the Polish airspace during the mass attack against Ukraine on the morning of March 24, the Polish Foreign…

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 24, 2024

⚡️Warsaw to ‘demand explanations’ from Moscow after Russian missile entered Polish airspace.

Poland will demand explanations from Moscow after a Russian missile violated the Polish airspace during the mass attack against Ukraine on the morning of March 24, the Polish Foreign Ministry said. The Russian cruise missile entered Poland’s airspace for 39 seconds, Jacek Siewiera, chief of Poland’s National Security Bureau, said on X.

Kyiv:

Air raid alerts are announced throughout Ukraine. Explosions in Kyiv are reported.

📷: Tania Myronyshena on Instagram
This is Ukrainians’ reality. pic.twitter.com/43AwgFoZuC

— UkraineWorld (@ukraine_world) March 24, 2024

There's about 60,000 people in Kyiv metro stations right now while Russian missiles attempt to hit the city. pic.twitter.com/udGmtPxwYg

— Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) March 24, 2024

I am getting a little tired of waking up to explosions shaking the entire goddamn city in the early hours of the fucking morning, not gonna lie.

— Oleksandra Povoroznyk 🇺🇦 (@rynkrynk) March 24, 2024

Kharkiv:

⚡️Mayor: Russian attacks destroy thermal power plant, all substations in Kharkiv.

Russian missile and drone attacks have destroyed a thermal power plant and all the electrical substations in Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov told national television on March 24. He also said that…

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 24, 2024

⚡️Mayor: Russian attacks destroy thermal power plant, all substations in Kharkiv.

Russian missile and drone attacks have destroyed a thermal power plant and all the electrical substations in Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov told national television on March 24. He also said that electricity supply had been restored for approximately 40% of Kharkiv residents. Meanwhile, heating has been restored in 60% of the buildings, and almost all of them have water supply, according to Terekhov.

 

Kharkiv is facing critical electricity outage affecting 60% of households. Transportation is disrupted, emergency services resort to speakerphones for air raid alerts. With 1.3 million residents, damage to power system is severe. pic.twitter.com/wiTPa1fKeI

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) March 24, 2024

"The destruction is very serious. All transformer substations and a thermal power plant have been destroyed," said Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv, regarding the power situation in the city.

— Iryna Voichuk (@IrynaVoichuk) March 24, 2024

For two years, this has been the view from my bedroom windows in Kharkiv. Few residents secure their windows like this, but I can't sleep without it. I'm aware that cardboard and scotch tape won't likely shield me from glass shards, yet it brings me a semblance of peace. pic.twitter.com/Ft4yXKRzG7

— Iryna Voichuk (@IrynaVoichuk) March 24, 2024

60% of Kharkiv remains without electricity after the massive Russian missile attack. The Food Train 🚂🧑‍🍳 team has been working non-stop to get meals out to the community—now cooking 9,000 meals per day. As the train says, “No one will take our power away!” ⚡️🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/sELWvu8RIE

— Nate Mook (@natemook) March 24, 2024

Lviv:

According to Kozytskyi, 61 firefighters worked from early morning until after 5 p.m. local time to put out the fire.

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 24, 2024

Russian cruise missile strikes hit something in the Lvov region #Russia #UkraineRussianWar pic.twitter.com/b1Cp8oWPsD

— War Tracker (@wartracker4) March 24, 2024

Russian occupied Donetsk Oblast:

⚡️3 injured in attack on Donetsk Oblast.

Russian strikes in Krasnohorivka, Donetsk Oblast, injured at least three people, according to the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor’s Office on March 24.https://t.co/m2mq3rKKRv

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 24, 2024

West of Bakhmut and Avdiivka:

They note that the situation on the front continues to deteriorate.

— Rob Lee (@RALee85) March 24, 2024

Not quite sure where this is in Ukraine:

As said, rare footage of a tank battle. A tank of the 53rd Ukrainian brigade repels an attack by three Russian tanks.https://t.co/6XwfT5H8Tf pic.twitter.com/Ju6JGcKvc7

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 24, 2024

Tymofiy Mylovanov, the President of the Kyiv School of Economics, has written an excellent assessment of what is actually going on. First tweet from the thread, the rest from the Thread Reader App.

Ukraine and Russia trade massive missile attacks. This might appear related to Moscow attack, but it is not.

I am in Kyiv and have just woken up (5am) by two loud explosions

Earlier tonight Ukraine successfully hit Sevastopol with multiple missiles 1/

pic.twitter.com/cFQsQzpPix

— Tymofiy Mylovanov (@Mylovanov) March 24, 2024

The Ukrainian attack on Sevastopol that hosts the Russian Black Sea fleet has been confirmed by Russian state media. There are dead and injured.

Ukrainian media report that UK made storm shadows hit a communication center of the Russia fleet 2/

This night Russia launched multiple missiles across the entire Ukraine. It is too early for videos of the damage, but explosions and interceptions are reported across the country. The attack continues

Russia used 14 strategic bombers at once, 2 warships, and drones 3/ 

At the moment, Russian missiles are in the air in these regions: Lviv, Chernihiv, Cheraksy, Kyiv, Khmelnytsky, Vinnytsya, Volyn,Ternopil, Rivne 4/ 

A moment ago, Ukrainian media reported another successful attack on Crimea. This time not in Sevastopol, but Hvardiyske 5/

This is why these exchanges are unlikely to be related to the Moscow terror attack

1. It takes considerable time to prepare attacks at this scale.

For example, Russian missiles are code to maneuver through areas without Ukrainian air defense or evade it when impossible 6/ 

They are also coordinated to hit cities at once. The missiles change directions multiple times, travel in very convoluted patterns, and stay in the air for a long time – sometimes over an hour.

Designing, coordinating, and coding these missions is hard and takes time 7/ 

The same is true for Ukrainian attacks on Crimea. Ukrainian attacks are much more focused and much smaller in scale and numbers of missiles.

To be successful Ukraine compensates by better preparation, intelligence, mission design and execution 8/ 

2. These exchanges have been ongoing and had escalated before the terror attack in Moscow

Ukraine and Kyiv in particular have been bombed intensively for the last several days, starting two days before the attack in Moscow 9/

Russian attacks before the Moscow terror have been massive and plunged Ukraine, especially the East into a blackout. They also hit the largest (remaining) hydro dam in Ukraine. The blackout is ongoing 10/

Unroll available on Thread Reader

In turn, Ukraine has been busy taking apart Russian oil refineries.

These attacks have been successful to the extent that there are reports the U.S. had asked Ukraine to stop these attacks afraid of escalation by Russia. 11/ politico.eu/article/report…

US urges Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries, report saysWashington fears rising oil prices and extra retaliation from Moscow.https://www.politico.eu/article/report-us-urges-ukraine-stop-attacking-russian-oil-refineries/

Ukraine denies there had been a request. But even if it were, Ukraine has defied it and continued to target Russian oil infrastructure. The latest attack was yesterday 12/ independent.co.uk/news/world/eur…

Fire breaks out at Russian oil refinery after Ukrainian drone attack – liveComes as Moscow launched what Kyiv has called the biggest attack of the war on Ukraine’s power grid amid fears of an escalation of the warhttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-russia-war-putin-drone-missiles-attacks-live-b2517524.html

Indirectly, this is evidence that Ukraine is not behind the terror attack in Moscow.

Ukraine carries out operations in Russia, including Moscow.
13/ 

Media report two types of operations:

1. Targeted assassinations of military, defectors, Russian installed politicians in occupation

2. Targeted attacks on military and defense production infrastructure

Ukraine does not and have never carried out terrorist attacks 14/ 

But as I wrote yesterday, Putin might not have a choice but to blame Ukraine for the terrorist attack in Moscow 15/

Unroll available on Thread Reader

Otherwise he will appear weak. Russians might not care about how many people die in Ukraine but they do care about what happens in Moscow.

If the attack is not connected to Ukraine, then Putin’s propaganda against Ukraine and justification for the invasion become nil 16/

So, the Russian info operations have been busy arguing Ukraine connection

One argument is that the terrorist were traveling to Ukraine. Why on earth would you do that? If anything, you are guaranteed to be captured or killed by Russian troops before you get to the contact line/

Also, the city in which the suspects were arrested is closer (and faster) to Belarus than Ukraine. Plus the border control is a bit easier (sarcasm) in Belarus than at the front line between Russia and Ukraine 18/

But as I wrote yesterday, it might be difficult to ignore the evidence. For example, the fact that ISIS has access to video from the terrorist cameras, while Russian security doesn’t (yet) 20/

https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1771665904868237690

However, many people, even in the West, don’t need evidence. They are certain that it looks “increasingly likely” Ukraine is behind the attack on Moscow. 21/

There is also disinformation and amplification of disinformation.

An account post “evidence” that one of the suspects had served in Ukrainian military and is a Ukrainian citizen

No matter that all other suspects are Russian citizens and Tajiks – that doesn’t matter 22/

The report gets amplified only to be refuted later. The name of the suspect may be different, he isn’t Ukrainian, and hasn’t served in Ukraine armed forces.

But the original post pushing this disinformation gets 10s of m views, while it’s refutation – 2.7 m views

23/

Russian politicians now claim that attacks and bombings of Ukraine is a retaliation for the Moscow terror attack 24/

As the Russian attack on Ukraine continues, there are reports that three Russian missiles crossed into Poland and Polish Air Force is on alert 24/

Speaking of the tit for tat, Ukraine hit another Russian refinery:

Ukraine not paying much heed to US requests it stops its infrastructure and fuel attacks in Russia, this time attacking a plant in Samara producing rocket fuel. 900km away. And this is just the start. I understand Ukraine will soon have the ability to strike thousands of km away. https://t.co/RyMpTzEGfW

— Oliver Carroll (@olliecarroll) March 23, 2024

Here’s the machine translation of the original tweet:

The genocide of Russian refineries continues. At night, UAVs flew into the Rosneft oil refinery in the village. Novokuibyshevsk, Samara region. The impact was on the primary oil refining column. The plant is a major producer of jet fuel and is located 900 km away from Ukraine.

A bit more on Russia’s response to the Crocus disco attack:

Russia's accusation against Ukraine and the West, branding them as responsible for a terrorist attack, is a very concerning development that means further escalation and support for war within Russian society. pic.twitter.com/iw3fGkgnDM

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) March 24, 2024

Russia's NTV has broadcast a video falsely alleging that it shows Ukraine's top security official Oleksiy Danilov say Ukraine was behind last night's deadly attack at the Crocus City Hall near Moscow.

But the video is a deepfake, featuring an AI-generated audio of Danilov. pic.twitter.com/AKKuP24RBL

— Shayan Sardarizadeh (@Shayan86) March 23, 2024

The deepfake video has in fact been created as a composite of two recent interviews published in the last few days with Danilov and Ukraine's military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov.

An AI-generated audio of Danilov has also been dubbed over the fake video. pic.twitter.com/XMGD18owFe

— Shayan Sardarizadeh (@Shayan86) March 23, 2024

Hrprogressive, tonight is the night I (finally) have a chance to answer your questions. So here goes!

On 17 FEB, hrprogressive (re)asked:

I want to stress that this is intended to be a good faith question, not a gotcha, or anything, I am legitimately curious.

I also apologize, if you’ve already answered me previously, I have pretty awful memory sometimes so I may legitimately not remember.

So, here goes.

Is there a reason why so many people – whether your updates here, or others around the world – seem to not want to acknowledge that there’s very likely a truth that the GOP legitimately just wants to see Russia win, and legitimately is waiting for the broader decline of western liberal democracy because they believe, hope, want to accelerate, however you wish to frame it – they basically think they deserve to be the autocratic rulers of this country, and will do whatever they can do to get it, short of assassinating their colleagues in D.C. (and I honestly don’t think we’re too far off from that if nothing changes)?

I ask because the use of framing like “dysfunction” and “intransigence” and “bad faith”, from my perception, places the root of the problem in an arena that seems to be missing the forest for the trees.

Sure, in some regards, there is “dysfunction” because there are probably – or were, anyway, till Fuhrer Trump decreed otherwise – some in the GOP (McConnell comes to mind) who legitimately wanted to help defend Ukraine.

But after years of watching the more fascist tendencies come out of the woodwork, both within their voting base, their media sphere, and their elected officials…

I’m legitimately surprised that more people are still framing it in a way that seems more akin to “Oh look it’s gridlock in Washington again” – which, again, I know that’s not how you think of it at all, but.

I’d like to think if more parties with platforms started saying “Hey, just so you know, the GOP actually wants Russia to win and they can’t wait to try and seize power here too, so maybe ask them about that”…it might sink in.

I am concerned that the apparent reticence to broach the topic in these terms is…well, it doesn’t paint nearly as dire a picture as it should, IMO.

Anyway.

Sorry for being long-winded, and I know you have a ton going on, so, I like the other Juicers do appreciate what you do. Just legitimately wondering if there’s a reason why others don’t seem to be framing the problem this way.

Thanks.

I think one part of the answer, which is the simplest part, is normalcy bias. Most people just assume or operate as if what happens is happening within the normal boundaries of politics. So if Biden, a senior member of his administration, or a Democratic senator or representative says X and Trump, one of his surrogates, or a Republican senator or representative says Y in response, then the assumption is this is just normal partisan politics. The political reporters/press, as well as the print gatekeeper The New York Times, certainly function this way as well. This is a combination of fear of being accused of being biased or liberal, needing to keep horse race coverage going, and in the case of The NY Times the very clear guidance given by the current Sulzberger running the place. This is then exploited by Trump, his surrogates, Republican senators, representatives, and governors, as well as hostile foreign actors. The goal here is to create the dynamic reflected in the title of Peter Pomarantsev’s book about Putin’s Russia: Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible. The goal is to create this reality everywhere. To ensure that nothing is true and, therefore, anything and everything is possible. The destruction of objective reality. Just refer back to the deepfakes referenced above that Moscow has pushed out to justify its claims that Ukraine was behind the attack on the Crocus disco.

On 19 MAR, hrprogressive followed up with:

Hey, Adam – I know you’ve been super, super, mega busy in the last couple of weeks, and I appreciate your continued updates throughout.

Thought this update was “on-topic” to the question I posed a while back that you had mentioned being able to circle back around to link to comment from 16 FEB thread

I just don’t see this as “The United States is Failing an Ally”.

I see this as a small band of fascist thugs in the US House of Representatives actively undermining America because their ultimate goal is to see the fall of Ukraine, the fall of the USA, and the fall of western liberal democracy, period.

I still can’t understand why so many people (not you specifically, just commentary in general) still refuse to say this out loud.

Are people really that “of course it can’t be happening here?” about it, or do they really, truly not see the threat that is right in front of them?

Time’s running out, IMO.

Certainly appreciate any insight you might be able to provide, when you have the capacity of course.

Stay well for the times we’re in. Thanks!

The United States is failing an ally. But it is failing an ally for three reasons. The first and current reason that we’re all concerned about is because the House majority GOP caucus has not brought up a supplemental bill to provide Ukraine with more aid/to meet Ukraine’s needs in its defense against Russia’s genocidal re-invasion. And they have not done this because Trump has made it clear he does not want them too. Part of that is because Trump believes he can end the war very quickly and, of course, on terms favorable to Putin. And Trump wants to do this in order to get his revenge on Zelenskyy for not playing ball in providing fabricated dirt on Biden, which led to the first impeachment of Trump. He also wants to do this to teach our NATO partners a lesson: I’ll decide if you get help, I’ll decide if you live or die, so pay me or you’re on your own.

The second and third reasons are related. They are that the Biden administration’s strategy regarding Ukraine is to do just enough so that Ukraine doesn’t lose, but not enough so that it can win. This was coupled with an unrealistic legislative strategy that despite all actual indicators that they would be able to get more aid for Ukraine regardless of which party controlled Congress. This was naive. If you recall the newsletter I did way back in the spring of 2022 when the site was being held hostage, one of the points was that Ukraine needed to ask for everything it thought it might need through the end of 2024 before the end of 2022, because if the GOP won control of just one chamber, then US aid to Ukraine would stop. It was clear then that because of the combination of extreme gerrymandering, extreme voter suppression, and state Democratic party stupidity in places like New York, the Democrats were unlikely to retain control of the House.

This is why we are where we are. The Republicans, fully in thrall to Trump, are not going to do anything for Ukraine. Honestly, they’re not going to do anything for Taiwan or Israel or in regard to the border either because Trump doesn’t want them to and because they really don’t want to even manage and mitigate those problems. When you combined this with the Biden administration, which is scared of its own shadow in regard to national security issues and naive about the Republicans willingness to do a deal once they retook the House, we are where we are.

I will leave the last words to Lewis Carrol:

“Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?
The Cheshire Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.
Alice: I don’t much care where.
The Cheshire Cat: Then it doesn’t much matter which way you go.
Alice: …So long as I get somewhere.
The Cheshire Cat: Oh, you’re sure to do that, if only you walk long enough.”

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

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

pic.twitter.com/yKG4gFkKce

— Eugene Kibets (@eugenehmg) March 23, 2024

Open thread!

Around the world, we must defend against those who consider people merely expendable – address by the President of Ukraine

23 March 2024 – 22:00

Dear Ukrainians,

Today, throughout many cities and communities of our state, municipal services, repair teams, and energy workers have been tirelessly working on the aftermath of the Russian terrorist attack that occurred on Friday. People have been working continuously for the second day.

At this moment, normal power supply has been restored almost everywhere. There were some problems today in our city of Odesa – there were emergency shutdowns. Everything possible is being done to normalize the situation. Unfortunately, in Kharkiv, it’s still very challenging. Today, there was another missile strike from Russia – these strikes continue daily. And everyone who is working to keep normal life in Kharkiv, in the region, in other border cities and communities, they are all true heroes. I thank every rescuer of our State Emergency Service of Ukraine, all employees of energy companies involved, police officers, local services, volunteers – everyone who is helping. Thank you for your dedication to protecting people!

I want to specifically acknowledge and thank the experts in Ivano-Frankivsk region, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytsky, Sumy region, Poltava region, our Dnipropetrovsk region, and Zaporizhzhia. Thank you for your efficient work! Today, I received reports from the regions, from the head of the government, from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, of course, from our military. The state must ensure a systematic response to every Russian strike.

I also want to recognize all the leaders of states, heads of international institutions, and all our partners who have expressed their support for Ukraine these days. It is important to act together every time missiles and drones attempt to destroy our lives. To act to reduce the potential for terror, to block it. This particularly concerns air defense systems, as well as sanctions. All these Iskander, Kinzhal and other Russian missiles have dozens of components imported for terror from other countries. The missiles used in this attack against Ukraine, against our energy system, had at least three hundred types of components from ten countries. Together with the “Shahed” drones, there were at least seven and a half thousand components in total. Each of them represents a violation of sanctions regimes against Russia, each one represents someone’s attempt to make money from destroying lives. This needs to be stopped.

Another thing. What happened yesterday in Moscow is obvious, both Putin and other scoundrels simply try to blame everything on someone else. They always resort to the same methods. It’s been done before. There have been blown-up houses, shootings, and explosions. And they always blame others. They have come to Ukraine, burn our cities – and try to blame Ukraine. They torture, rape people – and accuse them. They have brought hundreds of thousands of their terrorists here, to Ukrainian land, they fight against us, and they don’t care what’s happening inside their own country. Yesterday all this happened, and this absolute miserable Putin, instead of attending to his own citizens of Russia, addressing them, remained silent for a day – thinking about how to link this with Ukraine. Everything is absolutely predictable. Those hundreds of thousands of Russians who are now killing on Ukrainian land would surely be enough to stop any terrorists. And if the Russians are ready to silently die in “Crocus Halls” and not ask any questions to their security and intelligence agencies, then Putin will try to turn such a situation to his personal advantage again.

Terrorists must always lose. I thank everyone who truly defends life! I’m grateful to all our people who are fighting against terror. And around the world, we must defend against those who consider people merely expendable.

Glory to Ukraine!

The cost:

Today is the birthday of Olena Kulish, a popular 🇺🇦 radio host & animal rights activist from Luhansk. In 2014, she & her husband were executed by Russians for bringing food to the Ukrainian army. Their home was ransacked. Their six dogs were killed, too.#StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/vn95JWC8nL

— olexander scherba🇺🇦 (@olex_scherba) March 23, 2024

The AP takes a dive into Russia’s attack on Ukraine’s energy sector. (emphasis mine)

Russia launches sweeping attack on Ukraine's power sector https://t.co/mLr4BWGrhi

— Carol J Williams (@cjwilliamslat) March 23, 2024

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia unleashed one of its most devastating attacks against Ukraine’s electric sector on Friday, an aerial assault it said was retaliation for recent strikes inside Russia and which could signal an escalation of the war just days after President Vladimir Putin cemented his grip on power in a preordained election.

Many Ukrainians were plunged into darkness across several cities, at least five people were killed, and damage to the country’s largest hydroelectric plant briefly cut off power to a nuclear plant that has been a safety risk throughout the war.

Russia fired off more than 60 exploding drones and 90 missiles in what Ukrainian officials described as the most brutal attack against its energy infrastructure since the full-scale war began in early 2022.

Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, sustained the most damage, officials said, and the attack came a day after Russia had fired 31 missiles into the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been urging Western allies for weeks to provide it with additional air-defense systems and ammunition, a period in which $60 billion in U.S. aid has been held up by divisions in Congress.

“With Russian missiles, there are no delays, like with aid packages to our state,” Zelenskyy said. “It is important to understand the cost of delays and postponed decisions.”

Russia’s defense ministry called Friday attacks “strikes of retribution.” Ukraine has increased shelling of Russia’s Belgorod region along its northeast border and has launched drone strikes targeting Russian oil refineries and other energy facilities.

Ukraine’s latest strike inside Russia on Friday killed one and injured at least three, according to local officials.

Putin has described Ukrainian attacks on Belgorod and other regions as an effort to frighten residents and derail the highly orchestrated election that ended Sunday. And he vowed to strike back.

The day after he declared victory, Putin said Russia would seek to create a buffer zone inside eastern Ukraine to help protect against long-range strikes and cross-border raids.

Russia has made progress on the battlefield in recent months against exhausted Ukrainian troops struggling with a shortage of manpower and ammunition along the front line that stretches over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).

When Putin invaded in 2022, he called it a “special military operation,” and his officials have mostly eschewed the word “war.” But in a change of rhetoric Friday that may herald a new escalation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a Russian newspaper that “when the collective West became a participant in this on the side of Ukraine, for us it already became a war.”

In the winter of 2022-23, Russia targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing frequent blackouts across the country. Many in Ukraine and the West expected that Russia might repeat this strategy this winter, but Russia instead focused its strikes on Ukraine’s defense industries.

While launching the strikes, Russia has combined sophisticated ballistic and cruise missiles with waves of cheap Iranian-made Shahed drones in a bid to oversaturate and weaken Ukrainian air defenses.

Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, head of the national utility Ukrenergo, described Friday’s barrage as the largest assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since the full-scale war began.

“This attack was especially dangerous because the adversary combined different means of attack, kamikaze drones, ballistic and cruise missiles,” he said.

Kudrytskyi said that Russia “tried to destroy every significant energy object powering the city of Kharkiv,” leaving at least 700,000 without electricity. He estimated that several hundred thousand customers in other regions were also left without power.

More at the link.

Novomykhailivka:

They shall not pass here.

The brave warriors from the 79th Air Assault Brigade continue to repel russian attacks near Novomykhailivka and destroy the occupier's armored columns. pic.twitter.com/gPvxlIUav2

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 23, 2024

Two Russian T-80BV with KMT-7 mine trawls destroyed by Shadow unit. On the Novomykhailivka front. https://t.co/KX9USPUXia pic.twitter.com/sWPpqqGEen

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 23, 2024

More on the Crocus disco attack:

First, I’ve seen the videos and the pics circulating of the men that Russia has detained. YOU DO NOT NEED TO GO AND LOOK FOR THESE, WATCH THEM, OR LOOK AT THEM!!!! These were supposedly the perpetrators of the attack that Russia claims were trying to make it to Ukraine. They weren’t, they were headed to Belarus. Moreover, they most likely aren’t even the actual shooters. ISIS has released their own video from inside the Disco. I have no doubt that ISIS did this. At this point I also have no doubt that Russia not only received the US warning, but that they decided to use it for their own purposes. Specifically they prestaged a bunch of dupes that they could arrange to flee from the attack, then arrest, brutally interrogate, and claim Ukraine was somehow involved. The last bit intended to provide the usual suspects in the US, UK, and Europe to then blame the US, the Brits, and various European states of involvement because they’re all backing Ukraine. David Sacks, Scott Ritter, and Douglas MacGregor have all taken the bit from the Russians.

Putin telegraphed this a few days ago:

Putin (a few days ago) about the possibility of terrorist acts in Russia. ⬇️#Crocus #Moscow #Russia #Putin pic.twitter.com/Gow22iMWFV

— Natalka (@NatalkaKyiv) March 23, 2024

All of the suspects, as well as a number of those the Russians listed as wanted and at large, are Tajiks. Many of the identified Tajiks are and have been in Tajikistan. They voluntarily went to the authorities to prove they could not have done this. The men the Russians have arrested and are torturing seem to have no idea what is going on. I expect they are Tajik guest workers who got paid a decent amount of cash to be in the van and driving in a certain direction. Russians do not view the central Asian guest workers as human.

A new manual designed to help migrants from Central Asia has caused a storm in Russia’s second city because of its apparent racist content.

According to RFE/RL’s Russian Service, the local prosecutor’s office in St. Petersburg has launched preliminary investigations into “Instructions for Labor Migrants,” which was recently published in Kyrgyz, Tajik, and Uzbek.

The booklet has been printed by the Look Into The Future publishing house and is seemingly intended as an aid for thousands of migrants from Central Asia, many of whom are employed as construction workers in Russia’s major cities.

Along with legal information concerning Russian rules and regulations, the booklet also provides some social advice.

Among other things, it warns labor migrants not to spit in the street, not to squat, not to litter, and not to wear bathrobes or tracksuits in public places.

The booklet’s illustrations also depict labor migrants as tools commonly used in the construction industry, such as hammers, brooms, paintbrushes, and paint scrapers.

Somewhat controversially, the pictures portray these immigrants being met at the airport by real human beings wearing the uniforms of Russian customs officials and border guards.

Here’s the image being referred to in the RFE/RFL reporting:

You may remember that in October 2022, there was a shooting at a Russian military training base in Belgorod Oblast, Russia. This was blamed on Tajik guest workers who had “volunteered” to join the Russian military and fight in Ukraine. It is illegal under both Russian law, as well as the central Asian states, for the guest workers to join the Russian military and fight for the Russian military in the genocidal re-invasion of Ukraine. I will not be surprised if the Russian narrative evolves that the Crocus disco attackers were trying to get revenge for the two Tajik guest workers and that the Ukrainians somehow organized the whole thing.

Putin accuses Ukraine of preparing an escape route for the terrorists that attacked the Crocus City Hall in the Moscow region last night. pic.twitter.com/7RQ0SQehO7

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) March 23, 2024

The Putin administration has instructed Russian state-funded and pro-government media to emphasize possible “traces” of Ukrainian involvement in their reporting on Friday’s Crocus City Hall terrorist attack, according to Meduza’s sources.https://t.co/llPDCnOYhO

— Meduza in English (@meduza_en) March 23, 2024

What's especially funny is that the suspects were trying to make it to Belarus, and that was the initial claim, and the Lukashenko regime's officials confirm that.

But hey, when that piece of inhuman scum needs that, it's Ukraine.

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) March 23, 2024

 

I’m pretty sure Putin himself prepared his “address” on the Moscow mass murder.

Sure, ISIS attackers had a “window” to flee into Ukraine through, just across minefields of the war zone of the Russian-Ukrainian border and hordes of the Russian military and the border guard that were apparently supposed to let them leave.

ISIS itself has just published a new, extremely gory video (I recommend against watching it) made by Crocus City Hall terrorists themselves during the mass murder.

Now watch all that inhuman trash on "X" spin around and yell that Ukraine is actually behind the Islamic State.

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) March 23, 2024

It is honestly insane that we live in a world where ISIS can commit a terrorist attack, claim responsibility, release bodycam footage from the attack and you still have cRiTiCaL ThInKeRs going “It is definitely not ISIS”.

— Oliver Alexander (@OAlexanderDK) March 23, 2024

Looks like Russia’s response to the Moscow terrorist attack will be to restore the death penalty. Which could then be used against “traitors” at home, in a time-honored Soviet tradition. https://t.co/zbqSpLuBWb

— Yaroslav Trofimov (@yarotrof) March 23, 2024

Here’s Tatarigami’s assessment. First tweet from the thread, the rest from the Thread Reader App. There is some graphic imagery in here. So keep that in mind as you read through.

Amidst the growing number of confirmed civilian casualties from the recent terrorist attack in Moscow, Putin and state-affiliated media and bloggers continue to link it to Ukraine. Given the gravity of these implications, we need to examine key details and assertions. 🧵Thread: pic.twitter.com/CzJqHsGlvA

— Tatarigami_UA (@Tatarigami_UA) March 23, 2024

2/ Firstly, on March 7th, the US Embassy in Russia issued a public warning regarding extremist plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts. Subsequently, after the attacks, the US confirmed sharing this info with RU security forces. US officials suspect ISIS-K

3/ From the outset of the attack, there were efforts to link it to Ukraine. This included the circulation of the van photos with Belarusian license plates, blurred to insinuate Ukrainian origin, as well as claims in RU media suggesting Slavic attackers with fake beards were seen

4/ Prominent Russian propagandist Margarita Simonyan, closely tied to the Kremlin, pushes the narrative of Ukrainian ties. This echoes Putin’s speech about ‘Ukrainians leaving the open window at the border for terrorists’, confirming that the narrative originates in Kremlin

5/ The group was allegedly detained in the same white car in Bryansk Oblast. The journey typically exceeds 4 hours. Given the number of traffic cameras for identification on the way, it’s astonishing they made it that far. It’s either severe incompetence or deliberate malice

6/ The attack occurred mere minutes away from a major base of the militarized police (Rosgvardia) in Moscow, yet armed units arrived significantly later, allowing the perpetrators to flee in the same vehicle they arrived in. It’s either deliberate negligence or gross incompetence

7/ Despite claims, there is no concrete evidence linking these attacks to Ukraine. Regardless of the actual perpetrators, it’s likely that Russian authorities will exploit the attack to propagate a “Ukrainian trace” narrative, prioritizing political agendas over facts 

8/ Any statements made by detained suspects lose credibility due to FSB pressure applied towards them. For instance, one of the detainees, Shamsutdin Fariddun, already admitted receiving payment to carry out the attack from an anonymous person who contacted him through Telegram

9/ In one of the videos, a detained person is shown having his ear cut off by Russian servicemen. Undoubtedly, under such pressure, they will confess to anything, whether it be ties to Ukraine, the CIA, or even admitting involvement in the assassination of Kennedy.

10/ If the described failures are indeed due to gross incompetence, it reveals significant vulnerabilities in Russia’s ability to counter such threats, posing a risk of future attacks. If it was intentionally overlooked, it will likely continue as well. 

11/ Additionally, Russia’s history of supporting terrorism in various regions, including Ukraine, Syria, CAR, and Mali, as well as assassinations in countries like the UK and Germany, underscores the ongoing threat posed by Russian state-sponsored terrorism

12/ This tragedy also underscores the Russian state’s inconsistent approach to terrorism, maintaining relationships with organizations like Hamas, Taliban, and Houthis despite their history of terrorist activities. Such ambiguity always leads to unintended consequences. 

13/ In conclusion, while the loss of civilian lives in such attacks is tragic, the Russian government’s priorities seem to lie elsewhere, sacrificing the lives and safety of its citizens for broader geopolitical goals under Putin’s regime. 

Please like and share this thread (the initial message), as many messages discussing the Ukrainian topic or war aren’t receiving much attention on X. Therefore, I’m asking you to help with the algorithm by liking and sharing the top message of the thread. Thank you. 

Kuybyshev refinery, Samara Oblast, Russia:

Ukraine successfully strikes another Russian oil refinery, the Kuybyshev NPZ, overnight. It’s nearly 600 miles from the border. https://t.co/1m3PqGInqq pic.twitter.com/COpwBuuniU

— Yaroslav Trofimov (@yarotrof) March 23, 2024

/2. The Governor of the Samara Region about the Drone attack on the oil refineries:
“Tonight there were drone attacks on the oil refineries in the region. As a result, a primary oil refining column caught fire at the Kuibyshevsky Oil Refinery. There are no casualties or injuries.… pic.twitter.com/0zk3l8WVsb

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 23, 2024

Here’s the full text of the first tweet:

/1. After a short pause, drone strikes on Russian oil refineries have resumed. Kuybyshevsky oil refinery in Samara region of Russia, 900km from the frontline, is on fire as a result of drone strikes. Russian media claim that “columns are on fire”. Kuibyshev Oil Refinery is one of the largest enterprises in the oil industry in the Samara region. The refinery’s design capacity is 7 million tons of oil per year. The range of products produced by the Kuibyshev Refinery includes more than 20 types of petroleum products. The main ones: gasoline, diesel fuel. P.S: Kuybyshevsky and Novouybyshevsky oil refineries are located just ~10km apart therefore, at first there was confusion about which refinery was hit.

And the second:

/2. The Governor of the Samara Region about the Drone attack on the oil refineries:
“Tonight there were drone attacks on the oil refineries in the region. As a result, a primary oil refining column caught fire at the Kuibyshevsky Oil Refinery. There are no casualties or injuries. Emergency services and law enforcement agencies are working on the spot, and an operational headquarters has been created.
At the Novokuibyshevsky Refinery, the attack attempt was repelled. There was no damage to the technological equipment.”

 

/4. Approximate geolocation of the fire on the territory of Kuibyshevsky oil refinery. 53.100294, 50.051601 https://t.co/M8NqUIiDZH pic.twitter.com/e4ZQ4q23LS

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 23, 2024

So, given all the fuss over ongoing Ukrainian strikes on Russian petroleum refineries, the Kremlin is putting insane pressure upon the U.S. administration.

I'm pretty sure that Russians, via their unofficial back channels, yelled the same old magic words like 'escalation',… pic.twitter.com/k0UvBrcSaP

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) March 23, 2024

So, given all the fuss over ongoing Ukrainian strikes on Russian petroleum refineries, the Kremlin is putting insane pressure upon the U.S. administration.

I’m pretty sure that Russians, via their unofficial back channels, yelled the same old magic words like ‘escalation’, ‘retaliation’, and ‘nukes’, and vowed to stir up troubles in the global oil and gas market amid U.S. presidential campaign.

And, of course, it has been easier to just twist Ukraine’s arms and absurdly demand that it doesn’t strike the Russian oil refining industry, an essential part of the Kremlin’s war economy, even with weapons of Ukraine’s own making.

This only means Ukrainian drones are now really hitting where it hurts.

Especially given the fact that Russia urgently halted all gas exports and that, for instance, large Indian refineries now decline to work with Russian crude oil due to sanctions.

It’s also quite possible that the recent large-scale missile attack on Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure was again ‘an act of retaliation’ for the painful drone attacks.

As of now, we have at least 11 Russian refineries damaged or knocked out of operation by Ukrainian strikes all across Russia’s European area.

Given the fact that the latest strike took place just last night at the Novokuibyshevsky refinery in Samara Oblast, Ukraine probably respectfully declined to keep the Kremlin’s precious oil pleasantly fine and safe.

Now keep watching the Kremlin’s war money burn.

Support my work: https://buymeacoffee.com/saintanger

Belgorod:

All shelters locked in Belgorod is peak putin’s ruzzia https://t.co/1ZeQmIxL2G

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) March 23, 2024

For you drone enthusiasts.

russian tanks are burning in Ukraine.
The @ServiceSsu Alpha division has destroyed 295 tanks since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
The video shows the most spectacular destructions of russian armor for the last time. pic.twitter.com/YeKEcwqNIV

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 23, 2024

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

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

Planning meeting.

📷: 4th Tank Brigade pic.twitter.com/7SdZMY0RFa

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 23, 2024

Open thread!

Russian terror is only possible now because we lack enough air defense systems, because our partners lack the political will to provide them – address by the President

22 March 2024 – 20:31

Dear Ukrainians,

Throughout the day, the utmost attention is being directed to all our regions hit by Russian strikes last night. Everywhere there were impacts, recovery efforts are underway. All services, repair brigades, rescue teams of Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, police, and everyone involved will be working around the clock to overcome this terror to the maximum extent possible. The city of Kharkiv and Kharkiv region, Sumy region, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region, Poltava region, Odesa region, the city of Khmelnytsky and Khmelnytsky region, Vinnytsia, and Ivano-Frankivsk region… these strikes were extremely heinous, with the deliberate goal of causing structural damage to society’s life rather than military damage to our ability to defend ourselves – and this is terror, by definition, without any disguises.

Overall, the strikes harmed over thirty people across the country. As of now, five people have been reported killed… My condolences to their close ones. A significant part of the energy system has been damaged.

Today, I held a Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff meeting primarily focusing on protection and recovery operations. Military personnel, including detailed briefings from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi and Commander of the Air Force Oleschuk, provided updates. Additionally, necessary reports were received from Prime Minister Shmyhal, government officials, energy company executives, and regional leaders… Everyone has been provided with clear guidelines for action. Personal responsibility is paramount.

The situation in Kharkiv is particularly challenging. Restoration of electricity for critical infrastructure and residential consumers is ongoing. This work will continue without interruptions. Much progress has been made during the day in Kharkiv region, Dnipropetrovsk region, Ivano-Frankivsk region, Khmelnytsky region, Vinnytsia region, and Poltava region to restore electricity, water, and heating supplies. Work continues in Odesa region. Special attention is being given to hydroelectric facilities in Zaporizhzhia.

I thank everyone working for Ukraine, for the people. Repair brigades, engineers, and all power plant workers are true heroes. The collective effort of Ukraine’s State Emergency Service is commendable as always, and I am proud of each one of them. The police, businesses, and all those providing support at this time, thank you. Unified government action on the ground is crucial – now, more than ever, the personal effectiveness of everyone managing communities is needed.

Certainly, air defense is the top priority right now. Our people here in Ukraine are responsible for the physical protection of facilities and their recovery following strikes. However, true and comprehensive protection from Russian missiles and Shahed drones is only possible with sufficient political will on the part of our partners. We work on it every day. Every day, we persuade partners of the importance and, more importantly, the feasibility of full protection of Ukrainian skies. Russian terror is only possible now because we don’t have enough modern air defense systems – in other words, frankly, because our partners lack the political will to provide them. They all know exactly what is required and who can make life-saving decisions.

Today, I held several international meetings. I met with the Minister of Defence of Denmark, a country that is one of our most principled partners. If everyone assisted as principled as they do, we would have already been able to reliably protect the lives of our country and people from Russian terror. Today, we discussed the consequences of today’s Russian attack and the situation in the future… We highly appreciate that the Minister of Defence of Denmark was accompanied by leaders of Danish defense companies. Relevant discussions, meetings were held… We are preparing joint projects regarding drones, EW, and artillery. I’m grateful for all the support and cooperation.

Today, I also met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. We discussed, among other things, the fair responsibility of the Russian state for all the terror. We in Ukraine appreciate international efforts regarding the Register of Damage and all forms of pressure on the Putin system to reduce and block its ability to destroy lives. Everyone who helps Ukraine, everyone who limits Russia’s terrorist and military potential, is a true lifesaver. History always remembers such leaders; they earn real respect for themselves and maintain the moral leadership of their countries.

And one more thing.

I want to separately acknowledge the efforts of the employees of our State Emergency Service who are currently working in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia… I’m grateful to everyone. In Kharkiv: Vitaliy Yelezyev and Volodymyr Vodolazkin from the 25th Fire and Rescue Unit; Volodymyr Avramenko and Vitaliy Shramko from the 34th Fire and Rescue Unit; and Vitaliy Senchikhin, a worker of the central administration of the State Emergency Service in Kharkiv region. In Zaporizhzhia: Serhiy Terentyev from the 2nd Fire and Rescue Unit; Vitaliy Tubalov from the 5th Fire and Rescue Unit; Kostiantyn Zhuravliov from the 6th Fire and Rescue Unit; Oleksiy Ponomarenko from the 10th Fire and Rescue Unit; and also Ihor Shabatiuk, an employee of the central administration of the State Emergency Service in Zaporizhzhia region. I also want to specially mention Senior Lieutenants of the National Police Volodymyr Hryshanov and Danylo Kuchynskyi, who are working in Zaporizhzhia, helping to restore and protect normal life. Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who defends Ukraine, our people, lives, and independence. Thank you to each and every one who fights for our state and for holding Russian terrorists fully accountable for all the evil of this war. Glory to our nation!

Glory to Ukraine!

Ukraine desperately more air defense, so this announcement from the UK is good news!

The UK announced a new £60 million military aid package for Ukraine. The package includes advanced new surveillance drones and air defence systems.
Thank you, United Kingdom!
Together, we will win!
🇺🇦🤝🇬🇧 https://t.co/aEPtD7i1AW

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 22, 2024

And these Lithuanian anti-drone systems will also be helpful.

Lithuania handed over another military aid package to Ukraine. The package includes anti-drone systems.
Your support is very important for us.
Thank you for being on the right side of history.
🇺🇦🤝🇱🇹 https://t.co/J655yGzlFI

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 22, 2024

This morning’s attack is a perfect example of why the anti-drone systems are sorely needed. The Russians start with the Shaheds, swarming them in to overwhelm the air defense system. Then they follow them with the ballistic and hypersonic missiles. The attack the other night on Kyiv, where the Ukrainians were able to bring down all the ballistic and cruise missiles was a missiles only attack. No drone swarms in the first wave to overwhelm the air defense.

This will also be helpful:

The first Ukrainian pilots have completed basic flying training in the UK.
The next step is advanced flying training provided by the French Air Force.

We are grateful to our partners in the UK for the training of Ukrainian pilots and their unwavering support. Ukraine is waiting… https://t.co/2lPHRbv1f1

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 22, 2024

The first Ukrainian pilots have completed basic flying training in the UK.
The next step is advanced flying training provided by the French Air Force.

We are grateful to our partners in the UK for the training of Ukrainian pilots and their unwavering support. Ukraine is waiting for F-16s to protect our skies from russian terror.
Together, we are stronger.
🇺🇦🤝🇬🇧

It would have been more helpful if the Biden administration hadn’t sat on their hands out of fear of Putin for an additional year.

Have to admit, after more than two years of a full-scale war in Europe, we're still bitterly underestimating many decision-makers in their inconceivable, unprecedented reluctance to leave their safe, liability-free comfort zone of rosy unicorns and the same old business as usual.…

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) March 22, 2024

Have to admit, after more than two years of a full-scale war in Europe, we’re still bitterly underestimating many decision-makers in their inconceivable, unprecedented reluctance to leave their safe, liability-free comfort zone of rosy unicorns and the same old business as usual.

It’s good that Putin is a fucking moron and that his regime is corrupt and delusional, and that Ukraine, with its frantic resistance in 2022, in many ways derailed the Russian might and plans.

A really smart totalitarian dictator in charge of a country like Russia would have eaten today’s West for breakfast.

Poor little Russia, stop hurting it like that – or better just fucking die already pic.twitter.com/QFnPLV1ecQ

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) March 22, 2024

The US be like: "We support your struggle against the Russian invasion, but please dont shoot back or destroy anything fancy. It might get a bit more expensive for me to drive my oversized pickup truck. So you know, shoot back, a little bit, but dont make anyone upset. " pic.twitter.com/EiWzZot9ZY

— Def Mon (@DefMon3) March 22, 2024

The Financial Times has the details:

The US has urged Ukraine to halt attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, warning that the drone strikes risk driving up global oil prices and provoking retaliation, according to three people familiar with the discussions.

The repeated warnings from Washington were delivered to senior officials at Ukraine’s state security service, the SBU, and its military intelligence directorate, known as the GUR, the people told the Financial Times.

Both intelligence units have steadily expanded their own drone programmes to strike Russian targets on land, sea and in the air since the start of the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

One person said that the White House had grown increasingly frustrated by brazen Ukrainian drone attacks that have struck oil refineries, terminals, depots and storage facilities across western Russia, hurting its oil production capacity.

Russia remains one of the world’s most important energy exporters despite western sanctions on its oil and gas sector. Oil prices have risen about 15 per cent this year, to $85 a barrel, pushing up fuel costs just as US President Joe Biden begins his campaign for re-election.

Washington is also concerned that if Ukraine keeps hitting Russian facilities, including many that are hundreds of miles from the border, Russia could retaliate by lashing out at energy infrastructure relied on by the west.

This includes the CPC pipeline carrying oil from Kazakhstan through Russia to the global market. Western companies including ExxonMobil and Chevron use the pipeline, which Moscow briefly shut in 2022.

“We do not encourage or enable attacks inside of Russia,” an NSC spokesperson said. The CIA declined to comment. In Kyiv, a spokesperson for the SBU declined to comment. Officials at GUR and Zelenskyy’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

After the Financial Times published news of the US warnings on Friday Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, was asked how Kyiv had responded to the Biden administration’s appeals to stop attacks on Russian refineries.

She said: “The Ukrainian side responded, I think, precisely by achieving its goals and by very successful operations conducted on the territory of the Russian Federation.”

“We understand the appeals of our American partners,” Stefanishyna told an audience at the Kyiv Security Forum. “At the same time, we are fighting with the capabilities, resources and practices that we have today.”

The US objections come as Biden faces a tough re-election battle this year with petrol prices on the rise, increasing almost 15 per cent this year to around $3.50 a gallon.

“Nothing terrifies a sitting American president more than a surge in pump prices during an election year,” said Bob McNally, president of consultancy Rapidan Energy and a former White House energy adviser.

Maybe they'd have some leverage if they actually got aid to Ukraine in the past 3 months, but if you abandon an ally you can't expect them to do what you want https://t.co/cxADGkhdEc

— Cᴀʟɪʙʀᴇ Oʙsᴄᴜʀᴀ (@CalibreObscura) March 22, 2024

WH Official's Schedule:

7 AM: Leak to the WaPo
8 AM: Meeting with SBU to tell them they're fighting wrong
10 AM: Meeting with GUR to tell them they're too mean
1 PM: Boozy Lunch (thx NYT)
3 PM: Get angry with the Brits (They helped UA with ammo from weird places)
5PM: Home

— Cᴀʟɪʙʀᴇ Oʙsᴄᴜʀᴀ (@CalibreObscura) March 22, 2024

If you’re not providing any more funding or material, then you don’t get to dictate terms. The Biden senior nat-sec team needs to spend some time reflecting on there utter strategic incompetence, malpractice, failure, and moral cowardice.

Especially given what Russia is communicating in its response to the attacks on its petroleum refineries:

If Russia resorts to environmental terrorism, it shows that Ukraine has identified a vulnerable spot and should continue to apply pressure on it. Their response confirmed where it hurts.

— Tatarigami_UA (@Tatarigami_UA) March 22, 2024

Zaporizhzhia Oblast:

Eight Russian missiles targeted the Dnipro Dam in Zaporizhia this morning, Ukrainian authorities say. pic.twitter.com/Ycj2O9jnRG

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) March 22, 2024

Russia just vaporized those houses and people who lived there.

Ukraine is running out of air defense.

Putin got the second breath after securing he is an emperor of russia.

The US is not a superpower anymore.

These are dark times, and the darker times are comming. https://t.co/2PEDjYVtyN

— Mariia Kramarenko (@KramarenkoMari3) March 22, 2024

Overnight, Russia launched an attack on Ukrainian energy facilities, damaging power generation, transmission and distribution systems in various regions, including Ukraine's largest hydroelectric power plant, the Dnipro hydroelectric power plant in Zaporizhzhia.

Many towns and… pic.twitter.com/AAubRfDebU

— Ihor Lachenkov (@igorlachenkov) March 22, 2024

The largest attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this year. Electricity facilities targeted throughout the country. Dnipro Dam in Zaporizhzhia hit, power outages in Kryvyi Rih, Khmelnytskyi, Vinnitsia. Power transmission line feeding Zaporizhzhia NPP de-energized. pic.twitter.com/Lt2VNM1sCm

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) March 22, 2024

Kharkiv:

Kharkiv is completely blacked out. Russian forces struck about 15 missiles at the city.

— Iryna Voichuk (@IrynaVoichuk) March 22, 2024

Kharkiv electrical infrastructure got slammed by ballistic missiles in air raids tonight. pic.twitter.com/CXS9h7HuSi

— War Tracker (@wartracker4) March 22, 2024

As a result of the russian attack on #Kharkiv, the energy infrastructure was damaged, but the station is provided with backup power from generators – and all the station systems are working!

Passengers and residents can drink hot tea, keep warm and charge their gadgets at the… pic.twitter.com/j2WkyY75eQ

— Oleksandr Kubrakov (@OlKubrakov) March 22, 2024

As a result of the russian attack on #Kharkiv, the energy infrastructure was damaged, but the station is provided with backup power from generators – and all the station systems are working!

Passengers and residents can drink hot tea, keep warm and charge their gadgets at the station: we thank our partners The Howard G. Buffett Foundation and Nova Ukraine for their help.

For the youngest guests at Kharkiv railway station, the children’s point “Spilno” from @Ukrzaliznytsia and @UNICEF Ukraine continues to operate: in the free entertainment area, parents can relax in warmth and safety, and children can play and be distracted.

Nothing stops the Ukrainian Railways from continuing to run. Plus, the Food Train 🚂🧑‍🍳 is now in action supporting the people of Kharkiv after the brutal attack this morning – 21 missiles were fired at the city and power/heat is still out. https://t.co/v097dZ9MTZ

— Nate Mook (@natemook) March 22, 2024

The Avdiivka front:

As many sources have already written, Russians began to use the Desertcross 1000-3 much more often on the front line. Now some tactics of their use by Russians in assaults have begun to become clear. A Russian unit consisting of 5-8 infantrymen on each “golf cart” moves to the… pic.twitter.com/FBRDBLedmo

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 22, 2024

As many sources have already written, Russians began to use the Desertcross 1000-3 much more often on the front line. Now some tactics of their use by Russians in assaults have begun to become clear. A Russian unit consisting of 5-8 infantrymen on each “golf cart” moves to the frontline, after which they abandon the “golf cart” and are expected to take and hold positions.

The 47th brigade shows the destruction of one such groups on the Avdiivka front:

“Russian special forces that drove into Berdychi on a Chinese golf cart (no joke).
At first, they even shot down our drone with an assault rifle. Then they used smoke cover, like in cool action movies, and ran to hide.
Four hid in the remains of the building’s foundation, one lay down in the crater, and two hid under destroyed equipment.”

https://t.me/strikedronescompany/141

Let’s get to the other big news: ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) has claimed responsibility for attacking the Crocus nightclub in Moscow.

For those curious on past IS activity in Russia please see this thread for proper context: https://t.co/MZSD1Plwpk

— Aaron Y. Zelin (@azelin) March 22, 2024

Reuters has the details. (emphasis mine)

March 22 (Reuters) – The United States has intelligence confirming Islamic State’s claim of responsibility for a deadly shooting at a concert near Moscow, a U.S. official said on Friday.

The official said the United States had warned Russia in recent weeks about the possibility of an attack.

“We did warn the Russians appropriately,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, without providing any additional details.

At least 40 people were killed and 145 wounded on Friday when camouflage-clad gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons on concertgoers near Moscow in one of the deadliest attacks on Russia in decades.

Islamic State, the militant group that once sought control over swathes of Iraq and Syria, claimed responsibility for the attack, the group’s Amaq agency said on Telegram.

The death toll made it one of the worst attacks on Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege, when Islamist militants took more than 1,000 people hostage, including hundreds of children.

I saw the initial reports on the attack on social media and noted it. My initial thought was Putin has a long track record of attacking his own people and using it as agitprop against his enemies. Then Gin & Tonic emailed about the ISIS rumors. And when I finished my workout and started poking around I immediately found the Reuters reporting.

May be unrelated, but a couple weeks ago, the US Embassy in Russia told citizens to avoid large gatherings — including concerts.https://t.co/ueW9pwkXIf

— Aric Toler (@AricToler) March 22, 2024

Videos of the building on fire. There are videos showing the gunmen shooting people at close ranges, which I won't share. It appears there are at least 4 gunmen. 2/https://t.co/kTCzEgR0pWhttps://t.co/HYZMRqTIPEhttps://t.co/VIKL7JDDSKhttps://t.co/AWjk1YIY9F pic.twitter.com/uTn5hVWGdZ

— Rob Lee (@RALee85) March 22, 2024

Cannot recall ever seeing such complete official bewilderment in Russia following such an attack. State media figures now dismissing ISIS claims, but also failing to come forward with their own narrative, which they normally do fast https://t.co/f6hxUi26Qj

— Peter Leonard (@Peter__Leonard) March 22, 2024

As the official death toll passes 60 (unofficially, it’s 70+), Putin has reportedly met with his top national security officials: FSB director Bortnikov, MVD Minister Kolokoltsev, Investigative Committee head Bastrykin, and National Guard chief Zolotov. https://t.co/hzkonQmrr1

— Kevin Rothrock (@KevinRothrock) March 23, 2024

Reuters reported this just two weeks ago:

MOSCOW, March 7 (Reuters) – Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Thursday it prevented an attack on a synagogue in Moscow that was plotted by an Islamic State cell, Russian state news agencies reported.

FSB said that the members of the organization had been planning “to commit a terrorist act against one of the Jewish religious institutions in Moscow”, the RIA news agency quoted the report as saying.

The attackers opened fire during the attempted arrest and were “neutralized by return fire”, the FSB said.

🧵“Recent intelligence reporting indicated the ISIS-K terrorist group, a branch of the Islamic State that has operated in Afghanistan, Pakistan & Iran, was active inside Russia, two U.S. officials said. https://t.co/qUDur2tRJs

— Laura Rozen (@lrozen) March 23, 2024

“The warning was based in part on intelligence reporting about possible ISIS-K activity inside Russia, said the U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive information.”

— Laura Rozen (@lrozen) March 23, 2024

So while US Embassy Moscow was issuing warnings, the Russians did not seem to go on alert after they broke up a terrorist attack by ISIS at the beginning of the month.

In fact Putin was using the threat as agitprop just a few days ago.

Just 3 days ago, Putin called warnings of terror attacks "Western blackmail".

In any normal country, such a statement followed by an actual attack resulting in hundreds of victims would have led to an immediate resignation and criminal investigation for failing to carry out the… pic.twitter.com/CcmGxlVVJe

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) March 22, 2024

Just 3 days ago, Putin called warnings of terror attacks “Western blackmail”.

In any normal country, such a statement followed by an actual attack resulting in hundreds of victims would have led to an immediate resignation and criminal investigation for failing to carry out the responsibilities of protecting the country’s citizens.

But hey ho, 24 years and counting.

 

FYI, even with this very convenient blur, this is not what Ukrainian license plates look like, of course. pic.twitter.com/XKEume6BU9

— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) March 22, 2024

The license plates appear to be Belarusian. Which makes sense as it is easier to get into Russia from Belarus than from just about anywhere else these days.

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

There are no new Patron tweets or videos tonight. So here is some adjacent material.

Hachiko will help! Thanks 🙏 for taking good care of Snowball from Kherson, who is now with her new family in Lviv!😻 https://t.co/UOHT8SyyhV pic.twitter.com/g3EZiyCUrH

— Nate Mook (@natemook) March 22, 2024

It is well beyond time to designate Russia as a terrorist state. https://t.co/gwZe5Nozit

— Nate Mook (@natemook) March 22, 2024

Yes, yes it is!

Open thread!

Patriots and other air defense systems are now needed in Ukraine, for our cities and communities – address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

21 March 2024 – 21:49

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

It’s been a long day.

First of all, I would like to thank our defenders of the sky for shooting down the missiles. More than 30, including ballistic. It is very important to ensure such a result for air defense. And with all our partners, we are always talking about increasing our ability to defend the sky. The partners have the air defense systems that are needed for this, and they can help. It is worth doing so. It is worth protecting lives. Patriots and other systems are now needed in Ukraine, for our cities and communities.

On the other hand, every Russian terrorist attack shows that the world’s sanctions against Putin’s system are not yet sufficient. Every Russian missile used by these savages to attack our country contains components manufactured by companies from other countries – not from Russia. There are at least 53 types of such components in the design of the X-101 missiles. The Kinzhal missile has at least 49 types of components that Russia does not produce. A significant part of them are manufactured by companies in the free world and imported to Russia through various “gray” schemes. It is imperative to block such schemes and all those who facilitate them. More sanctions are needed. Greater accountability for sanctions circumvention schemes is needed. I am grateful to all states and leaders who are doing this. But much more pressure on Russia is needed. Only today, and only in the missiles used against Kyiv, there were at least 1,500 components that were imported to the terrorist state from normal countries. This must be stopped, and the world has the appropriate levers.

Today, I held several meetings with the military and the heads of our intelligence agencies. In particular, we discussed strengthening our defense against Russian terror and our active measures against the occupier. We are preparing good, effective steps.

There were a lot of international activities. First of all, I participated in a meeting of the European Council, which is a traditional format of our interaction with the European Union. Today, we discussed defense support and economic issues, including the continuation of free trade between Ukraine and the EU, as well as the actual start of negotiations on our country’s accession.

The second international activity today was a conversation with the Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Mitsotakis. We discussed bolstering air defense and implementing the security agreements reached during his visit to Ukraine, to our Odesa. We also talked about the preparation of our bilateral security agreement.

Thirdly, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Bauer, visited Ukraine today. Of course, the key things discussed are support for our soldiers, protection of our people, and bringing closer the time when we will not only be a de facto part of the Alliance in terms of values, but also when this will be a legally established reality.

I thank everyone who supports Ukraine and Ukrainians! I thank everyone who fights and works for our independence, for our strength.

I started this day in Kyiv region, in Moshchun and Hostomel. It is now the second anniversary of the liberation of the towns and villages of Kyiv region from Russian murderers. We must remember and always speak about what Ukraine and Ukrainians have managed to achieve; we must always be grateful to those who, at a crucial time, did not falter, who fight, work, and deliver the necessary results for Ukraine. Everything depends on our own strength – Ukraine can achieve what it needs. Ukraine has proven this. And will, undoubtedly, prevail.

Glory to Ukraine!

The reason:

I think we could all use a smile right now.

Ukrainian Defender learns he's going to be a dad while on positions in the frontlines. Look at his face.

May their baby grow up in peaceful Ukraine.

📹: mariaackles/TikTok pic.twitter.com/kNd8cxKjiI

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) March 21, 2024

This is interesting news, but it isn’t going to make a difference:

Rep. Ken Buck becomes the first Republican to sign the Dems' discharge petition to force a vote on Ukraine. "I've signed both of them," he told me.

Following @MariannaReports's reporting

— Kadia Goba (@kadiagoba) March 21, 2024

Which is why you would think Jake Sullivan would have learned to not let his mouth write checks that his boss can’t cover:

Jake Sullivan in Kyiv: Ukraine will receive assistance from the US

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan arrived in Ukraine for an unannounced visit.

In particular, Jake Sullivan expressed confidence that Congress will vote for $60 billion in aid to Ukraine.

"But from our… pic.twitter.com/I9EA1vYicm

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) March 21, 2024

Jake Sullivan in Kyiv: Ukraine will receive assistance from the US

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan arrived in Ukraine for an unannounced visit.

In particular, Jake Sullivan expressed confidence that Congress will vote for $60 billion in aid to Ukraine.

“But from our perspective, we are confident we will get this done. We will get this aid to Ukraine. And in the meantime, we’re not just waiting.

Just last week we announced from the White House podium a package of $300 million of ammunition, air defense, and other critical supplies that are needed right now on the front lines, and we are rushing those supplies to you as we speak.

So we are going to do everything in our power to continue to support you and your efforts as you go forward.

And we will work with the rest of the world as well, a coalition of more than 50 nations standing strong in support of Ukraine,” he said.

According to Jake Sullivan, the United States will also work with the whole world – a coalition of more than 50 countries – to further support Ukraine.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) made a surprise visit to Kyiv today. He said $300 million of ammo, air defense & other critical supplies needed for Ukraine’s army is being rushed here “as we speak.” Nothing on long-range ATACMS for now. No big news. pic.twitter.com/5vUEKIyiNd

— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) March 20, 2024

Estonia:

Estonia announced another package of military aid to Ukraine valued at €20 million.

The package includes recoilless anti-tank guns, explosives, various types of artillery ammunition, gas masks, sniper equipment, smaller caliber ammunition and more.
We are grateful to our… pic.twitter.com/PdsOPBwIJv

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 21, 2024

Estonia announced another package of military aid to Ukraine valued at €20 million.

The package includes recoilless anti-tank guns, explosives, various types of artillery ammunition, gas masks, sniper equipment, smaller caliber ammunition and more.
We are grateful to our Estonian friends who stood by our side since day one.
Together, we will win! 🇺🇦🤝🇪🇪

Hungary via Radio Svoboda: (machine translation)

Unlike some countries that do so covertly, Hungary is ready to openly discuss with Russia cooperation in sectors of the economy for which the European Union has not imposed sanctions, said at a briefing in Prague following a meeting of foreign ministers of the Visegrad Four, the head of the Hungarian Foreign Ministry Peter Sijarto.

« In those sectors where there are no sanctions, yes, on a pragmatic basis, where it is in our national interests, we would like to develop cooperation with the Russians, as many European and transatlantic countries do. Some of them are hidden, some – openly», – said Siarto.

According to a Radio Liberty correspondent, the diplomat noted that Russian gas supplies to Europe, Russian oil imports from India, and nuclear fuel supplies from Russia to non-European NATO countries have increased.

« And then, I don’t think you’ll raise this issue just before those who are willing to openly discuss it», – answered Sijarto to journalists.

Hungary in the person of the head of the government Victor Orban and heads of diplomacy Peter Seyart has repeatedly shown its commitment to the Kremlin. From the beginning full-scale Russian invasion Budapest does applications, which contradict common position of the EU on support for Ukraine.

In the United States expressed concern on expanding Hungary’s relations with Russia.

More at the link.

Here’s an interesting assessment on Macron’s seeming change of heart. First tweet from the thread, the rest from the Thread Reader App:

On Ukraine, @EmmanuelMacron has made a spectacular two-year journey from apparent dove to leading hawk. Why? French officials say the facts have changed and Macron has changed with them. Is that a full explanation? A VERY LONG historical thread… 1/

— Mujtaba Rahman (@Mij_Europe) March 21, 2024

Since Feb 2022 the French President has evolved from would-be Putin intermediary to implacable Putin foe. From “Don’t humiliate Russia” (May/June 2022), he has shifted to “Russia must be defeated” (June 2023) & now “Don’t exclude sending western ground forces” (February 2024). 2/

The Elysée Palace insists that Macron has been consistent – in context. Here is an attempt to retrace his journey with my thoughts on how Macron’s thinking at each stage has changed and why. 3/

7 Feb, 22: Macron flew to Moscow for his celebrated “long-table talks”, offering Putin “security guarantees” if Russia refrained from invading Ukraine. Putin promised not to invade but spoke interminably on why Ukraine had no historical right to exist. 4/

Putin’s massive table: powerplay or paranoia?Russia’s leader is using a five-metre table for one-on-one meetings, but is it just a super-cautious Covid measure?https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/08/vladimir-putin-massive-table

20 February, 2022: In a telephone conversation with Putin, Macron thought he had persuaded the Russian leader to consider peace talks with President @JoeBiden. Putin ended the call by saying he wanted to go and play ice-hockey.  Russia then reneged on the Biden talks. 5/

24 February 2022: Russia invaded Ukraine. Critics say there was never a chance of Macron stopping Putin; the talks were all about Macron’s vanity. Macron believes to this day that the talks were justified. Otherwise, the Kremlin would have said the West “wanted war”.  6/

May 9, 2022:  Macron told the @Europarl_EN that the West should not seek to “humiliate” Russia – provoking fury in Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic states. Evidence had just emerged of Russian war crimes in Boutcha and elsewhere. Macron’s comment were, at the least, clumsy. 7/

In the same speech, Macron first called for the creation of a wider European Political Community of EU and non EU-states – which has turned out to be a rather successful initiative. 8/

Macron calls for creation of ‘European political community’ to help countries like Ukraine join EUFrench President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday it would takehttps://www.lemonde.fr/en/france/article/2022/05/09/macron-calls-for-creation-of-european-political-community-to-help-countries-like-ukraine-join-eu_5982908_7.html

June 4, 2022: Macron repeated himself in an interview with the French regional press. “We should avoid humiliating Russia so that, when fighting ends, we can create an exit route by diplomatic means,” he said. 9/

What was in Macron’s mind? Russia seemed to be losing the war.  Macron believed that he could broker a deal which would preserve Kyiv’s interests & create a new security “architecture” which would advance his belief in a “strategic Europe”, less dependent militarily on the US 10/

That illusion soon faded. In a series of chaotic phone calls in the following weeks, Macron grasped that the Russian leader was lying/stringing him along. Their last call – on the safety of the Zaporizhzia nuclear plant – occurred in September 2022 11/

A former minister told Le Monde that Macron went through a period of “radicalisation by disappointment” in his calls with Putin. The Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky said in a French media interview: “It took some time but Emmanuel realised that Putin had duped him.” 12/

In the months that followed, as Ukraine prepared its counter-attack, Macron’s attitude to Moscow hardened and his strategic focus shifted. He realised that there could be no progress on a “strategic Europe” without the support of eastern EU countries. 13/

Successive French Govt’s have had feeble relations with eastern Europe, starting with reluctance of Paris to accept rapid eastern enlargement after the collapse of the Warsaw Pact. Macron’s attempts at direct diplomacy in 2022 had especially angered the Poles & Baltic states 14/

Ex-Warsaw Pact states have also been amongst the most suspicious about the EU’s ability to replace the US as the guarantor of European security. Macron decided he must reach out to the east. Germany was proving to be a reluctant “strategic European”. He needed new allies. 15/

1 June 2023: at the Globsec security conference in Bratslava on 1 June 2023, Macron called for the “|defeat of Russia” for the first time. Previously, he had spoken only of “preventing a Russian victory”. 16/

At Globsec Macron also apologised to eastern Europe for “missing an opportunity” to listen to them about Russia’s imperial ambitions. This was reference to Jacques Chirac’s remark in 2003 that E. Europeans had “lost an opportunity to shut up” by supporting US in 2nd Iraq war 17/

Also at Globsec, Macron opened the door to possible Ukrainian membership of a revitalsed @NATO.  He argued that America’s long-term reluctance to defend Europe made a European defence pillar WITHIN NATO vital to eastern Europe. 18/

French officials point out that these remarks were made against the background of cautious optimism that Ukraine could regain ground in its counter-offensive last summer. It didn’t; the outlook has since darkened. 19/

Macron has since grown anxious that – far from creating an opportunity to advance democracy and the EU –  the Ukrainian war may end in a  Russian victory which would discredit the EU and destroy its economy. 20/

The French President has been talking in private for several months about a possible need to deploy French and other Nato troops to Ukraine. He first asked the French military to consider its options last September. 21/

At a private meeting in the Elysée on 21 February, Macron astonished visitors by saying “In any case, I’m going to have to send guys (ie troops) to Odessa before the end of the year.”  22/

On 26 February, after a Ukraine military donors’ conference at the Elysée, Macron said in reply to a journalist’s question about possible western troop deployment: “nothing  should be ruled out…  Russia cannot (be allowed to) win this war”. 23/

War in Ukraine: Macron doesn’t rule out sending Western troops on the ground, announces missile coalitionSpeaking after hosting a meeting of two dozen European leaders to discuss Ukraine, the French leader painted a grim picture of a Russia whose positions he said were ‘hardening,’ both at home and on th…https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/02/27/war-in-ukraine-president-macron-doesn-t-exclude-sending-troops-on-the-ground-announces-missile-coalition_6562295_4.html

Cue instant rebuttals by the US, Germany and the UK and allegations that Macron, by grand-standing, was helping Moscow by exposing divisions in the West. 24/

What did Macron actually mean? French ministers have since said he meant only support troops not front-line fighters. Macron has refused to make that distinction. He said last weekend that he would not “initiate” such an escalation but that it might become necessary. 25/

Officially, Macron is trying to create “strategic ambiguity” – ie to keep Russia guessing. Unofficially, he is said to want to prepare French and western opinion for tough decisions that may lie ahead. 26/

What could France do anyway? The head of French ground forces says that it could deploy 20,000 troops to Ukraine within  a month. (Other reports suggest three months). 27/

There has been French media speculation that, if Russian breaks through Ukrainian lines, France might deploy a “blocking force” to protect Odessa and Moldova. Reality? Or strategic ambiguity? 28/

Macron is driven by a triple anxiety or fear.  The Ukrainian front-line may buckle;  US support for Ukraine, already suspended by Congress, will end if Donald Trump is re-elected in November; the west is sleep-walking towards a calamitous defeat. 29/

The Fr President is sometimes accused of wanting to seize the “leadership|” of the European Union. Senior Elysée sources say that, with just three years remaining in office, Macron does not think so much about “leadership” as “legacy”.  29/

In 2017, he promised to leave both France and the EU stronger than he found them. Seven years later, he faces a rising tide of far right and nationalist support in Europe and France and the possibility that a Russian victory in Ukraine could destroy the credibility of the EU 30/

Macron believes that Chancellor @Bundeskanzler has failed to adjust to the seriousness of the situation. He is frustrated by German unwillingness to face up to a new world in which cheap Russian energy and endless US military protection are no longer assured 31/

@Bundeskanzler In longer term Macron knows any serious European defence pillar within Nato needs enthusiastic backing of Germany – & UK. In the short term, he is delighted that his  “boots on the ground” initiative has been greeted with enthusiasm in Balts, Poland, Czech Republic & Finland 32/

@Bundeskanzler In sum… His “boots on the ground” remarks on 26 February were an attempt to force a debate the limits on western support for Kyiv. It was also – like much of his thinking from the beginning of the war – an attempt to force European countries to confront their own destiny.  33/

@Bundeskanzler His previous initiatives – talks with Putin; don’t humilliate Russia – failed. Will “boots on the ground” also prove to be a blunder? Or help to create Macron’s European legacy?

ENDS

@Bundeskanzler NB on Tweet 22, the @Elysee denies Macron ever said this

Tatarigami has published as strategic assessment of what Ukraine could do in 2024 to set the conditions for a successful 2025.

By thoroughly examining a frontline segment with exclusive data, satellite imagery, and drone footage, I tried to demonstrate the approach that can be used by Ukraine to defend itself in 2024 and gradually tilt the balance of power in its favor by 2025:https://t.co/nS9zayE1cX

— Tatarigami_UA (@Tatarigami_UA) March 21, 2024

Excerpts from EuroMaidan Press:

The Ukrainian frontline is a precarious place. Shortages of ammunition and manpower and a lack of air defense have led to creeping Russian advances. But there are places on the map that keep heroically resisting daily Russian attacks.

One of them is Bilohorivka, a town that held despite Russian advances to the south and north. Its secrets lie not only in fortifications, which Ukraine is hastily constructing on all fronts as it shifts to active defense, but also in its experienced and battle-hardened units. However, despite the stoic defense, Russian overwhelming manpower, KAB gliding bombs, and FPV drones continue to wear down the outnumbered Ukrainian defenders’ positions, facilitated by their shortage of artillery ammunition

We have studied satellite footage and witness accounts to illustrate for you the pressure that many such cities on the Ukrainian frontline are expected to face.

Bilohorivka still holds, but if Ukraine does not rapidly conduct its much-delayed mobilization, and is not backed with the drastically-needed ammunition, the Russian tactics we describe are sure to wear away at the Ukrainian defense here and elsewhere.

Key factors that will shape the battlefield in Ukraine in 2024

The key factors that shape the battlefield extend beyond ammunition, drones, vehicles, and personnel. Their relevance may fluctuate as the war progresses, but they are expected to remain important in the ongoing battle for the Siversk-Bilohorivka area

The Frontelligence Insight team has identified them as follows:

1. KAB – Guided air-dropped bombs

The growing production of KABs in Russia has resulted in a gradual escalation in the number of strikes. Despite their relative inaccuracy, the precision of KABs has improved over time. Ukraine faces a significant challenge in countering KABs, given that the drop distance exceeds the effective range of most of its Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) systems. While Ukraine does possess Anti-Aircraft (AD) defenses like the Patriot complex, their limited numbers are insufficient to adequately cover the majority of frontline areas.

2. Electronic warfare impact

The emergence of FPV drones has introduced a dynamic where even multi-million-dollar vehicles are susceptible to destruction by relatively inexpensive $500 drones. This shift has significantly influenced the battlefield, altering the traditional utilization of vehicles. In certain instances, the saturation of FPVs on the battlefield has relegated vehicles to a minimal role, primarily functioning as transport—delivering, deploying, and promptly retreating to minimize the risk of destruction.

Notably, there is a discernible trend wherein conventional Russian vehicles, such as BMPs and tanks, are increasingly equipped with Electronic Warfare (EW) modules. These modules aim to disrupt FPV communication with operators, reflecting an adaptive response to the evolving threat landscape. As the conflict persists, the efficacy of these EW modules is anticipated to improve, become more standardized, and be deployed across a broader spectrum of vehicles.

3. Mine warfare challenges

Mines, a scourge of past wars like WWI and WWII or guerrilla tactics, plague the Russo-Ukrainian war as well. However, drones have rendered existing demining doctrines obsolete.

Deploying demining vehicles is complicated as they risk detection by drones several kilometers away from the target area. Additionally, their short operational range makes them susceptible to ambushes by FPVs or anti-tank teams.

Another approach involves the deployment of anti-mine rollers, which are devices attached to the front of armored vehicles. These rollers are designed to neutralize mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) before the vehicle’s tracks encounter them. However, this method has its drawbacks, as it can significantly reduce the speed and maneuverability of tanks, two essential characteristics for avoiding easy detection and targeting in typical combat scenarios.

Russia’s ample placement of minefields impedes the maneuverability of Ukraine’s assaulting forces. Moreover, in situations where Ukraine needs to traverse a mined field for a counter-attack, the process of demining to create safe passages becomes time-consuming and perilous. Russia then can easily detect Ukrainian sappers, making them easy targets for strikes.

This goes the other way around. Consequently, the heavy mining of Ukraine’s southeast leads to a more static and positional mode of war.

4. Significance of fortifications

Well-constructed and concealed fortifications can be important and even decisive for offensive operations, as was evident during Ukraine’s unsuccessful summer 2023 counter-offensive. Meticulously prepared defenses substantially elevate the number of artillery shells required to inflict casualties or damage. Russian forces try to build new fortifications after seizing territories as soon as possible, rendering counter-attacks challenging.

This approach transforms the terrain into a multi-echeloned defense system, where each successful attack by the Russians establishes a new tactical defensive line.

In the case of Bilohorivka, the establishment of numerous trenches near Ukrainian positions is one of the key reasons why this area seems to be static. These defensive structures not only enhance resilience but also contribute to the creation of layered defensive networks, complicating the adversary’s efforts to penetrate and advance.

Bilohorivka: a microcosm of Ukraine’s defense strategy

Locations such as Bilohorivka offer a more representative perspective than places like Avdiivka. Unlike Avdiivka, where defenses have been prepared and organized since 2014, Bilohorivka provides a better opportunity for analyzing the generalized frontline and extrapolating from the experiences gained.

This leads us to the final question: what lessons can be gleaned from Bilohorivka for the big picture?

The focus of 2024 is likely to center around three critical factors:

1. fortifications;
2. manpower;
3. ammunition.

The Bilohorivka defense showcases Ukraine’s ability to slow down and exhaust Russian troops, inflicting sufficient damage to impede Russian political objectives, such as the complete occupation of the Donbas region. The Siversk area, particularly Bilohorivka, successfully held Russian forces at bay for over a year with minimal territorial changes, despite facing ongoing personnel shortages exacerbated by recent ammunition shortages.

To regain offensive capabilities for 2025, Ukraine must undertake another mobilization while also rotating, training, and reorganizing its troops. Moreover, support from the West will be essential for Ukraine’s offensive in 2025.

Ukrainians cannot afford to employ the same small tactical group exhaustion approach as the Russians due to factors like insufficient artillery ammunition and mobilization resources.

Consequently, Ukrainian forces may need to entrench themselves to buy critical time in 2024. As demonstrated by the Bilohorivka case, this approach can only succeed if Ukraine effectively constructs and staffs fortifications while preventing Russian advances through the use of minefields and artillery fire.

The challenge posed by the extensive use of KABs is likely to persist, and a resolution may only come through the additional procurement and deployment of Patriot air defense systems and F-16s equipped with advanced air-to-air missiles.

Training for both Patriot and F-16 systems requires a significant amount of time, hence even if Ukraine were to secure an additional batch of these weapons today, it would still take time to train personnel and organize logistics for their deployment.

This further proves that Ukraine needs investment not only in fortified defense positions but their concealment as well.

There is much, much more, including imagery, at the link!

More on the air defense of Kyiv early this morning:

Kids in the Kyiv subway this morning while the massive missile attack on Kyiv by Russia is ongoing. Even in the subway explosions were heard and floor vibrated. pic.twitter.com/8pr1g9v18K

— Oksana Parafeniuk (@Oks_Parafeniuk) March 21, 2024

#Kyiv under massive shelling now. Run into a bobmshelter in the underground station.
5 explosions. I hope it’s an aiddefense working.
Thanks god my younger son, husband and our dog are not in the city… pic.twitter.com/gGoUCITg19

— Nataliya Mykolska (@mykolska) March 21, 2024

An unexploded warhead of a downed Russian Kh-101 missile at the entrance of a residential building in Kyiv after today's Russian missile attack on Kyivhttps://t.co/7XlxBPwAfi pic.twitter.com/4XDnnhGANP

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 21, 2024

Kyiv subway right now. Russian massive missile attack is ongoing with both cruise and ballistic missiles. Loud explosions were heard even in the subway. pic.twitter.com/YZefim30HM

— Oksana Parafeniuk (@Oks_Parafeniuk) March 21, 2024

Huge crater left in a Kyiv residential neighborhood following Russian missile strike. Imagine for a second living in that house. pic.twitter.com/K9JHde0NLA

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) March 21, 2024

Dozen of Russian missiles shot down over Kyiv. Falling debris sparks fires and damages across the city. If not for air defense consequences would be dreadful. Each Patriot missile saves countless lives pic.twitter.com/5w13MueT6v

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) March 21, 2024

Browning M2 vs. russian missile.
This morning, a mobile fire group shot down a russian Kh-101 cruise missile in Kyiv region with a machine gun.

📹: Land Forces Command pic.twitter.com/aEDXwWOT2D

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 21, 2024

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine has shown the National Guard soldier who shot down a cruise missile that was headed to Kyiv on the night of March 21.

His name is Oleksii. He is an anti-aircraft sniper of the Burevii brigade.

As part of a mobile firing group, the… pic.twitter.com/dZJrDJyaSg

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) March 21, 2024

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine has shown the National Guard soldier who shot down a cruise missile that was headed to Kyiv on the night of March 21.

His name is Oleksii. He is an anti-aircraft sniper of the Burevii brigade.

As part of a mobile firing group, the soldier, together with his comrades-in-arms, protects Ukrainian cities during enemy air attacks.

“I ran out to the position. After assessing the situation, I found the target visually with my thermal imaging sight, captured it and launched the missile. I had literally seconds to do it all,” Oleksii said.

After the launch, he said, he saw the missile explode a moment later.

Glory to Ukrainian Hero!

*** Just a heads up, Geraschenko has a disturbing video posted on his timeline. I understand why he posted it, but you DO NOT NEED to watch it!!! It has to do with a Russian attack elsewhere in Ukraine, so just scroll past it if you check his feed.***

This is interesting:

The US ambassador in Kyiv suggests that Russia launched this morning’s missile attack in response to NSA Jake Sullivan and other countries’ national security advisors gathering in Ukraine’s capital yesterday. https://t.co/JZe8qJbsMQ

— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) March 21, 2024

The Poles have had enough of these missile attacks, especially as several of the previous ones crossed over into Polish air space. This morning they scrambled a Combat Air Patrol (CAP):

Dowództwo Operacyjne RSZ obserwuje dzisiejszej nocy intensywną aktywność lotnictwa dalekiego zasięgu Federacji Rosyjskiej, związaną z uderzeniani lotniczo-rakietowymi na obiekty znajdujace się na terytorium Ukrainy.

Wszystkie niezbędne procedury mające na celu zapewnienie… pic.twitter.com/Z3UktsNj8G

— Dowództwo Operacyjne (@DowOperSZ) March 21, 2024

The Operational Command of the Armed Forces is observing the intense activity of long-range aviation of the Russian Federation tonight, related to air and missile strikes on objects located on the territory of Ukraine.

All necessary procedures to ensure the safety of Polish airspace have been launched, and DO RSZ is monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis.

❗️ We warn that Polish and allied aircraft have been activated, which may result in increased noise levels, especially in the south-eastern part of the country.

3 minutes is a long time for a missile. This is how disastrous accidents happen. As usual, Russia escalates while we endlessly debate escalation. https://t.co/pt19U17IZ1

— laurence norman (@laurnorman) March 21, 2024

Kharkiv:

"A missile has hit us. I am burning, daughter. I am burning. I'm trapped and can't get out. I'm sorry for everything."

These were the words of a mother to her daughter, right after the russian missile strike on the printing house in Kharkiv. pic.twitter.com/RNHpLPvKmT

— Iryna Voichuk (@IrynaVoichuk) March 20, 2024

Russian occupied Kherson Oblast:

⚡️ Official: Russia fires at occupied Kherson Oblast infrastructure in 'provocation' act, causes outages.https://t.co/LmRza6fUCr

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 21, 2024

From The Kyiv Independent:

Russian troops struck energy infrastructure in the occupied part of Kherson Oblast as a “provocation,” leaving residents of the Russian-held city of Kakhovka without gas, electricity, and water supply, said Yurii Sobolevskyi, the first deputy head of the Kherson Oblast Council, on March 21.

Kakhovka is a port city located on the east bank of the Dnipro River, which was home to around 34,750 citizens before the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Russian troops have occupied Kakhovka since the all-out war started. Russian forces regularly shell Ukrainian cities and villages from the occupied part of Kherson Oblast.

Sobolevskyi called the latest Russian attack “a provocation,” as Russian proxies alleged that Ukraine’s Armed Forces conducted the strike.

“Ukrainian army strikes only military targets. And leaving people without the necessary living conditions – this is namely the Russian army’s habit,” Sobolevskyi wrote on Facebook.

After Ukraine’s Armed Forces liberated Kherson and other regional settlements on the west bank in 2022, Russian troops were pushed to the river’s east bank, from where they have since been firing at the liberated territories, regularly resulting in civilian deaths as well as large-scale destruction of homes and infrastructure.

As of the morning of March 21, two people were killed and four injured due to Russian attacks over the past day in Kherson Oblast. Russian troops struck 12 cities and villages, including the regional center of Kherson.

The Bakhmut axis:

The occupiers failed again…
Ukrainian warriors repelled the attack on the Bakhmut axis and destroyed/damaged 12 armored vehicles.

📹: Pomsta Brigade pic.twitter.com/jrDo8yP1MX

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 21, 2024

Cluster ammunition strike on Russian positions, video by Russian infantry. Bakhmut front. https://t.co/Ek0d23mWrR pic.twitter.com/tVdDi3aNFI

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 21, 2024

The Avdiivka front:

/2. Part 2. Russian and sunken BTR pic.twitter.com/x6gHTdn3Xg

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 21, 2024

That’s just sad.

Not sure exactly where in Ukraine this is:

/2. The destroyed Russian Grad pic.twitter.com/48bQlMTMlF

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 21, 2024

Here’s the machine translation of Sternenko’s tweet:

30 million out of 50 have already been collected!

On this occasion, watch another video of the drone in action with auto-guidance 💥

Ivanhoe and friends destroyed the Russian BM-21 Grad!

However, there is a nuance. At the last moment, the drone switched to the fleeing Russian, but still flew into Grad by inertia.

Your 29 hryvnias are exactly what you need to improve technology and scaling 😉

The Ukrainians are crowd sourcing and kit bashing their defense against Russia’s genocidal re-invasion in real time!

For you drone enthusiasts:

A Ukrainian wheeled drone capable of carrying up to four TM-62 anti-tank mines. pic.twitter.com/ykd53RMl99

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) March 21, 2024

Moscow:

Here's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announcing the creation of 2 new ground armies, along with 16 new brigades and 14 new divisions. Very unclear where the new numbers will come from, though there are fears of a new, post-election mobilization. https://t.co/CSeDEuUGyO pic.twitter.com/edWjGeHfGP

— Mike Eckel (@mikeeckel.bsky.social) (@Mike_Eckel) March 20, 2024

The Baltic Sea:

On March 19, a number of Russian media reported that the Russian Trawler “Captain Lobanov” sank in the Baltic Sea. Preliminarily, due to «an explosion» on board. Now information has appeared in the Russian media that the ship was sunk as a result of a Russian Navy missile… pic.twitter.com/MxacRh0Zdr

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 21, 2024

On March 19, a number of Russian media reported that the Russian Trawler “Captain Lobanov” sank in the Baltic Sea. Preliminarily, due to «an explosion» on board. Now information has appeared in the Russian media that the ship was sunk as a result of a Russian Navy missile accidentally hitting the ship:

«A relative of a crew member of the trawler “Captain Lobanov” confirmed to Dozhd media that the ship was mistakenly hit by a Navy missile

As a result of a missile hitting the fishing trawler Kapitan Lobanov on March 19, three crew members were killed and four more were injured. A relative of one of the crew members told Dozhd media about this.

The missile that hit the trawler was fired during a Baltic Fleet exercise, the source said. Before the incident, the trawler’s crew members were about to go to bed when a missile fell on the captain’s cabin.

According to official reports from local authorities, there was a fire on board the trawler, and the cause of the incident is still unknown. In addition, authorities report only one death.

“When the survivors were taken away, everyone knew perfectly well that three people had died. And everyone knew perfectly well that a rocket had hit. But they decided to write that there was a “fire.” I wonder what kind of fire this is, if the captain’s cabin is completely gone, it was simply demolished,” says Dozhd’s media source.

The survivors were sent to a hospital in the city of Pionersk; one of the victims is in serious condition. According to the source, at the hospital the victims were interrogated by FSB officers, who asked the crew members “not to talk about the incident.”

Another missile, according to the source, fell into fishing nets near the industrial vessel of the MRTK company, which was located not far from the trawler “Captain Lobanov”.»

 

It looks like Russians drowned their own ship during an exercise. Way to go!

The trawler "Captain Lobanov" sank after it was hit by a Navy missile during a training exercise. This was reported by Dozhd TV channel with reference to a relative of a crew member.

According to… https://t.co/znREVXwhsV pic.twitter.com/8x52dFJlJh

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) March 21, 2024

It looks like Russians drowned their own ship during an exercise. Way to go!

The trawler “Captain Lobanov” sank after it was hit by a Navy missile during a training exercise. This was reported by Dozhd TV channel with reference to a relative of a crew member.

According to him, this happened on March 19. As a result of the missile hitting the ship, 3 crew members were killed and four more were injured. The missile was fired during a Baltic Fleet exercise, he claims.

The authorities of Russian Kaliningrad region reported that a fire occurred on board the trawler “Captain Lobanov”, as a result of which several people were injured.

From the Russian Volunteer Corps operations in Belgorod Oblast:

An interview with senior Russian lieutenant Kolotov, who was taken prisoner by Russian Volunteer Corps.

I encourage you to watch. The lieutenant thought the population of Russia was a billion people, but Ukraine was about to attack it, so Russia had to strike first. https://t.co/lpsyDoV5Xc pic.twitter.com/KdJWs4UAp5

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) March 21, 2024

Following today’s presser of Russian Liberation Forces, one question remains unanswered: when they topple Putin, what next? Will the new regime forsake Russian imperial ambitions, return all occupied territories, and pay reparations? This is not only Putin's war. pic.twitter.com/sGDhhLo6dT

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) March 21, 2024

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

A new video from Patron’s official TikTok!

@patron__dsns

Готовий перелічити усі найпрекрасніші речі світу, аби описати те, наскільки я люблю свою сім’ю ❤️🥹

♬ sonido original – ♡♬

Here’s the machine translation of the caption:

I am ready to list all the most beautiful things in the world to describe how much I love my family ❤️🥹

Open thread!

Putin must lose, and this is a matter of life and death for the democratic world – address by the President of Ukraine

20 March 2024 – 22:50

Dear Ukrainians!

Here are the results for this day.

The day began with a report by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Anatoliy Barhylevych. Our main actions – the situation now, key directions, planned steps. We are working as actively as possible with our partners and on domestic production of weapons to provide more necessary means for our warriors.

Second, there were a lot of international activities today. A very eventful day. A conversation with the Prime Minister of India. I thanked Mr. Prime Minister Modi for the continued support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country, as well as for the participation in the work on the Peace Formula at the level of advisors. I invited India to participate in the first Global Peace Summit that we are preparing in Switzerland. It is very important that such a global power as India demonstrates its leadership in restoring a just peace and upholding the goals and principles of the UN Charter, which is the essence of our Peace Formula. Of course, we also discussed bilateral relations with Mr. Prime Minister of India.

Today I held several international meetings in Kyiv. In the afternoon, I met with the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands – it was a very substantive and good conversation. The key thing we discussed was the protection of our cities and villages, air defense for Ukraine to really save our people from Russian terror. We also discussed ways to increase the capabilities of our army. The Netherlands is one of our most consistent partners in protecting human lives and upholding justice.

In the evening, I met with Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to the President of the United States. It was also a very meaningful, very specific conversation about defense cooperation and the joint political results we need to achieve. I am grateful to America for its support of our country and people, and it is vital that American leadership remains strong in protecting the international legal order.

We must be resilient to all types of challenges, and our actions must be long-range to defeat Putin, rather than being in a situation where doubts about the strength of the West benefit this lunatic. Putin must lose – and this is a matter of life and death for the democratic world. When he loses, the democratic world will have a bright perspective for generations to come.

Today I took part in the Summit for Democracy. This is the third time this format has been held – this year the Republic of Korea brings together democratic leaders. I am grateful to everyone who cares about preserving the freedom of nations and the development of people despite all the difficulties and chaos in the world today.

And one more thing.

Our Kharkiv… For more than two years now, Kharkiv and the region have been subjected to brutal Russian attacks. Saltivka was destroyed by missiles, other districts and streets of the city were damaged. Villages and towns in the region were destroyed. Today was another Russian strike on Kharkiv, which will have no effect on anything, except that Ukraine will respond in an even more principled and precise manner. Five people were killed by a Russian missile in Kharkiv today. My condolences to all the families and friends.

Every wounded person is being provided with the necessary assistance. But this is not enough – everyone should realize this. Kharkiv needs enough air defense systems. Sumy region needs air defense. Chernihiv region and all our other regions that suffer from Russian terror. Our partners have these defense systems. And our partners need to understand that air defense must protect lives.

I am grateful to everyone who protects normal life in our cities and villages! Thank you to everyone in the world who helps! Thank you to everyone who fights for the sake of our country and the people who work for defense, for Ukraine! We must stand firm and guarantee reliable security for Ukraine. For the whole of Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!

Just two more days till a US government shutdown and three more days until the House of Representatives goes on a two week vacation for Easter:

We have 3 more days before Congress goes for a two-week recess.
35 House Democrats and most House Republicans haven't signed the discharge petition to bring the Ukraine aid bill the floor for a vote

Urge your representatives to sign it today. Time is running out. pic.twitter.com/qZUsdIL13o

— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) March 20, 2024

And Speaker Johnson is going to continue to bottle up more aid for Ukraine.

The United States will not consider assistance to Ukraine for now, – The Hill.

It is reported that House Speaker Johnson refused to consider aid to Ukraine until the overall U.S. budget is passed. This could take at least another three weeks.

— Maria Drutska 🇺🇦 (@maria_drutska) March 20, 2024

The Netherlands:

Great news from the Netherlands!

The Netherlands is purchasing more than €150 million worth of ammunition for the F16s. The country is also making a contribution of more than €200 million to buy ISR drones for Ukraine.

We are grateful to our Dutch friends for their staunch… https://t.co/E7RPHwTtqo

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 20, 2024

Great news from the Netherlands!

The Netherlands is purchasing more than €150 million worth of ammunition for the F16s. The country is also making a contribution of more than €200 million to buy ISR drones for Ukraine.

We are grateful to our Dutch friends for their staunch support.
We appreciate your significant impact on Ukraine’s victory.
🇺🇦🤝🇳🇱

➡️ We also secured a contract for new ISR-drones for about €200 million, together with partner countries. (2/2)#UDCG #StandWithUkraine

— Kajsa Ollongren (@DefensieMin) March 20, 2024

Lithuania:

Lithuania has allocated €35 million to procure ammunition for Ukraine within the Czech initiative.

We are grateful to our Lithuanian friends for their strong support! 
Ukraine appreciates your efforts to bring victory closer.
🇺🇦🤝🇱🇹@Lithuanian_MoD pic.twitter.com/m2o5UFWhLK

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 20, 2024

Brussels:

Trump has done this, destabilized Europe, it is exactly what Putin tasked him to do. I hope the American press wakes up and stops treating this campaign as a normal one, it is not. It’s a foreign adversary attempt to overthrow our system of government.

— David Doak (@SouthPoint1000) March 19, 2024

Euractiv has the transcript of Charles Michel’s remarks:

Charles Michel is the President of the European Council.

It was 3:30 in the morning on 24 February 2022, when I was woken by the sound of my phone ringing. Countless intelligence briefings warning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine can never prepare you for the moment.

Hearing Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s grave voice over the phone say “Bombs are falling on us, it’s a full invasion,” I knew at that moment the entire post-World War II security arrangement had changed forever. The EU also has to change fast with it.

Within hours, EU leaders met in Brussels for an extraordinary summit to establish its response to the invasion. There was no need for words among us. The action was what was required. It’s a moment in history each of us EU leaders will remember forever. The decisions taken at the European Council meeting signalled the birth of a geopolitical EU.

The Kremlin’s miscalculation of an easy 3-day war against Ukraine, underestimating the EU’s collective unity, and Ukraine’s determination to defend its territory, shows the delusion at the heart of its leadership. The Kremlin does not care about its people’s welfare, the country’s prosperity, or peace in the region.

In contrast, Ukraine and its people have resisted, retaking seized territory, pushing the Russian navy from the Black Sea, and inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces.

Two years on from the start of the war, it is now clear that Russia will not stop in Ukraine, just as it did not stop in Crimea ten years ago. Russia continues its destabilising tactics — in Moldova, Georgia, the South Caucasus, the Western Balkans and even further afield on the African continent.

Russia is a serious military threat to our European continent and global security. If we do not get the EU’s response right and do not give Ukraine enough support to stop Russia, we are next.

We must therefore be defence-ready and shift to a ‘war economy’ mode. It’s time to take responsibility for our security. We can no longer count on others or be at the mercy of election cycles in the US or elsewhere.

We must strengthen our military ability both for Ukraine and Europe, to defend the democratic world. A stronger EU will also contribute to a stronger NATO alliance and enhance our collective defence.

While we can be proud of how far we have come, there is still much we can and must do.

In a phone call two days after the war started, Zelensky pleaded for Europe to send arms. Together with High Representative Josep Borrell, we worked with EU leaders to deliver lethal weapons to Ukraine. This was a first in the history of our Union. That very weekend the first arms were arriving in Ukraine.

Europe’s commitment to Ukraine and its people has been unwavering at every European Council since then.

We have also stepped up on the military manufacturing front. Europe’s defence industry has ‘ramped up’ its production capacity by 50% since the start of the war, and we will double ammunition fabrication to over 2 million shells yearly, by the end of next year.

Meanwhile, across our continent, Kremlin propaganda in Europe attempts to convince our citizens that the war in Ukraine does not concern us, is draining our budgets, and dividing us. These are blatant lies. We must do more to assist Ukraine and strengthen our defence. We need to speak not only the language of diplomacy but also the language of power.

Russia will spend a reported 6% of GDP on defence this year, while the EU still spends on average less than the NATO goal of 2% of GDP.

For decades, Europe has not invested enough in our security and defence.

Today we face the biggest security challenge since the Second World War, we must therefore build our defence readiness. This will take a radical and irreversible shift in our thinking, towards a strategic security mindset.

We must prioritise Ukraine and spend more smarter in a less fragmented manner.

Supporting Ukraine

While we beef up our defence capacity, we must ensure Ukraine gets what it needs on the battlefield. Ukrainian soldiers urgently need bullets, missiles and air defence systems to control the skies.

We must use the European budget to buy military equipment for Ukraine and let’s make use of the windfall profits from Russia’s immobilised assets to purchase arms for Ukraine.

Buy more together

We should aim to double what we buy from the European industry by 2030. This will give more predictability to our companies. Multi-year contracts will also incentivise them to expand their production capacity.

This will strengthen our defence sector, and enhance defence readiness, creating jobs and growth across the EU.

Make access to financing easier

Investments in security are expensive but without them, we cannot increase our defence production. We must facilitate ways for industry, to access public and private financing more easily.

Issuing European defence bonds to raise money to buy materials or invest in our industry, could be a powerful means to strengthen our technological innovation and industrial base.

We must consider expanding the European Investment Bank’s mandate and adapting the lending policy to allow us to do more to support our European defence industry, i.e. by changing the definition of dual-use goods.

EU leaders are convening again in Brussels two years after that pivotal European Council meeting. At this crucial moment in global history, we must be defence-ready, matching the urgency of the threat.

This fight requires strong leadership — to rally our people, businesses, and governments toward a new spirit of security and defence across our continent.

If we want peace, we must prepare for war.

Finally, Europe is ramping up -and Czechia is playing a major role in securing gap-filler capabilities. But 2024 will be a disheartening and tough slog nonetheless with US out of the hardware picture for an undetermined length of time https://t.co/aJoPYtePfY

— François Heisbourg (@FHeisbourg) March 19, 2024

Kosovo:

Kosovo aiding Ukraine with mortar rounds, trucks, and other equipment. #Kosovo #Ukraine https://t.co/Mi5kEbX9CO

— Petrit Selimi (@Petrit) March 19, 2024

Kosovo really punching above their weight class! Good for them!

France:

French Armed Forces Ministry says Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Director Naryshkin's claim that France is preparing up to 2,000 servicemembers to go to Ukraine is "mass disinformation" – https://t.co/Kb72NhVLz8

— Camilla Schick (@CamJourno) March 19, 2024

Russian intelligence accounts spreading easily verifiable disinformation get status as "content creators" on @X, and because X is a money bleeding venture, it's fair to say @elonmusk personallh funds Russian intelligence operations. pic.twitter.com/nIxiZWhHi0

— Christo Grozev (@christogrozev) March 19, 2024

What’s interesting is there are a number of expatriate Russians in the French Foreign Legion. If you recall, at the beginning of the re-invasion, there were reports of some of them trying to figure out how to get back to fight for Russia. I have always had a sneaking suspicion that one of the reason Prigozhin’s Wagner front groups were able to so successfully and efficiently subvert the French in the Sahel is because of the numbers of Russians in the Foreign Legion. Specifically that they functioned as a gigantic insider threat feeding intelligence and information back to the Russians.

More from Kharkiv:

This is right next to where the WCK warehouse in Kharkiv was operating from until last year (and where I spent a lot of time in 2022). This is a completely civilian and industrial area. Windows in the warehouse were all blown out, but everyone is okay there. https://t.co/Dpgt7Aq08X

— Nate Mook (@natemook) March 20, 2024

Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk said that Russia has dropped more than 3,500 UMPK glide bombs so far in 2024.https://t.co/oxVIYU75bc

— Rob Lee (@RALee85) March 18, 2024

From Militarnyi:

Since the beginning of 2024, the combat aviation of the Russian Federation has dropped more than 3,500 bombs on the positions of the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

This was announced in an article of Ukrinform by Deputy Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Ivan Havriliuk.

According to him, this number is even more than the same period last year.

The Deputy Minister stressed that enemy aviation actively used guided bombs against Ukrainian positions on the border and frontline areas.

He noted that only since the beginning of this year (for 77 days), Russian aviation had dropped more than 3,500 bombs on Ukrainian positions, which was 16 times more than last year.

According to Lieutenant General, F-16 fighters have to turn the dominance of Russians in the air war, which will increase the capabilities of the Ukrainian Defense Forces on the ground.

But now, according to him, the situation is such that there are no F-16 yet, and the stocks of ammunition of certain nomenclatures are falling to a critical level.

“These and other factors make it difficult for the Defense Forces of Ukraine to perform tasks to repel the aggressor,” Havriliuk said.

At the same time, he stressed that there were high expectations for the adoption of important decisions for Ukraine on the provision of new packages of military aid from allies.

Since the beginning of 2023, Russians began to use guided bombs equipped with UMPK (unified gliding and correction module – ed.) kits.

This kit converts conventional “dumb bombs” into precision-guided munitions. Also, due to the wings that open after ascending from the hardpoint, the range of the bomb increases to tens of kilometers. Initially, Russians turned into adjusted 250 and 500-kilogram bombs. However, today they already equip such modules with FAB-1500 and RBK-500.

The Russian bombers and fighters can drop their bombs at a distance of 40-50 km from the front line. Under such conditions, today enemy aircraft are almost invulnerable to Ukrainian air defense or fighter aircraft. This is a problem that requires a systemic solution.

Lots of pictures of the Russian bombs at the link.

And here’s a visualization of what the Russian missile strikes look like over time.

Notably, Russia has launched relatively few missile strikes over the past month and their production capacity for ballistic and cruise missiles is more than 115 per month, according to Ukrainian officials. Graph from @konrad_muzyka. https://t.co/Nhd03NPi7t pic.twitter.com/ySnGJM9v5C

— Rob Lee (@RALee85) March 20, 2024

The Avdiivka front:

-2 russian IFVs
+2 spectacular explosions

The warriors from the 47th Mechanized Brigade burn the occupiers on the Avdiivka axis. pic.twitter.com/kaSmeNKDhf

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 20, 2024

Here’s longer video:

Destruction of two Russian BMP-3 on the Avdiivka front. By the 47th Brigade.https://t.co/eD4yW1RqBx pic.twitter.com/4CjbUpcOLn

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 20, 2024

Two Russian T-72B on the Avdiivka front.https://t.co/9IjWXbeEAT pic.twitter.com/yyRa9OlUPJ

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 20, 2024

Not quite sure where this is:

K-2 combat group of the 54th Brigade released a video featuring a nearly complete destruction of an enemy armoured group. Footage shows how the engagement was controlled inside a command point.

Watch full video with subtitles: on YouTube: https://t.co/VNKTuFIAMm pic.twitter.com/oFJnFoaRSL

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) March 20, 2024

Or this:

As said, on the video the FPV drone with an automatic guidance system continues to fly to the target even after losing the signal with the operator due to work of electronic warfare system.
By the 60th and 63rd Brigades of Ukraine. https://t.co/W2s1ARS4Bs

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 20, 2024

Here’s the machine translation of the original tweet:

FPV FIGHTING WITH AUTO TARGETING!

Our drones have evolved and can now hit targets almost by themselves!

This video shows the destruction of a Russian tank using just such a drone 💥
This is the joint work of the 60th and 63rd mechanized brigades.

The drone flew to the target in conditions of active suppression by electronic warfare systems, but this did not prevent it. Because at the final stage he already did his job 😉

The technology is new, needs improvement and scaling. That’s why I’m asking you to make a donation for such drones as a gift to me.
They neutralize the work of the enemy’s EW in most cases and allow you to hit the enemy even more effectively!

The goal is 50 million hryvnias.
With these funds, we will purchase 1,300+ such drones and invest in the technology itself.
These will be both FPV quadcopters and airplanes. Both day and night.

And yes, this is not the first such decision in Ukraine. But one of the first successful applications.

And the enemy, unfortunately, also has similar developments.
The Russians have been testing a similar technology for more than a month, so we should invest all the more in development.
And when the product is completely ready, we will involve the state in procurement.
To scale even more.

Monobank https://send.monobank.ua/jar/5eBaMvoanU

Bank card 5375411215349155
Private 5168745030910761
PayPal [email protected]

Driven away!

Engels air base in Russia:

Engels, home to strategic bomber military airbase in Russia was attacked by drones tonight. Fuel, logistics and military airfields—put it on repeat. pic.twitter.com/8aCzTjWndK

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) March 20, 2024

This night there was a reported drone attack attempt and air defence activity on the territory of Russian military airfield in Engels, 600km from the front. pic.twitter.com/9rkrozHerv

— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) March 20, 2024

Pobedobesie/the cult of Victory in Russia:

Rus. praporshik Danil Shargan twice served in the war in Ukraine, as part of the 35th Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces and the Wagner PMC, and now works as an instructor in the so-called “military-patriotic center.” He instructs children to kill Ukrainians. pic.twitter.com/1rq3z7tYge

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) March 20, 2024

The “reeducation” of Ukrainian children stolen by the Russians is adjacent to the pobedobesie educational regime.

Kremlin kidnaps them to erase their identities. pic.twitter.com/k9jYPY4tsh

— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) March 19, 2024

NPR has the latest on Russia’s genocidal theft of Ukrainian children:

Ukraine says more than 19,000 children have been illegally taken by Russia since the war began. NPR’s Leila Fadel speaks with two teenagers who were abducted from Ukraine.

LEILA FADEL, HOST:

When Russia invaded Ukraine nearly two years ago now, it didn’t just take territory. It separated thousands of Ukrainian children from the only home they’ve ever known, relocating them to Russian-occupied territory or to Russia itself. Most of those children have not returned. Some who have are young adults now, and they’re speaking out.

Where were you when the invasion began?

KSENIA KOLDIN: (Through interpreter) I was living in a foster family in the town of Vovchansk, which is in Kharkiv Oblast, living there with my younger brother. I was finishing school the last year before you go to university, and I was 17 years old at the moment.

ROSTISLAV LAVROV: (Through interpreter) When the war started, straight away, my grandma died, and then my mother, she was taken by the Russian military to some sort of medical facility, a facility they wouldn’t tell me what was it.

FADEL: How old were you?

LAVROV: (Through interpreter) I was 16 years old. So I was absolutely alone after that moment that my mother was taken.

FADEL: That’s Rostislav Lavrov, who was moved to Russian-occupied Crimea, with Ksenia Koldin, who was taken to Russia and separated from her brother. I caught up with them after their testimony about this to U.S. lawmakers. At least 19,000 children are still gone, according to Ukrainian officials, but the real number is believed to be much higher. They’re sent to Russian foster families, technical schools, military training and so-called summer camps with the intention of turning them into Russian citizens. Ukraine’s prosecutor general, Andriy Kostin, testified via video recording to that same group of bipartisan lawmakers.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

ANDRIY KOSTIN: We are talking about the next generation of Ukrainians. We are talking about the fate of each and every child, some being as young as 1 year old, who will grow up not knowing who they are.

FADEL: He, along with other international officials, sounded the alarm about Russia’s determination to brainwash these kids into hating Ukraine. Rostislav Lavrov is living proof. He may be 18 right now, but he still has the wonder of a child on this visit to D.C.

LAVROV: (Through interpreter) The road was very difficult, but when I’m actually here, it’s like you’re in a movie.

FADEL: Lavrov is from a village in southeast Ukraine. When the Russian military occupied, they took his mom. Months later, they came for him, sent him to Russian-occupied Crimea. There, he refused all efforts to indoctrinate him.

LAVROV: (Through interpreter) So every morning, I would listen to the Russian anthem. We were told that Ukraine is not going to exist anymore, that you are not needed anywhere. You’re – nobody waits you anywhere back home. And then we were told, like, you need to leave, and you need to go to a different place where you’re going to study.

FADEL: How long, total, were you kidnapped?

LAVROV: (Through interpreter) Almost exactly a year, like, up to a day.

FADEL: His captors confined him to a small cell when he refused to sing the Russian national anthem.

LAVROV: (Through interpreter) It’s 6 by 6 feet. There’s a small balcony with grates on it. There’s a small wardrobe. There’s a toilet. You’re not allowed to use the phone. You’re not allowed to go anywhere.

FADEL: Russian authorities tried to erase his past. They replaced his Ukrainian birth certificate with a Russian one, but he never gave up on getting home. A friend’s mom and the charity Save Ukraine helped him. Mykola Kuleba of Save Ukraine has located and rescued hundreds of Ukrainian children and teens.

MYKOLA KULEBA: We need everything. We need rescue more children. We need provide recovery for these kids – housing, food, health. These kids received traumas, and we have to help. We have to recover them and reintegrate into Ukrainian community and provide an educational program.

FADEL: And so that takes months, years.

KULEBA: Yeah. It’s a lot of time.

FADEL: Yeah.

KULEBA: That’s why Ukraine asked United States provide the support, because it’s very expensive, and our child welfare system collapsed because of war.

FADEL: Ksenia Koldin was also rescued by Save Ukraine. She was determined to return home with her brother. He was sent to what Russians called a rest and recreation camp.

KOLDIN: (Through interpreter) The promised two, three weeks that we were told that we going to get separated for we, were actually separated for 900 miles away from each other.

FADEL: Wow.

KOLDIN: And it turned out to be nine months.

FADEL: How old is your brother?

KOLDIN: (Through interpreter) He’s 12 now.

FADEL: Oh, my gosh. So that must have been really difficult, separating from your little brother like that.

KOLDIN: (Through interpreter) I must say, those were the worst nine months of my life.

FADEL: She says at the school where she was forced to study, they tried to make her take Russian citizenship.

KOLDIN: (Through interpreter) We were brainwashed into saying that if Russia wouldn’t have invaded, then Ukraine would have invaded first.

FADEL: What was going through your mind?

KOLDIN: (Through interpreter) So I would just not say anything. I would just sit thinking to myself, glory to Ukraine. My country is going to prevail and win. Yeah, you can say whatever.

FADEL: She told me she was scared that her brother was starting to believe. Some similar things he’d been placed with a Russian family. And the foster mother?

KOLDIN: (Through interpreter) She kept saying like, there’s no future in Ukraine. There’s – it’s run by Nazis. This family was actually very pro-Russian. They were actually propagating on him this propaganda. And when they realized that I was on my way to get him, they actually shut down all the communication with me. So I would tell him that he’s the only person, really, of my relatives. I would not promise him anything about what’s going to be in Ukraine, like, but I would tell him that if we’re going to be together, it’ll be all right. Part of me wanted to cry, but I actually did not let myself. All of this just worked because he said, yes, let’s come back to Ukraine.

FADEL: Ksenia Koldin got her wish. They returned home together. Sitting next to her, I asked Rostislav Lavrov how he was doing after being rescued.

LAVROV: (Through interpreter) So I, myself, is all right. I would want my mother to come back to Ukraine and be healthy.

FADEL: Do you have any news of her?

LAVROV: Nyet.

FADEL: He’s still waiting. They’re sharing their stories to remind the world that other Ukrainians, and most urgently, the more than 19,000 children who were taken, still need help. And now Russia is fast-tracking citizenships for those forced to Russia or occupied territories. Ukrainians say it’s to erase any documentation of their true identities.

This is most likely somewhere in Belgorod Oblast:

WARNING!! WARNING!! GRAPHIC IMAGERY!! WARNING!! WARNING!!

Incredible footage shows imperial forces unsuccessfully assaulting a building with the Free Russia Army fighters inside.https://t.co/0P6xLJ3xfG pic.twitter.com/vVgZzS66bQ

— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) March 20, 2024

ALL CLEAR!!

That’s enough for tonight.

Your daily Patron!

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

Legends. pic.twitter.com/t7bWVKBNMa

— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) March 20, 2024

@natemook and the HachikoUA team install feeding stations in frontline areas of 🇺🇦 and bring food and supplies to the folks who look after the cats and dogs. 😻

🎟️Gift a Lucky $5 to put more kibble in the feeders! ☘️

PP https://t.co/jGbOOowJsE

Follow Hachiko Foundation on IG pic.twitter.com/4K5BdeUjLs

— Jolie Mack 🇨🇦🇺🇦 (@joliemackdotcom) March 17, 2024

We would be honored if a smart dog joins us Daunty! The Hachiko foundation also takes care of dogs 😉 pic.twitter.com/x5C4iweHpa

— EllenB 🎗️ (@4EverBraveFella) March 18, 2024