Exclusives
| UN report: Russian torture of Ukrainian POWs “widespread and systematic”. New UN report uncovers “widespread and systematic” Russian torture of Ukrainian POWs, with accounts of “relentless, brutal treatment inflicting severe pain and suffering” during prolonged detention. |
Military
UK intel: Russia Black Sea Fleet’s new chief expected to stabilize security situation after ship losses. Admiral Moiseyev, the new Commander in Chief of the Russian Navy, is expected to prioritize stabilizing the Black Sea security situation and implementing changes to improve the combat capability of the Black Sea Fleet, per UK intelligence.
Ukraine attacks Russia’s Kaluga oil refinery using drones. Suicide drones of the Ukrainian military intelligence agency reportedly damaged a Russian oil refinery in Kaluga as Ukraine intensifies aerial strikes against Russia’s oil industry.
Russian forces use Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as military base (video). New footage reveals Russian forces using the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant as a base for armored vehicles.
As of 15 Mar 2024, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:
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- Personnel: 428420 (+580)
- Tanks: 6758 (+1)
- APV: 12949 (+11)
- Artillery systems: 10580 (+15)
- MLRS: 1017
- Anti-aircraft systems: 717
- Aircraft: 347
- Helicopters: 325
- UAV: 8254 (+34)
- Cruise missiles : 1920
- Warships/boats: 26
- Submarines: 1
- Vehicles and fuel tanks: 13993 (+34)
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Intelligence and technology
SBU blocks batch of drone and missile components destined for Russia. SBU cyber experts engaged in systematic efforts to block supply chains of components for Russian drones and missiles, undermining Russia’s military production.
Russian online voting systems hacked by Ukrainian intel. Although Russian officials attributed the “interruptions to a large number of people wanting to vote,” the source claims that the HUR’s cyber operation caused the disruption.
International
France, Germany, and Poland pledge more weapons for Ukraine in show of unity. At the Weimar Triangle meeting in Berlin, the leaders of France, Germany, and Poland agreed to boost Ukraine’s military support with more weapons, expanded equipment production, and a rocket artillery coalition.
Sweden donates maritime surveillance jet skis to Ukraine. The Swedish government has decided to transfer nine jet skis to Ukraine, previously used for maritime surveillance, for immediate use as requested by Ukraine, following the Coast Guard’s analysis of donating vessels and equipment.
EU boosts defense industry with €500 million for ammunition production. The European Commission allocates €500 million to increase ammunition production capacity to 2 million shells per year by 2025.
Czech-led shell initiative for Ukraine bolstered by Portugal’s €100 million pledge. Portugal joins Czech-led initiative to support Ukraine with artillery shells, pledging €100 million to provide crucial ammunition as Kyiv faces ammunition shortages, complementing military assistance including tanks and carriers provided since the Russian invasion.
Greece negotiates deal with Czechia for ammunition transfer to Ukraine. Through a deal with the Czech Republic, Greece will supply Ukraine with 2,000 Zuni rockets, 180 anti-tank rockets, 90,000 projectiles, 4 million bullets, and 70 howitzers without depleting its own stocks, according to Greek media.
Politico: House Speaker Johnson says he expects to take up Ukraine aid with Democratic votes. US House Speaker Johnson says he expects to take up Ukraine aid through a suspension calendar, a process needing a two-thirds majority vote in the House.
Borrell: Outcome of Russia-Ukraine war ‘will be decided this spring and summer’. “We have to increase our support, to do more and quicker,” EU’s foreign policy chief stressed.
Humanitarian and social impact
Russian double missile strike on Odesa kills 16, injures 55 (updated). On 15 March, Russia targeted Odesa with a double missile strike, resulting in the deaths of two first responders and 14 other civilians, at least 55 injuries, and damage to homes, a service station, a gas pipeline, and emergency vehicles.
Rebuilding Ukraine’s decimated scientific infrastructure will cost over $1 bn, UN says. 1,443 buildings at 177 different scientific institutions across Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed by Russian attacks.
Russian forces attempt to turn Ukrainian teenagers into soldiers – CNN. In a disturbing violation of human rights, Russia is forcibly deporting Ukrainian teenagers, attempting to conscript them into the Russian armed forces.
Political and legal developments
Macron: peace in Europe requires preparation for war. In an interview, Macron also reiterated that the option of sending Western troops should remain open.
Shortened Oscar Show to be recut to include “20 Days in Mariupol” after outage. The Academy will recut the Oscars’ international broadcast to restore the Best Documentary Feature category, won by 20 Days in Mariupol, after protests from Ukraine’s Suspilne TV over its omission and the exclusion of Mstyslav Chernov’s speech.
Read our earlier daily review here
