Russo-Ukrainian war, day 774: Russians kill 3 Ukrainian POWs; drone attack on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

Exclusive

Lithuania donates Ukraine M577 command post carriers. Lithuania has delivered M577 Command Post Vehicles to Ukraine, adding to its military support that included artillery shells sent in early March. The country commits to long-term assistance with a €200 million package for 2024-2026.

Military

Ukrainian drones destroy 7 Russian warplanes in Yeysk airfield attack – media. This April 5 attack was part of a broader Ukrainian drone assault that day, which also targeted Russian airbases in Morozovsk and Engels. ISW: Delayed US military supplies impact the Ukrainian forces' capabilities to respond to Russian mechanized assaults. While Russian mechanized assaults intensify in Ukraine's east, materiel shortages don't allow Ukrainian forces to contest the battlefield initiative Frontline report: Ukrainian troops in Chasiv Yar face extensive bombing and numerous attacks. After conducting mechanized assaults, Russians occupied part of a small forest in front of this town in Donetsk Oblast. Ukraine's air defense downed all 17 Shahed drones during an overnight Russian attack — GenStaff. Intense fighting continues in several directions where Russia launched dozens of attacks yesterday. As of 07 Apr 2024, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:

• • • Personnel: 447510 (+820)
    • Tanks: 7074 (+17)
    • APV: 13551 (+54)
    • Artillery systems: 11316 (+54)
    • MLRS: 1036 (+4)
    • Anti-aircraft systems: 749
    • Aircraft: 347
    • Helicopters: 325
    • UAV: 8956 (+61)
    • Cruise missiles : 2064 (+4)
    • Warships/boats: 26
    • Submarines: 1
    • Vehicles and fuel tanks: 15071 (+79)

Intelligence and technology

China provides geospatial intel and other military support to Russia, US says. China has reportedly stepped up its support for Moscow in the Russia-Ukraine war, including providing geospatial intelligence, microelectronics, and other military components, raising concerns from the US. Budanov: Russia set to launch Donbas offensive ahead of summer. In March, President Zelenskyy made the same statement.

International

Zelenskyy supports foreign training and border missions in Ukraine but refrains from inviting troops to fight. Zelenskyy said Russia could exploit other troops fighting on the frontline to raise concerns among other nations' societies about sending their children to war and undermining the unity. Zelenskyy says Ukraine is open for loans as a form of US aid if it is provided timely. "If we were offered a loan today or everything for free in a year, we would say: 'Only today.'" Zelenskyy: Ukraine needs 25 Patriot systems for full air defense protection. He said it could seem like a big amount, but Ukraine is a big country

Humanitarian and social impact

Three direct hits on Russian-held Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant reactor, IAEA chief says. Ukrainian intelligence officials clarified that Kyiv is not involved in any armed provocations there. Mandatory evacuation looms in northern Kharkiv Oblast over Russian shelling. The persistent shelling, now hitting previously spared populated areas, has led authorities to consider expanding the mandatory evacuation zone. Russian forces execute three unarmed Ukrainian POWs. Russians allegedly committed a war crime near Krynky in the occupied part of Kherson oblast, according to the Ukrainian prosecutor's office. Drone attack hits Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant, says IAEA. Earlier, Ukrainian authorities reported Russian military using the plant for equipment storage and personnel deployment.

Political and legal developments

Trump vows to force Ukraine cede Crimea, Donbas to Russia if elected – WP. President Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that Ukraine will not cede any territory from its 1991 borders.

New developments

Zelenskyy: Ukraine has no ammunition for offensive, only defense, builds fortifications. In some areas, 92-98% of the work of building three tiers of fortifications has been completed, according to the Ukrainian president. Read our earlier daily review here.