Russo-Ukrainian war, day 776: Ukrainian drones hit aviation training center in Russia; Zelenskyy visits Kharkiv

Exclusive

Propaganda's scalpel: How Russian lies fracture Ukraine. The Kremlin uses censorship, disinformation, and digital control to create an alternate reality in Ukraine's occupied regions, with the goal of dividing Ukrainians and weakening resistance.

Military

Russian forces capture western outskirts of Pervomayske amid fierce battles. Pervomayske village, where 2,000 people lived before the full-scale war, is located close to the city of Avdiivka. Ukraine's PG office probes 27 cases of 54 POW executions by Russians since 2022. Ukraine is aware of 54 executed Ukrainian POWs by Russian forces since 2022, with 27 criminal cases initiated for war crimes. Ukrainian drones hit military aviation training center in Russia's Voronezh Oblast. Last night, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck a Russian military aviation training center in Voronezh, with a Ukrainian defense source confirming the successful operation carried out by Ukraine's military intelligence. Ukraine downs all of Russia's 20 explosive drones, as Russian missiles strike Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian air defenses thwarted an overnight Russian drone attack, shooting down all 20 Shahed drones targeting various regions, per Ukraine's Air Force. As of 08 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: 448400 (+890)
    • Tanks: 7087 (+13)
    • APV: 13575 (+24)
    • Artillery systems: 11356 (+40)
    • MLRS: 1039 (+3)
    • Anti-aircraft systems: 751 (+2)
    • Aircraft: 347
    • Helicopters: 325
    • UAV: 8996 (+40)
    • Cruise missiles : 2065 (+1)
    • Warships/boats: 26
    • Submarines: 1
    • Vehicles and fuel tanks: 15110 (+39)

Intelligence and technology

FPV drones responsible for destroying more than two-thirds of Russian tanks in recent months – Foreign Policy. FPV drones are not a long-term solution to Ukraine's artillery shortage, experts warn. Baerbock calls for more Patriots for Ukraine amid fears of Russian bombardment of Kharkiv to the ground. "We need an overview of all Patriot systems in Europe and worldwide to see where we can quickly deliver something to Ukraine," she said

International

UK govt supported participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in Olympic Games. The decision comes despite the UK government's earlier advocacy for a complete ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes. Borrell: "Conventional war in [the whole of] Europe is no longer a fantasy". "The US umbrella, which we have relied on since the Cold War, may not be open all the time," he said. UK's Cameron meets Trump, urges US to maintain Ukraine assistance. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron meets with former US President Trump, plans to meet with congressional leaders, aiming to overcome Republican resistance and secure approval for a new aid package to support Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion. No sense in talking to Russia, Europe must support Ukraine, French FM says. French FM Séjourné is skeptical about dialog with Russia, highlights Europe's crucial role in providing long-term aid to ensure Ukraine's victory against the Russian invasion, emphasizing the importance of European unity and commitment.

Humanitarian and social impact

Zelenskyy: Russia has a goal to drive people out of Kharkiv. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of strengthening air defense, restoring electricity and water supply, and building bomb shelters in schools of the Oblast. Russia simulated attack on Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant – Ukraine intel. Ukraine has not conducted any military actions or provocations concerning the station, Yusov reports. Earlier IAEA reported alleged drone attack. Two Russian strikes reported in Kharkiv center. Three individuals were wounded. Emergency services are working at the sites. Russia's overnight strikes targeted Ukrainian energy facilities. In its ongoing campaign against Ukraine's power grid, Russia damages substations in Poltava and Lviv. Ukraine manages to maintain a stable electricity supply, thanks to warm weather and imports from neighboring countries. Read our earlier daily review here.