Russo-Ukrainian War, day 768: Russia’s disinformation war continues as over half of Russians accuse Ukraine of Moscow attack

Exclusive

Russians build alternative railways for military logistics in Ukraine's occupied south. Amid delayed weapon deliveries by allies, Russia accelerates the construction of alternative railway links in Ukraine's occupied south, linking strategic cities and creating defensive structures to support military logistics.

Russia suspected of funneling funds to Germany's AfD party for pro-Russian messaging. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is being investigated for potential involvement in a Russian influence operation. Reports suggest that hundreds of thousands of euros from a pro-Putin network were directed to European politicians, including AfD members.

Military

Frontline report: Ukraine tries to defend heights around Bohdanivka in fierce fighting. After heavy aerial bombardment, Russian infantry secured a 1 km bridgehead south of Chasiv Yar, establishing positions 500 meters from the town's eastern edge. Germany suspends production of Taurus missiles. Thomas Gottschild, head of German Taurus manufacturer, says production halted due to laws prohibiting "weapons in reserve" As of 01 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: 442880 (+710)
    • Tanks: 6986 (+20)
    • APV: 13321 (+17)
    • Artillery systems: 11082 (+32)
    • MLRS: 1023
    • Anti-aircraft systems: 744 (+1)
    • Aircraft: 347
    • Helicopters: 325
    • UAV: 8757 (+26)
    • Cruise missiles : 2057 (+9)
    • Warships/boats: 26
    • Submarines: 1
    • Vehicles and fuel tanks: 14752 (+35)

Intelligence and technology

Russia used 5 Zircon hypersonic missiles to strike Kyiv in 2024. One of Russia's newest missile techs, the Zircon can hit targets over 1,000km away at 9x the speed of sound. UK intel: Sanctions continue to disrupt key inputs for Russia's defense industry. Sanctions are severely disrupting Russia's defense industry, limiting access to foreign components and technology crucial for advanced weapon systems production and exports, per UK intelligence. Ukraine's intel: Putin begins active preparation for confrontation with Europe, US, and NATO. Following recent elections, Putin actively prepares for confrontation with Europe, NATO, and the US, with unchanged plans to fully occupy Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts in Ukraine, signaling an aggressive foreign policy stance, according to Ukrainian intelligence.

International

Greece to send thousands of ammo rounds to Ukraine through Czechia's initiative. The ammunition reportedly is ""inactive but usable." The deal is valued at $163 million, according to a Greek outlet iEidiseis Ukraine rises to the top three chocolate exporters to the EU in 2023. Ukraine became one of the top three chocolate exporters to the European Union in 2023, contributing 13% to the total imports, as reported by Eurostat. Japan donates $ 118 million to Ukraine for healthcare and housing recovery. Ukraine's Ministry of Finance has secured a $118 million grant from Japan for World Bank projects HEAL and HOPE, aimed at supporting healthcare and housing recovery efforts in Ukraine. US House Speaker Jonson promises Ukraine aid bill vote with "innovations" after recess. US House Speaker Mike Johnson intends to move a Ukraine aid package featuring "important innovations" after recess, but if passed, the House's alternative bill would require Senate approval, leading to further aid delays.

Political and legal developments

Chechen detained after terrorist attack in Crocus City Hall dies in police custody in Moscow. Chechen Askhab Uspanov allegedly died from torture in police custody, according to Agency.News citing his mother and Chechen channel 1ADAT. Over half of Russians accuse Ukraine of attack at Crocus City near Moscow – survey. Russians aged 31 to 50 have the highest number of those who believe Ukraine was involved in the attack: over 50%, according to the poll by an Anglo-Ukrainian online pollster OpenMinds Collaborator Chaika died in car explosion in occupied Starobilsk, Luhansk Oblast. In recent months Valeriy Chaika was deputy head of Russia's educational organization in the self-proclaimed "Luhansk People's Republic's" Read our earlier daily review here.