Russo-Ukrainian war, day 773: China supplies Russia military parts, intel; Ukraine needs 25 Patriot systems

Exclusives

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.

Theologian: Russian Church goes full Nazi with "holy war" on Ukraine. Patriarch Kirill's "decree" blessing Russia's Ukraine invasion brims with "sacred mission" rhetoric from the times of Nazi aggression – yet church leaders worldwide remain deafeningly silent, says Cyril Hovorun

Military

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. Source: one bomber destroyed, two damaged by Ukrainian drone attack at Engels base. Earlier, intelligence sources told Ukrainian media that three Tu-95MS aircraft were damaged at the major Russian bomber base Russia pounds Kharkiv with improved gliding bombs, hits Odesa with ballistic missile. Ukraine is challenged to intercept both kinds of Russian aerial threats Frontline report: Russia's Kharkiv offensive rumors info-op, not genuine threat. The estimated number of troops needed for an encirclement of Ukraine's second-largest city exceeds Russia's entire occupation contingent Russian have "not maximally critical" tactical gains near Chasiv Yar, Ukraine battalion leader says. A Ukrainian battalion commander reports that Russians have achieved tactical successes in the direction of Chasiv Yar since March but notes that their gains in this strategically important area should not be considered "maximally critical." As of 06 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: 446690 (+790)
    • Tanks: 7057 (+24)
    • APV: 13497 (+38)
    • Artillery systems: 11262 (+41)
    • MLRS: 1032 (+3)
    • Anti-aircraft systems: 749 (+2)
    • Aircraft: 347
    • Helicopters: 325
    • UAV: 8895 (+48)
    • Cruise missiles : 2060 (+1)
    • Warships/boats: 26
    • Submarines: 1
    • Vehicles and fuel tanks: 14992 (+70)

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. 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

Hundreds of small power plants: Ukrenergo reveals strategy to protect against Russian strikes. Decentralization of electricity production throughout Ukraine seen as only way to protect the energy system from the severe consequences of Russian attacks Russian missile and drone strikes target Ukraine en masse, air defense thwarts majority of attacks. Community center known for aiding tens of thousands of displaced people from Russia-occupied territories, was damaged. Six killed, ten injured in Russian nighttime strike on Kharkiv. Nine high-rise buildings, three dormitories, several administrative structures, a store, a gas station, a service station, and multiple vehicles damaged. Ukraine's maritime corridor exports over 36 million tons of cargo. The sea export is especially important due to the blockade of the western Ukrainian border by Polish farmers.

International

61% of Americans believe in another world war, only 9% willing to serve if called. Besides 68% of Americans believe that a future world war would likely involve nuclear weapons. US delivers warning to China over support for Russia's war against Ukraine. Russia has managed to maintain its economic stability and even enhance its defense industry, largely due to expanded trade relations with China. Idea of deploying troops to Ukraine caused a row between Macron and Scholz. As Emmanuel Macron first expressed his idea on the possibility of Western partners stationing their military in Ukraine, German chancellor Olaf Scholz was allegedly enraged at the idea, demanding that the conversation be halted.

Political and legal developments

Draft summons used as "punishment" for Ukrainian journalist exposing SBU official's luxury real estate. A whistleblower from Slidstvo.info had apparently faced an act of retribution from Ukraine's Security Service for exposing the corruption of one of its chiefs

New developments

Pipeline explosion in Russia disrupts oil transport. The explosion caused disruptions in the supply chain. Read our earlier daily review here