UKRAINE WAR BRIEF DAILY DRAFT
For: 2024-03-05
Slava Ukraini! Since June 2023 I have provided a daily draft for the Ukraine War Brief Podcast collecting news from over 40 sources daily much of which ends up in the script. I will make this Draft available here for those who wish to keep up with events on a daily basis.
INSIDE UKRAINE
ALONG THE CONTACT LINE
GSAFU Morning Report
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in its situation update at 06:00 on Mar. 5 stated that it was day 741 of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
During the past day, 74 combat engagements took place. Over the past 24 hours, the enemy carried out 5 missile strikes, 66 air strikes, and 108 MLRS attacks across the positions of our troops and settlements. As a result of the Russian attacks, unfortunately, there are dead and wounded among the civilian population. Destruction and damage to residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure.
At the same time, Ukrainian soldiers continue to inflict losses in manpower and equipment on the occupying troops, exhausting the enemy along the entire front line.
The Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 8 concentrations of troops and 1 UAV ground control station
Also, the Ukrainian Air Defense forces and means destroyed 1x Kh-59 air-launched guided missile.
Ukrainian missile forces struck 3 concentrations of troops, 1 air defense system, and 6 artillery systems of the russian invaders.
The Khortytsia operational-strategic group
(Responsible for the Kup’yans’k, Lyman, and Bakhmut axes, in the northeastern part of Ukraine. )
Kup’yans’k axis: The enemy carried out 7 assaults in the areas of the settlements of Synkivka and Tabaivka (Kharkiv oblast) unsuccessfully trying to improve its tactical position.
Lyman axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 4 attacks near Terny (Donetsk oblast) and Bilhorivka (Luhansk oblast)
Bakhmut axis: Ukrainian forces repelled 15 attacks near Ivanivske, Klishchiivka and Andriivka (Donetsk oblast)
The Tavria operational-strategic group
(Responsible for the Avdiivka, Mar’inka, Shaktars’ke, and Orikhiv axes, in the central-eastern and southeastern part of Ukraine.)
Avdiivka axis: Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 28 enemy attacks near Novoselivka Berdychi, Tonen’ke, Pervomais’ke and Nevel’s’ke (Donetsk oblast).
Operational environment stabilises west of Avdiivka
Dmitry Lykhova, a spokesman for the Tavria operational-strategic group stated on Mar. 3 that Ukrainian Defense Forces had managed to stabilise the operational situation west of Avdiivka Liga.net reported.
"In the area of the villages of Berdychi, Orlivka and Tonenke, which are of most interest to everyone, the operational situation is stabilising. There our forces restrain the enemy within these settlements. Fighting continues, but there is no reason to say that the enemy occupied or captured these settlements, – Lykhova said.
Lykhova said that the Russians had reduced the number of offensive actions on the front, for which OSUV "Tavria" is responsible". He suggested that this could be a logical consequence of a lessening of airstrikes due to losses on the russian side.
Mar’inka axis: Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the occupiers in the vicinities of Heorhiivka, and Novomvahkilivka (Donetsk oblast). Troops repelled 20 attacks in that area.
Shakhtarske axis: Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 2 attacks near Urozhaine and Prechvstivka (Donetsk oblast)
Orikhiv axis: Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 1 attack near Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast).
The Odesa operational-strategic group
(Responsible for Kherson, Qırım, (also known as Crimea) and the Black Sea.)
Kherson axis: Ukrainian defenders continue to maintain their positions. Over the past day, the enemy carried out 2 unsuccessful assaults on the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces on the left bank of the Dnipro River.
Ukrainian Forces Destroyed new russian Corvette Sergey Kotov
Last night, a series of powerful explosions were heard near the temporarily occupied Kerch, in Eastern Qirim. It was reported online that the Russian ship Sergei Kotov could have been sunk as a result of the drone attack. This was later confirmed by pro-Russian media themselves. RBC-Ukraine reported.
It was reported that the ship had gone down and that there were casualties among the crew. In total, after midnight, eyewitnesses in Kerch counted five powerful explosions.
During the night of March 4-5, 2024, a specialized unit from the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, (HUR) known as Group 13, executed a targeted operation against russian Project 22160 corvette Sergey Kotov of the Black Sea Fleet. This mission was conducted in collaboration with the Ukrainian Navy and received support from the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. This was reported by Defense Express.
Amid the news of the destruction of another enemy ship, the head of the Presidential Office, Andrii Yermak, wrote that "The Russian Black Sea Fleet is a symbol of occupation. It must not be in the Ukrainian Crimea".
Utilizing Magura V5 sea drones, the attack inflicted damage to the stern, starboard and port side of the russian vessel. The incident occurred within Ukraine’s territorial waters, near the Kerch Strait. The Sergey Kotov was a new ship commissioned after the beginning of the full scale war entering service with the Black Sea Fleet on Jul. 30 2022. The estimated cost of the sunken ship amounts to approximately 65 million dollars.
The screenshot from the video released by the HUR shows the last moments of the warship before it was struck. The ship carried a crew of up to 80, there has been no word as to whether there were any survivors.
TEMPORARILY OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
UN records 104 cases of pro-Ukrainian Crimeans abducted in past 10 years
Since 2014, the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has documented 104 cases of abduction and 55 cases of torture committed by Russian forces in Qirim against pro-Ukrainian activists, according to a UN report dated 28 February.
The mission stated that Russia had illegally imposed its "citizenship", "laws", and "institutions" on the people of Crimea in all aspects of life, suppressing opposition and dissent.
In particular, the leaders of the Crimean Tatars (Qirims) who oppose the occupation of Qirim were particularly affected by repressions.
Many Crimean Tatars were forced to leave the peninsula, and the invaders replaced them with Russians. According to the United Nations, it is an "apparent attempt to change the peninsula’s demographic structure".
"Over the past decade, we have documented efforts by the Russian Federation to impose the Russian language, culture, and institutional framework on Crimea while at the same time taking actions to erase the peninsula’s rich cultural, linguistic, and religious heritage," said the head of HRMMU, Danielle Bell.
Due to the Russian Federation's repressive policy, only 0.1% of students in Crimea study in Ukrainian. Furthermore, the invaders shut down nearly 80% of previously registered Ukrainian media.
The occupation "authorities" in Crimea suppressed minorities' freedoms of thought, expression of culture, and identity, as well as severely restricting their religious freedom.
Since the beginning of the temporary occupation, the number of registered religious organisations in Crimea has been cut in half, according to the UN.
THE HOME FRONT
Ukraine's drone production could reach 2 million units this year
Hanna Hvozdiar, Deputy Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine stated that Ukrainian drone manufacturers can already produce up to 150,000 units per month, and by the end of the year, Ukraine may reach a total of 2 million drones.
"Everyone was struck by the President's statement about the possibility of producing a million drones in Ukraine, and many people did not believe it for various reasons. I can assure you that Ukraine's production is already well over a million. And I am confident that this year, we will reach the mark of even 2 million," said Hvozdiar.
She stated that Ukraine can currently produce approximately 150,000 drones per month at its own facilities, and that with additional funding, production can be scaled up significantly.
In total, approximately 200 domestic companies are involved in this sector, with nearly 60 already included in the state order.
Air Force: 18 Shaheds shot down in the Odesa region overnight
The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that On the night of March 5, 2024, the enemy attacked with 22 attack drones of the type "Shahed" launched from the area of the Balaklava in occupied Qirim.
Anti-aircraft missile units of the Air Force, mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine were involved in repelling the air attack. As a result of combat work, 18 Shaheds were destroyed by anti-aircraft defences within the Odesa region.
RUSSIAN WORLD
Medvedev claims 'Ukraine is Russia' and historical territory needs to 'come home'
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council and an ally of President Vladimir Putin, described Ukraine on Monday as part of Russia and said what he called historical parts of Russia needed to "come home." Reuters reports.
In a bellicose presentation that suggested Russia's military goals in Ukraine are far-reaching, Medvedev, who was Russia's president from 2008-2012, praised the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union and said Moscow would prosecute its "special military operation" until the Ukrainian leadership capitulated.
"One of Ukraine's former leaders said at some point that Ukraine is not Russia," Medvedev, a hawk who diplomats say gives a flavour of the thinking inside the Kremlin, told a youth forum in the Black Sea city of Sochi.
"That concept needs to disappear forever. Ukraine is definitely Russia," he said to applause. "Historic parts of the country need to come home."
There was no immediate reaction from Kyiv. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly accused Medvedev and other top Russian officials of waging an illegal war of conquest and said Ukraine and its people are distinct from Russia and Russians.
Medvedev was speaking in front of a giant map of Ukraine showing the country as a much smaller landlocked rump of land than its internationally recognised territory.
WORLD NEWS
Lithuania will contribute to the Czech initiative on the purchase of ammunition for Ukraine
Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė confirmed on Monday, after speaking with the head of the Czech Government, Petr Pavel that Lithuania will contribute to the multilateral initiative launched by the Czech Republic regarding the acquisition and transfer of ammunition to Ukraine.
"This is a very important initiative, especially in this period when the supply of ammunition to Ukraine has slowed down. As until now, Lithuania will continue to support all support formats that would increase Ukraine's ability to effectively defend itself against Russian aggression, thus protecting the freedom of the whole of Europe," said Prime Minister
Lithuania will join Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Canada, Sweden and Germany who have already signed on to the initiative.
France will join Czech initiative on the purchase of ammunition for Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron has said his country is joining the Czech Republic's initiative to purchase ammunition for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and seek funding for the project.Ukrinform reported.
He said this at a joint press conference with Czech President Petr Pavel in Prague on Tuesday, March 5, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.
"We will reach out to third [parties], non-European countries with the request to provide resources to meet Ukraine's short-term ammunition needs," Macron said.
He recalled that the initiative consists "in finding ammunition where it exists and is compatible with the equipment that we have delivered."
"And we started the work that was earlier carried out separately. This is a more effective form of cooperation. That's why we support it and are ready to join," Macron said.
France will join Lithuania, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Canada, Sweden and Germany who have already signed on to the Czech initiative.
The International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for Russian commanders of long-range aviation and Black Sea Fleet
The Hague Court today issued arrest warrants for the Commander of the Long-Range Aviation of the Aerospace Force Sergei Kobylash and the Commander of the Black Sea Fleet Viktor Sokolov, according to the International Criminal Court.
"Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court ... issued warrants of arrest for two individuals, Mr. Sergei Ivanovich Kobylash and Mr. Viktor Nikolayevich Sokolov, in the context of the situation in Ukraine for alleged crimes committed from at least 10 October 2022 until at least 9 March 2023," the statement says.
Sergei Ivanovich Kobylash, who at the relevant time was the Commander of the Long-Range Aviation of the Aerospace Force, and Viktor Nikolayevich Sokolov, who at the relevant time was the Commander of the Black Sea Fleet, are responsible for war crimes.
They involve the war crime of directing attacks at civilian objects and the war crime of causing excessive incidental harm to civilians or damage to civilian objects, as well as the crime against humanity of inhumane acts under the Rome Statute
"There are reasonable grounds to believe they bear individual criminal responsibility for the aforementioned crimes for having committed the acts jointly and/or through others, ordering the commission of the crimes, and/or for their failure to exercise proper control over the forces under their command," the court said in a statement.
Last May, the Security Service of Ukraine announced suspicion against Admiral Sokolov for involvement in missile strikes on energy facilities in Ukraine.
During the fall of 2023, the SSU announced suspicion against General Kobylash for a missile strike on a multi-story building in Uman, Cherkasy region.
MILITARY & TECH
Russia's "most advanced" tank will not be used in Ukraine over fears of reputational damage
Yesterday we published an article regarding the statement of the head of Rostec regarding the fact that the T-14 Armata “super tank” would not be used in Ukraine. Now British Military Intelligence has weighed in on the matter.
The UK Ministry of Defence in their Mar. 5 Intelligence Update analysed the statement of Sergey Chemezov, the head of Russian defence concern Rostech, made on Monday that the "most modern main battle tank" of the Russian Federation, the T-14 Armata, will not be deployed in the war against Ukraine due to its high cost.
"To date, it is almost certain that the T-14 Armata MBT has not been deployed to Ukraine. This is highly likely due to the potential reputational damage of losing the ‘prestige’ vehicle in combat and the requirement to produce greater quantities of MBTs which can only be satisfied by other variants," the intelligence agency concluded.
The UK Ministry of Defence also referenced that the T-14 Armata was supposed to begin entering service with the 1st Guards Tank Army in 2021, but that never happened. Also during a planned parade showcasing the T-14 Armata as the world's most advanced tank in Moscow on 9 May 2015, it stalled during a rehearsal, could not be restarted and had to be towed away – Talk about cringe!
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