Newsletter 26/03/2024
Daily news digest
Top
Ukrainian forces attack Konstantin Olshansky ship, which Russia stole in 2014
"Unfortunately, a decision was made to inflict fire damage on this unit. We have no choice. We used a Ukrainian Neptune, and the damage was inflicted," Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk announced this on Ukrainian television.
France might requisition industrial capacities to speed up production of arms for Ukraine
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said that defense orders for the country are currently a higher priority than civilian ones and did not rule out the requisitioning of industrial capacities to speed up the production of arms and shells needed on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Shmyhal, Cameron discuss seizure of immobilized Russian assets
"We discussed the escalation of Russia's attacks on civil infrastructure and the necessary assistance to Ukraine. And also the mechanisms that will make Russia pay for the crimes and destruction committed. In particular, the confiscation of the frozen Russian assets," said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
PM Shmyhal: Ukraine receives $880M from IMF under EFF Arrangement
The above funds will help Ukraine to cover the priority budget expenditures and maintain macrofinancial stability.
War
Two civilians wounded as Russians attack Kharkiv region with Uragans, Grads
Russians open fire at Beryslav, injuring two
Russians conduct airstrike on civilian infrastructure in Sumy
Multi-story building and non-residential building damaged in Kharkiv due to rocket attack
In Mykolaiv, 50 houses damaged by shelling, three destroyed to ground
Kuleba to partners after Russia's missile strikes: 'Give us the damn Patriots'
"Give us the damn Patriots. […] If we had enough air defense systems, namely Patriots, we would be able to protect not only the lives of our people, but also our economy from destruction," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.
He explained that Ukrainian troops are losing positions because Russia began to massively use upgraded aerial guided bombs, and the only way to prevent this is to shoot down the planes carrying the bombs.
Politics
Danilov reflects on years in top NSDC position: “No shame”
"Four years, five months, and 24 days of work as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Work to which I remained devoted to the end. Days for which there is no shame. The hours flew by like lightning. I thank fate for giving me the opportunity to serve my country and my people in times of peace and in times of war!" said Danilov.
Security situation in Europe most serious since WW2 – Czech counterintel chief
The brigadier general mentioned, among other things, disinformation campaigns, attempts to discredit the authorities, and to pit the Czechs against Ukraine. Kudelka spoke, in particular, about dep fake videos, citing as an example the one that circulated during a presidential election campaign in Czechia – aiming to discredit candidate Pavel. Experts have found evidence that the video was doctored in Russia.
Defense
Ukraine’s top security official vows more “special operations” against Russia before year-end
"The Russians should expect more blasts... We never repeat ourselves and if they change their defense system against our naval drones, we, of course, are one step ahead. Everything needs to be done in the right time, you will see how it goes," The head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk said.
According to Maliuk, since Russia unleashed the war, the security agencies have destroyed 809 Russian tanks, as well as other armored vehicles and e-warfare systems.
Economy
Hungary not to reintroduce import ban on Ukrainian honey
Hungary will not reintroduce a ban on honey imported from Ukraine despite demands by honey farmers who have protested saying cheap honey from Ukraine pushed down prices and threatens to drive them out of business.
Society
Zelensky holds joint iftar with Muslim community on Ramadan
"Last year we initiated a new tradition – to celebrate the holy Ramadan together. The political leadership of our country, the military command, representatives of the Ukrainian Muslim community, the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, and the diplomatic corps – all together. I am very glad that we are here today in the same composition. Unity is always important, especially when life is overshadowed by war and the strikes of evil," Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Fact check
Russian propaganda spreading deepfake videos about Zelensky to German- and English-speaking audiences
Propagandists used deepfake technology for fake videos from Berlin streets
A German-language Russian media outlet, English-language bots on social media platforms X, TikTok, pro-war Russian Telegram channels, as well as Russian-language resources that pretend to be "Ukrainian," are distributing videos from the streets of Berlin and photos taken from them. In the videos, allegedly glued posters can be seen with a caricature of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the word "give" in different languages.