Monday, February 23. Russia’s War On Ukraine: News And Information From Ukraine

Dispatches from Ukraine. Day 730.

Local news.

Sumy region. Two Russian drones struck a house in the village of Nova Slaboda on February 20, killing a family of five.

Kharkiv region. A Russian drone hit a civilian car near the village of Petropavlivka on February 20, killing two farm workers instantly.

Donetsk region. Following the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the eastern city of Avdiivka on February 19, Russian troops have advanced several miles towards nearby towns. Heavy Russian bombardments have sent residents fleeing. Ukraine estimates that Russia’s four-month offensive cost it 47,000 casualties, more than it suffered throughout its war in Afghanistan, and enormous losses of equipment.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has announced a new online application, called “Army+,” in an effort to digitize state services offered to Ukrainian troops and veterans. “Army+,” the Ministry hopes, will reduce the paper work that soldiers find a nuisance. One of the obstacles to the widespread adoption of “Army+,” a serviceman by the call sign Graph believes, is the weak Internet connection available at the front lines. Given that only a few units of the Ukrainian army have Starlink setups in use, it is unlikely that combat soldiers will enjoy the full benefits of the application. “An average soldier goes online twice a day, first and foremost to contact his family,” Graph says.

World aid.

Canada will deliver more than 800 drones valued at $95 million to Ukraine’s army. The SkyRanger R70 drones are autonomous navigation systems designed to detect, identify and destroy enemy troops, vehicles and heat sources at long ranges as well as conduct reconnaissance and transport supplies. “Today’s announcement ensures that Ukraine has the drones it needs to detect and identify targets which are critical to Ukraine’s ongoing fight,” stated Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair on February 19. “Canada will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”

Sweden intends to provide Ukraine its largest war-time aid package yet, worth $683 million. The list of items includes artillery ammunition, RBS70 air defense systems, anti-tank missiles, hand grenades, Carl Gustaf grenade launchers, underwater weapons and two dozen “group boats.” “Russia’s war on Ukraine is also a war against the rules-based order,” said Sweden’s Defense Minister, Pål Jonson. “Ukraine is not only defending its own freedom but that of all of Europe. Russia cannot be allowed to win this war.” In addition, Sweden has pledged to allocate nearly $100,000,000 for the joint Swedish-Danish procurement of Swedish CV90 armored combat vehicles.

Denmark expects to make its first delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine this summer. Deliveries of the fourth-generation U.S.-made jets depend on Ukraine’s structural preparations, the readiness of its pilots and support personnel and other such matters. Ukraine hopes that the F-16s eventually will afford it air superiority in the war against Russia.

By Daria Dzysiuk, Alan Sacks