Ukrainian soldiers fire a self-propelled howitzer towards Russian positions near Bakhmut (Image: AP )
Ukraine: Prigozhin says Bakhmut is ‘surrounded’ by Wagner Invalid email
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Ukrainian military leaders have expressed determination to hold onto Bakhmut as Russian forces encroached on the devastated eastern city after half a year of vicious fighting.
Less than a week ago, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the defenders might retreat from Bakhmut, located in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine, and fall back to nearby positions.
But Mr Zelensky’s office said today that he chaired a meeting in which the country’s top military brass “spoke in favour of continuing the defence operation and further strengthening our positions in Bakhmut”.
The city has taken on symbolic importance far outweighing its questionable strategic value over the course of fighting there, with Russia’s most brutal fighters known to be stationed in the area.
For Vladimir Putin, prevailing in Bakhmut would finally deliver some good news from the front. For Kyiv, the display of grit and defiance reinforces a message that Ukraine is holding on after a year of brutal attacks, justifying continued support from its Western allies.
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Trending 4 hours ago21:35 Tom Watling
Kuleba calls for international investigation into execution videoUkrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has called for the International Criminal Court to investigate the alleged execution of a POW, believed to have been perpetrated by Russian soldiers.
A video of the execution has been circulating around social media throughout the day, with the Ukrainian soldier being honoured by President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this evening.
The video has not been verified, nor the POW identified, but an investigation has been called into what appears to be a war crime. You can read a fuller account of the incident further down this blog.
Mr Kuleba called the video “horrific”, adding that “it’s imperative (the ICC) launches an immediate investigation into this heinous war crime”.
Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said that Ukraine launched an official investigation into the alleged summary execution of an unarmed prisoner. The Security Service will carry out the investigation.
“Even war has rules. There are norms of international law that are systematically neglected by the criminal Russian regime. Sooner or later, the crime will be punished. All those involved will be held accountable,” Mr Kostin said.
Horrific video of an unarmed Ukrainian POW executed by Russian forces merely for saying “Glory to Ukraine”. Another proof this war is genocidal. It is imperative that @KarimKhanQC launches an immediate ICC investigation into this heinous war crime. Perpetrators must face justice.
u2014 Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) March 6, 2023 5 hours ago20:34 Tom Watling
Aerial view of Bakhmut todayDrone footage of the besieged city of Bakhmut on Monday has been shared to Telegram.
The city in eastern Ukraine, in northern Donetsk, has been the centre of the fiercest fighting on the frontline for more than half a year.
Ukrainian officials are now considering a potential withdrawal from the city as Russian forces, bolstered by Wagner Group mercenary fighters, attempt to encircle the city.
6 hours ago19:51 Tom Watling
Zelensky addresses video of Ukrainian executionUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reacted to a video purportedly showing Russian soldiers shooting a Ukrainian POW from point-blank range as they forced him to dig his own grave.
The video has not been verified and remains speculation, but Ukrainian officials, including the President, have issued a widespread rebuke to the alleged killing.
Mr Zelensky wrote on Telegram: “A video appeared today showing how the occupiers brutally killed a soldier who bravely said to their face: ‘Glory to Ukraine!’
“I want us all together, in unity, to respond to his words: ‘Glory to the hero! Glory to heroes! Glory to Ukraine!’ And we will find the killers.
“Ukraine will not forget the feat of each and every one whose life forever gave freedom for Ukraine.
“Eternal memory and respect to all those who gave their lives for freedom for our people! Eternal memory and honour to all Ukrainian heroes of different times who dreamed and fought for freedom for Ukraine! Ukraine will win! Glory to Ukraine!”
In the video, which cannot be shared because it is both graphic and unverified, a Ukrainian man can be seen brutally murdered as he refuses to dig his own grave, declaring “Glory to Ukraine” before he is swiftly shot in the head.
Earlier today, top Presidential advisor Andriy Yermak addressed the video, writing on his Telegram channel: “War crimes are cultivated in Russia. And they are whitewashed by their propaganda and myths about the “Nazis”.
“Killing a captured person is another example of this. And this is also an example of their national insignificance and weakness.
“There will be retribution for every such war crime. No one can hide from her.”
7 hours ago18:07 Tom Watling
Zelensky dismisses security service personnelPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the deputy head of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) Oleksandr Yakushev, two heads of special service departments, as well as the heads of the Security Service in two regions.
In particular, Ihor Nosok, head of the SBU state secret protection and licensing department, and Oleksandr Provotorov, head of the SBU economic support department, were dismissed.
Oleg Khramov has already been appointed to replace Nosk.
Also, Mr Zelensky dismissed Borys Bezruky from the post of head of the SBU department in Zaporizhzhya region, and Eduard Fedorov from the post of head of the SBU in Sumy region.
Another person has already been appointed to replace Fedorov. Oleh Krasnoshapka became the new head of the SBU of Sumy Oblast.
9 hours ago16:47 Tom Watling
Lithuania ‘preparing’ new aid package to UkraineA top Lithuanian minister has met with Ukrainian war generals to discuss how best to “develop our military capabilities”.
Lithuanian’s minister of national defence Arvydas Anusauskas met with deputy Minister of defence Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk, revealing that his country’s latest aid package was being “prepared”.
Today I met with ud83cuddfaud83cudde6 First Deputy Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk. We talked about the lessons learned during the war that help us develop our military capabilities. We also discussed the new support package for ud83cuddfaud83cudde6 which is being prepared. pic.twitter.com/PzYWIZeY9g
u2014 Arvydas Anuu0161auskas (@a_anusauskas) March 6, 2023 9 hours ago16:12 Tom Watling
Leftover Russian mine kills civilian in southern UkraineA mine believed to have been placed by retreating Russian forces has killed a person in southern Ukraine, the regional military administration has claimed.
The victim had been cultivating a field when their tractor hit the explosive device in the village of Zelenyi Hai, in Kherson Oblast, on Monday.
Another person was also injured in the incident, according to the local authorities.
Main roads have since been cleared from explosives Russia left behind. However, mines can still be found in local forests and fields.
u26a1ufe0fMilitary Administration: 1 killed, 1 injured by explosive device in Kherson Oblast.
The victims were cultivating a field in the village of Zelenyi Hai when their tractor hit an explosive device left by Russian troops during the occupation, the regional administration reported.
u2014 The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 6, 2023 Zelensky vows to keep holding BakhmutUkrainian military leaders are determined to hold onto Bakhmut, Kyiv officials said Monday, even as Russian forces continued to encroach on the devastated eastern Ukrainian city that they have sought to capture for six months at the cost of thousands of lives.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office said he chaired a meeting with military officials during which the country’s top brass advocated strengthening Ukrainian positions there.
Fate of Bakhmut hanging in the balanceIntense Russian shelling targeted the Donetsk region city and nearby villages as Moscow deployed more resources there in an apparent bid to finish off Bakhmut’s resistance, according to local officials.
“Civilians are fleeing the region to escape Russian shelling continuing round the clock as additional Russian troops and weapons are being deployed there,” Donetsk Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said.
Russian forces that invaded Ukraine just over a year ago have been bearing down on Bakhmut for months, putting Kyiv’s troops on the defensive but unable to deliver a knockout blow.
More broadly, Russia continues to experience difficulty generating battlefield momentum. Moscow’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022 soon stalled and then was pushed back by a Ukraine counteroffensive. Over the bitterly cold winter months, the fighting has largely been deadlocked.
Bakhmut doesn’t have any major strategic value, and analysts say its possible fall is unlikely to bring a turning point in the conflict.
IAEA chief warns of ‘urgent need’ to deal with nuclear safetyIAEA Director General Grossi said there is “urgent need” to establish nuclear safety zone at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Enerhodar.
He said: “The situation at Zaporizhzhya NPP underscores the urgent need to establish a nuclear safety and security protection zone at the site. I have intensified my consultations with both Parties and rely on your continued active support to achieve this important measure without further delay.”
UK and Germany to fly joint NATO mission in EstoniaBritish pilots are set to conduct joint air policing missions in Estonia alongside the German air force for the first time.
It comes as the UK prepares take over from Germany to lead the Nato mission in Estonia, which borders Russia.
Royal Air Force and German Air Force Typhoon jets will take part in the first of their kind “integrated” missions, as the Defence Secretary praised the demonstration of NATO “unity”.
The Ministry of Defence said that around 300 RAF personnel will soon arrive in Estonia, with the UK set to lead the Nato air policing mission for four months from April.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has reignited concerns in border states, including Estonia, about Vladmir Putin’s ambitions and his next steps.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Our RAF personnel in Estonia are undertaking a vital role, ensuring the security of Europe’s skies and bolstering Nato’s presence in eastern Europe.
“Joint operations of this kind, demonstrate the strength and unity of the Nato alliance and our shared resolve to maintain peace and security across the region.”
Staunch anti-Russian party wins Estonia’s electionsThe centre-right Reform Party of Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, one of Europe’s most outspoken supporters of Ukraine, overwhelmingly won the Baltic country’s general election, while a far-right populist challenger lost seats in a vote that focused on national security and the economy.
Preliminary returns from a completed ballot count showed the Reform Party, the senior partner in the outgoing three-party coalition government, received 31.2 percent of the vote — the biggest share in Sunday’s election.
That translates into 37 seats at Estonia’s 101-seat Parliament, or Riigikogu, an increase of three seats from the 2019 election.
“This result, which is not final yet, will give us a strong mandate to put together a good government,” Kallas told her party colleagues and jubilant supporters at a hotel in the capital, Tallinn.
Kallas, prime minister since 2021, faced a challenge from the far-right populist EKRE party, which seeks to limit the Baltic nation’s exposure to Russia’s war in Ukraine, and blames the current government for Estonia’s high inflation rate.
Russia refilling tanks losses with ‘vintage’ equipmentRussia is replacing lost tanks with vintage models that are unequipped to fight against Ukrainian modern tanks.
According to the latest update from the UK Ministry of Defence, Russia’s “vintage vehicle types will present many vulnerabilities on the modern battlefield”.
They wrote: “The Russian military has continued to respond to heavy armoured vehicle losses by deploying 60-year-old T-62 main battle tanks (MBT).
“There is a realistic possibility that even units of the 1st Guards Tank Army (1 GTA), supposedly Russia’s premier tank force, will be re-equipped with T-62s to make up for previous losses.
“1 GTA had previously been due to receive the next-generation T-14 Armata MBT from 2021.
“In recent days, Russian BTR-50 armoured personnel carriers, first fielded in 1954, have also been identified deployed in Ukraine for the first time.
“Since summer 2022, approximately 800 T-62s have been taken from storage and some have received upgraded sighting systems which will highly likely improve their effectiveness at night.
“However, both these vintage vehicle types will present many vulnerabilities on the modern battlefield, including the absence of modern explosive reactive armour.”
Germany warns Beijing of ‘consequences’ if China supplies weapons to RussiaGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz says there would be “consequences” if China sent weapons to Russia for Moscow’s war in Ukraine, but he’s fairly optimistic that Beijing will refrain from doing so.
Scholz’s comments came in an interview with CNN that aired Sunday, two days after he met US President Joe Biden in Washington.
US officials have warned recently that China could step off the sidelines and begin providing arms and ammunition to Moscow.
Ahead of his trip, Scholz had urged Beijing to refrain from sending weapons and instead use its influence to press Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
Asked by CNN if he could imagine sanctioning China if it did aid Russia, Scholz replied: “I think it would have consequences, but we are now in a stage where we are making clear that this should not happen, and I’m relatively optimistic that we will be successful with our request in this case, but we will have to look at (it) and we have to be very, very cautious.”
