Ukraine – 4/13/23 Sitrep
By: Robert Homans & Bohdan Chomiak
April 13, 2023
News From a Ukrainian Village
Yesterday we got news from someone whom we know well that yesterday they buried the first soldier from their village. He was 26 years old. She said that there are now places of honor, for those killed fighting the Russian invaders, in virtually every Ukrainian village.
Thoughts on the Forthcoming Ukrainian Offensive
This was sent to me by a good friend of mine who lives in Kyiv. He has contributed to these emails before, but not for a while. He is a Soviet Army veteran, having served in Sub-Saharan Africa. He worked for 2 American private equity firms in Moscow and then retired to Kyiv. He is a graduate of one of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Programs. We met when we were both on the Board of the Harvard Club of Ukraine. We both resigned, over disagreements with the leadership. We’ve been good friends ever since.
Since retiring, he has written books on both Soviet tanks and the Soviet air force. He maintains extensive contacts in the Ukrainian military. He provides some interesting, and in my opinion plausible scenarios, on how Ukraine’s offensive might unfold.
One thing that is a “given,” Ukraine will include an element of surprise that no one expects. Ukraine did the same last year, with simultaneous offensives in the Kherson and Kharkiv regions, at a time when the pundits doubted Ukraine’s ability to launch even one offensive.
The Forthcoming Ukrainian Offensive
It has been five months since the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) have liberated the city of Kherson. Since then the UAF have not attempted any major offensive operations – much to the frustration of many Ukrainians (including myself). There are several possible reasons for this.
First, the weather. The last winter turned out to be rather mild, and it was a mixed blessing. On one hand, nobody froze to death: something I was terrified of in November, December, and January. On the other hand, there was not a single prolonged period during the last five months when the ground permitted unhindered use of heavy armored vehicles. It has been either snowing or raining in Kyiv for most of the last three weeks. So, this “no tanks” weather may stretch well into May or even June. I do not believe the UAF will risk ignoring this factor.
The second reason could have been a lack of ammunition. My estimation is that the Ukrainian High Command would need stocks of at least half a million of artillery shells (and maybe more) to be sure of a good chance of success. The Russians have spent the winter fortifying their positions – especially in the South. To break through the “Surovikin line” (three lines of defenses located 20-30 km from each other) would require a much heavier usage of artillery than the UAF have been accustomed to. It could be as high as 30-50 thousand shells per day. There will be moments during the forthcoming offensive when the Ukrainians would need to, basically, “burn through” Russian defenses to avoid heavy casualties. Creating such considerable ammo reserves could hot have been easy due to lack of available stocks/production capacities both in Ukraine and in the West as well as continuing heavy fighting in Donbass. To facilitate the process of accumulation of the “offensive stash” the Ukrainian units holding less dangerous parts of the front (like in the North of Kharkiv region) were often told to conserve shells and respond only when the situation became critical.
The third reason might have been the accumulation of reserves. I do not believe the UAF will start the offensive without having at least 80-100 thousand (an equivalent of 20-25 of motorized infantry and tank brigades) soldiers at their disposal. Our General Staff knows the stakes are extremely high. Along with the political leadership, Ukrainian generals would want to be sure that the (inevitably far-reaching) goals of the forthcoming offensive can be achieved. Creating, training and arming new units is an inherently lengthy process, especially when a considerable part of reserves had to be used to repel the Russian winter advance in the East, and that materiel for “storm troopers” is often supplied with both expected and unexpected delays.
However, there is at least one offensive operation that should have happened by now – the de-occupation of Transdniestria. It would have been a no-brainer. The Ukrainians would have needed 2-3 brigades and a maximum of one week to deal with this largely indefensible enclave. The Russians would not have been able to help; the UAF could have obtained at least 1,000 POWs for further prisoner exchanges and might even been able to increase their stocks of much needed Soviet era artillery shells. Furthermore, we would have eliminated the constant threat to Odessa and made a huge favor to our friendly neighbor Moldova. I believe the only reason for this not happening yet is a political one – an unwillingness to risk Russian “escalation” by the Moldova government/USA/EU/NATO.
I also believe that a defensive operation along the Eastern front (Bakhmut, Soledar, Vuhledar, Avddivka, etc.) during the last five months has been part of a much larger plan. It is possible that last fall the UAF have made a decision to make a stand along that line in order to inflict maximum casualties on the most combat-worthy units of the Russian Army and groups of mercenaries. As a result, the Russians managed to “liberate” a rather modest part of Donbass (30 by 30 km at best) at a total price of up to 50K KIAs and at least the same number of permanently disabled. Due to a heroic Ukrainian defense the Russian forces are unlikely to have potential for significant offensive action during the spring/early summer.
The Ukrainian side has also suffered terrible losses – probably 10-15K dead and at least the same number maimed for life. I am personally aware of three families who have lost their loved ones at or around Bakhmut since last November. This is a grim indicator for a nation of around 40 million people. The Stalingrad-type fighting takes a huge toll even on those who come out of this hell untouched by the fire. For example, I know of a young Ukrainian machine-gunner who developed mental problems after just two days of action. He had to mow down dozens of Russians advancing wave after wave through the same hole in a concrete fence.
However, unlike the Russians, the UAF managed to conserve most of their reserves and are thus better positioned for the forthcoming offensive. The Russians could still fulfil Putin’s order to take Bakhmut, but their victory there would be largely symbolic, short-lived and would come at a tremendous cost in blood and materiel. Overall, even the Russians (like Igor Girkin) concede that the whole winter campaign has been a disaster and that Russia is now closer to defeat than a year ago.
Everybody has been guessing for several months now as to the possible directions of the forthcoming Ukrainian offensive. The most obvious one, of course, would be an attack/attacks towards Melitopol and/or Berdyansk with the aim of dismembering and collapsing the whole Russian army group in the South and creating conditions for liberation of Crimea. The analysts predicting this possible direction are not wrong. Whatever the UAF are planning to do this summer, they will have this major goal in their sights.
I suspect, though, that the Ukrainian High Command will try to surprise the Russians. For example, there is anecdotal evidence that our opponents do not expect any serious attempts by the UAF to cross Dnieper and/or to attack through neighboring Russian regions – Belgorod and Kursk. They seem to expect only demonstrative actions there. They may well be right about this. Both operations would be extremely risky – along the lines of “The Market Garden” during WWII, with too many moving parts and multiple occasions for things to go very wrong. Nevertheless, these “fake” offensive attempts might still turn out to be full-blown strategic strikes.
For example, a deep raid into Russia proper (and a temporary occupation of a significant chunk of Russian territory) with the aim of entering the Donbass region through the “back door” might still prove worth attempting. If successful, such a strike could quickly collapse the whole Donbass front. After liberating Donetzk and Luhansk, the UAF could turn to the South and roll down Russian defenses all the way to the Sea of Azov and Mariupol. At that point, a frontal attack in the area of Pology/Tokmak/Gulyay Polye towards Melitopol and then Crimea could also become feasible.
If a “Belgorod operation” is not just a figment of my imagination, such a plan is unlikely to be shared with our Western allies – due to obvious “sensitivities” and a high risk of (possibly deliberate) leaks. The best the Ukrainians would be prepared to do will be to avoid embarrassing videos of Western-supplied Bradleys and Leopards rolling through Russian cities and villages. When (and if) an invasion into Russia proper starts, there will be no way back. Zelenskiy and Zaluzhny will just ignore angry calls from Baiden/Macron/etc. and will press on regardless. A hypothetical “Belgorod operation” would likely start at night and would be preceded by strikes against local Russian electricity infrastructure and communications hubs – to create chaos and uncertainty and facilitate the advance of Ukrainian armor columns.
Irrespectively of where the UAF decide to land a decisive blow, we might expect the following:
- The UAF will use Dnipro and Zaporizhya regions as main staging areas for “storm troopers” to keep the Russians confused as to the actual direction of their main strike/strikes until the last minute. The final troop movements will be accomplished one-two days before the launch of the offensive.
- Early stage missile/air/special forces’ strikes against Russian targets both on occupied territories and deep in Russia proper (especially against most important bridges, air and naval bases, fuel/ammo depots and air defense installations).
- The UAF will deploy their most advanced air defense systems close to the front line to secure the skies over advancing forces and neutralize Russian advantage in the air. It is possible that “Patriots” and “Mambas” will be used for the first time not in deep rear, but during the forthcoming offensive.
- Multiple false/probing attacks along the whole front line.
- Air and amphibious assaults on tactical level.
- Massive use of artillery, kamikaze drones and gliding bombs along the main axis of advance.
- Blitzkrieg tactics whenever and wherever possible. To achieve their objectives Ukrainian armor and motorized units will try to advance as far and as fast as they can while avoiding Russian strongholds and sometimes ignoring risks to their flanks.
- This time the UAF will try not to just oust Russian forces from occupied territories, but will aim to isolate them for further capture or destruction.
- At some point during the forthcoming offensive Putin will threaten us again with tactical nukes. There is probably a 5% chance that he will issue such an order and a 0.5% chance that it will result in an actual strike.
- With or without nukes, the Russians will yet again unleash “punishing” missile strikes against major Ukrainian cities.
The forthcoming offensive will be bloody for both sides. Its final aims and results will depend upon opportunities that will (or will not) present themselves during the first week or so. The UAF soldiers realize that this will be their best chance to end the war this year. The Ukrainians understand what they are fighting for, and the moral is high.
God bless them all.
News From the Battlefield
On reading the accounts of the fighting in Bakhmut in the U.S. press, they describe Ukraine as defending the last few streets in Bakhmut, and that Ukraine’s Western advisors are telling Ukraine to withdraw. “Reporting From Ukraine” and The Latest Denys seem to tell another story. They have not been in agreement about Bakhmut very often, with Denys usually more pessimistic, but from their most recent videos they seem to be in alignment. They should be watched together, with Denys including very instructive maps. I tend to go with Denys and Reporting From Ukraine.
From my own observations from both accounts, Denys and Reporting From Ukraine, concerning the current situation in Bakhmut the following seems to be evident:
· The Wagners are now concentrated in Central Bakhmut, where they are up against very strong Ukrainian defenses, using the rail line as a fulcrum.
· Russian special forces are trying to collapse the flanks north and south of Bakhmut with little or no success.
· The aperture that Russia would have to close to trap Ukrainians in Central Bakhmut is widening.
· Ukraine maintains control over 2 supply routes and at least 1 supply tunnel.
Denys also recounted a conversation that he said he had with a friend, who is serving in Ukrainian Air Defense. Denys said that his friend told him that Ukraine has an ample supply of S-300 missiles. This runs counter to the leaked documents which reported that Ukraine is running out of S-300 missiles.
4/13/23 Sitrep
Russian Invasion of Ukraine 12:00 noon April 12 to 12:00 noon April 13, 2023
Abbreviations:
RMA = Regional Military Administration SBU = Security Service of Ukraine
RASHISTS = russian Facists/all russian invaders
INTERNATIONAL
Thursday April 13
11:28: Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov arrives in Bucharest for the first Black Sea Security Conference.
· "We must ensure the security of our region. The work on strengthening the Ukrainian army and the anti-Kremlin coalition continues!" he wrote.
11:08: Ukrainian in Krakow set himself on fire near the consulate building
· Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said that the injured man had been taken to hospital, his condition was critical.
· "The Consulate General is interacting with Polish law enforcement officers who have launched an investigation to establish the cause and all the circumstances of the tragedy," he said.
09:45 The Washington Post: The possible source of leaked "classified documents" of the Pentagon has been named.
· According to available information, the documents were published by a user with the nickname "OG" on the Discord portal. Only a person who had a "high level of access" to classified information could have such data. Therefore, it is believed that OG could operate at some kind of "military base".
08:35 Reuters: The war in Ukraine, which has already killed up to 354,000 people, is likely to continue beyond 2023, citing leaked Pentagon documents.
· "The war is expected to last until 2024, and neither side will achieve victory and both sides will refuse to negotiate," the article said, citing classified documents.
08:00: Turkey has started supplying natural gas to Bulgaria, according to an agreement signed in January this year.
00:31: French alcohol producer Pernod Ricard has resumed supplies of its products to Russia, which it interrupted after the start of a full-scale war in Ukraine, according to Swedish newspaper Kristianstadsbladet.
· "The Group now supplies products to the extent capable of protecting local employees and ensuring economic sustainability for local organizations," said Paula Eriksson, vice president of Pernod Ricard-owned vodka brand Absolut.
00:01 Reuters: The allegedly leaked Pentagon documents published on the Internet contain estimates of the losses of Ukraine and Russia in a full-scale war, which differ significantly from official figures from both sides.
· In the "leaked" document, Russian losses are estimated at 35.5-43 thousand killed in battle and 154,180 thousand wounded, that is, only 189.5-223 thousand. Ukraine, according to the Pentagon document, suffered a total of 124.5 to 131 thousand total losses, including 15.5-17.5 thousand killed and 109-113.5 thousand wounded.
Wednesday April 12
23:32: US concerned about Budapest's desire for closer relations with Russia - Ambassador
· "We are concerned that Hungarian leaders seek even closer ties with Russia, despite its brutal aggression. Close economic cooperation with Russia fuels the Russian military machine and threatens the security of the transatlantic alliance," said US Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman.
22:41: If the video with the execution of a Ukrainian prisoner turns out to be real, then the Russian military will be on a par with ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant - ed.).
· This was stated by Czech President Petr Pavel after a meeting of the State Security Council of the country, reports ČTK.
21:57: Poland wants to open a service center for Abrams tanks, including for other European countries.
· It is reported by PAP with reference to the statement of the Minister of defense of Poland Mariusz Blaszczak.
· "Poland is becoming a natural service center, and probably in the future also a center for the production of Abrams tanks," Blaszczak added.
20:50: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba held talks with his Romanian counterpart Bogdan Aurescu.
· "We discussed a number of bilateral and regional issues aimed at strengthening security in the Black Sea region and beyond," Kuleba said.
20:15: Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal called for the supply of Western F-16 fighter jets, as well as long-range missiles.
· It is reported by CNN with reference to a statement by Denys Shmyhal during a meeting with US Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin.
· "We will win this war. But to achieve this faster and with fewer losses, Ukraine still needs intensive military support," the prime minister stressed.
20:03: In Slovakia, the milling of a batch of Ukrainian wheat weighing 1500 tons was suspended after analyzes showed an increased concentration of pesticides in it
20:00: Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a bipartisan delegation of the US Senate.
· "I informed about the situation on the frontline and shared my assessments on the prospects for its development.
· We discussed in detail the further directions of American assistance and the role of Congress in this process," the president wrote after the meeting.
19:44: Denmark is ready to join the reconstruction and restoration of Ukraine, the press service of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine reports.
· It is known that this will happen with the help of such tools as financial loan guarantee programs.
· It is also reported that Denmark has taken the initiative to rebuild the Mykolaiv region.
19:39 IMF: World food prices, which after a sharp increase due to Russia's war against Ukraine and amid the effects of the pandemic, are declining, but remain high for domestic consumers.
19:25: The United States has imposed another package of sanctions against dozens of individuals and legal entities associated with the Russian Federation, according to the US Treasury.
· The sanctions list includes the company "MegaFon", "Yunarmia" and JSC "Rusatom Overseas". In addition, 19 merchant ships associated with the Russian Federation fell under American restrictions.
· Among other things, the list includes Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin and former Russian Transport Minister Yevgeny Dietrich.
18:50: The US Treasury Department on Wednesday announced another package of sanctions in connection with Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, which covers more than 80 individuals and legal entities.
18:20: Spain plans to send 6 Leopard 2A4s in Ukraine in the coming days, with 4 more tanks under repair.
· It is reported by El Pais with reference to the statement of the Minister of defense of Spain Margarita Robles.
· According to Robles, in addition to tanks, Ukraine will also be provided with 20 armored personnel carriers.
18:05: Volodymyr Zelenskyy received two of the highest awards of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria - the Order of Honor of the Nation and the Order of Dzhokhar Dudayev.
· The President of Ukraine was noted for outstanding merits and selfless actions for the sake of freedom and democracy throughout the world and for personal services to the Chechen people.
17:47: Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal arrived in the United States on an official visit, he said on Telegram.
· "Military, financial, sanctions support, attracting investment and assistance in recovery.
· We will discuss all these issues with the Ministers of Defense, Finance, Trade and Transport of the United States, the leadership of the World Bank, the IMF, USAID, the EIB and others," Shmyhal wrote.
16:58 AFP: Chinese leader Xi Jinping ordered his armed forces to "step up military training focused on real fighting" immediately after Chinese exercises simulated strikes on Taiwan.
· Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told CNN in an interview that he considers Chinese military exercises preparation for a real war against the island. According to him, Taiwan is already preparing to repel a potential attack.
16:47 The Dutch government is working to stop imports of liquefied gas from Russia: this year the country stopped signing new contracts and is working to complete existing agreements.
16:25 Bloomberg: Europeans are looking for a replacement for Russian uranium, one of the main suppliers may be Kazakhstan.
· The agency reports that a number of nuclear plants that previously received enriched uranium from Russia are trying to sever ties with Russia and are working to conclude contracts with Kazakhstan, at least starting in 2025.
15:56: Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu reacted to a video of the brutal execution of a Ukrainian soldier by Russians.
· "A video is circulating on Twitter showing Russians cutting off the head of a Ukrainian soldier. And at the same time, are we literally talking about the need for dialogue and competing with each other at the Olympics? What are we doing here?" said Urmas Reinsalu.
14:46 The Guardian: Russian hackers collect information in Ukraine using surveillance cameras in cafes.
· "Creative things happen. We are watching Russian hackers enter open webcams to watch convoys and trains delivering aid," said Rob Joyce, director of cybersecurity at the U.S. National Security Agency.
14:08 CBS News: The Pentagon has narrowed the circle of people who have access to classified information.
· "The lists of employees who receive regular updates containing classified information have been significantly reduced since April 7. Before the leak, about a thousand people had access to information of this nature", – stated in the message.
13:58: Inspection of ships under the "grain deal" resumed after a one-day stop, said UN spokeswoman Ismini Palla.
· "Inspections resumed on Wednesday on board ships operating under the Black Sea grain deal with Ukraine", – stated in the message.
12:55: Israel is ready to provide a platform for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, - Israeli Ambassador to Russia Alexander Ben Zvi.
· "If Russia and Ukraine have a desire to reach an agreement, we are always ready to help. We have good relations with Russia, we have good relations with Ukraine," Ben Zvi said.
NATIONAL
Thursday April 13
11:16: The SBU and the Prosecutor General's Office arrest the property of pro-Russian oligarch Vadym Novynskyi worth more than UAH 3.5 billion.
· The list of blocked assets includes corporate rights to 40 Ukrainian enterprises and 30 gas wells.
· To avoid sanctions, Nowinski wanted to re-register his own facilities to several shell structures. In this he had to be assisted by controlled private notaries and state registrars. But according to the SBU, the Ministry of Justice has already canceled the illegal actions of registrars.
08:01: An Office to support the adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to the provisions of European Union law will be opened in parliament, - Verkhovna Rada Head Ruslan Stefanchuk.
08:00 Up to 82% of wounded and sick soldiers of the Defense Forces return to service after treatment.
· This was announced by President of the National Academy of Medical Sciences Vitaliy Tsymbaliuk.
07:11 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine:
· Over the past day, the Russians inflicted 2 missile and 32 air strikes, carried out more than 40 MLRS attacks on the positions of our troops and civilian infrastructure of settlements, there are dead and wounded among civilians. 2 Russian missiles fired from the S-300 air defense system hit civilian infrastructure in the city of Sloviansk,
· The Russians continue to focus their main efforts on conducting offensive operations in the Liman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Mariinsky directions. During the day, thanks to the courage of each warrior, more than 45 attacks by Russian troops were repulsed,
· The Russian military continues to strengthen the counterintelligence regime in the temporarily occupied territories. In and around the village of Grafske, Volnovakha district, Donetsk region, the number of checkpoints and patrols has increased. at checkpoints, they actively carry out filtration measures of the local population,
· The situation is somewhat similar in Blahodatne, Donetsk region. Fearing leakage of information about the location of Russian units, they began to restrict certain routes for taxi drivers, local residents are allowed to enter only if they have registration.
· Aviation of the Defense Forces of Ukraine during the day inflicted 6 strikes on areas of concentration of personnel and military equipment of the Russian Federation. Also, Ukrainian defenders shot down 2 Orlan-10 UAVs
· At the same time, units of rocket troops and artillery hit 4 areas of concentration of manpower, weapons and military equipment, 2 ammunition depots of the Russian Federation, as well as 1 radar station.
Wednesday April 12
22:19: Volodymyr Zelenskyy: There will be no ruins in Ukraine. That's our goal. And this will be very concrete proof of the complete loss of the terrorist state.
· Moreover, the world knows the decisions – regarding the assets of Russia, Russian officials, oligarchs who grew rich while their state became a terrorist... All these assets should be used to compensate for the losses of those whom Russia has brought pain and suffering. Russian assets must be restored after aggression. The war should turn out to be the most expensive – precisely for the aggressor. And that's what we do for that.
21:26 Bloomberg: Ukraine will receive a grant from the World Bank in the amount of $ 200 million to restore energy infrastructure.
20:26: Last year, the total expenditures of the Pension Fund of Ukraine amounted to UAH 590.1 billion, of which 97.3% went to pension payments.
18:35 Update from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 18:00 on April 12:
· "During the day, the enemy inflicted 19 air strikes, carried out more than 10 attacks from multiple launch rocket systems on the positions of our troops and the infrastructure of settlements. There are wounded among the civilian population.
· The enemy continues to focus its main efforts on conducting offensive operations in the Liman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Mariinsky directions - 34 enemy attacks were repulsed during the day."
· "The Russian occupiers continue to use educational institutions of the temporarily occupied territories for their own purposes, equipping their military facilities in them.
· Thus, in the city of Skadovsk, Kherson region, in recent days, units of Russian occupation troops from among the mobilized have arrived. Personnel are placed in buildings of educational institutions.
· At the same time, the occupiers are forcing the teaching staff to continue the educational process with compulsory attendance of classes by children."
· "In the temporarily captured by Russia Skadovsk, a humanitarian crisis is brewing due to an increasing shortage of medicines.
· The Russian occupation so-called 'authorities' have severely restricted the supply of all types of medicines to pharmacies."
· "Aviation of the Defense Forces during the day inflicted 6 strikes on areas of concentration of personnel and military equipment of the occupiers.
· Also, 1 enemy UAV of the "Orlan-10" type was shot down.
· Missile troops and artillery units hit 4 areas of concentration of manpower, weapons and military equipment, an enemy ammunition depot, as well as 1 enemy radar station."
20:49: National Anti-Corruption Bureau detectives handed over to the ex-head of Naftogaz Andriy Kobolyev a copy of a new petition to continue the investigation into the case of illegal bonuses, earlier in the day the HACC refused to extend the investigation
· 17:47: The investigating judge of the High Anti-Corruption Court rejected a motion to extend the term of pre-trial investigation in the case of ex-head of Naftogaz Andriy Kobolyev, whom NABU and SAP suspect of embezzling more than UAH 229 million in 2018. The case may be closed in 5 days.
17:32: With atrocities against Ukrainians, Russia shows attitude towards the entire civilized world, - Vitali Klitschko commented on the video footage of the barbaric execution of a Ukrainian defender by Russians.
· "The world must finally realize what the "face" of the Russian aggressor is. And respond adequately!
· Russia is committing such horror wherever it goes. The beast must be stopped and punished, not appeased!" said Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
16:41: Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated SES graduates and police officers.
· "In total, 2607 police officers, 414 SES graduates are currently graduating. I know that among you there are those who will serve in the frontline and border regions - Sumy, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donbas. I know that among you there are those who join our new assault brigade "Rage," the president said.
16:11: Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a bill on the termination of the agreement with Belarus on the mutual protection of state secrets.
15:39: The reform of the state concern Ukroboronprom, announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, namely its transformation into a joint-stock company "Ukrainian Defense Industry", has not yet begun due to the lack of a published resolution on the government website
15:27: During the day, SES pyrotechnicians found, seized and neutralized 473 units. explosive items.
14:57: The Ministry of Culture showed photos from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra after it was used free of charge by representatives of the UOC-MP.
· Minister of Culture Oleksandr Tkachenko said that representatives of the UOC-MP destroyed the rooms of building No. 112. There is a book warehouse built in the second half of the nineteenth century. The Commission draws up a statement of crime under the article on damage to cultural heritage sites.
14:51 The first biomethane plant in Ukraine was connected to the grid, the company will produce about 3 million cubic meters of gas per year
14:24: Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets sent letters of appeal to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, the UN Secretary-General, the International Committee of the Red Cross.
· "I demand that the issue of disgraceful behavior towards a prisoner of war be separately considered on the platform of the UN Committee on Human Rights," the ombudsman said.
13:50: Inflation is slowing faster for the third month in a row than forecast by the National Bank - in March, the base indicator fell to 19.8% year-on-year from 22.7% in February
13:46: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine calls on the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to immediately pay attention to the video of the execution of a Ukrainian prisoner by Russians in the context of investigating war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Russian citizens.
· The Ministry stressed that the murder of a Ukrainian prisoner, captured on video, is a serious violation of the Geneva Conventions and a war crime in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
12:34: The publication of open construction data was resumed in the Unified State Electronic System in the field of construction (USESCS) and on the data.gov.ua portal for the first time since the beginning of the full-scale war
12:10: Energoatom signed an agreement with the Canadian company SAMESO on the use of Ukrainian uranium in the production of nuclear fuel for Ukrainian nuclear power plants.
· The agreement provides for the supply of the entire volume of uranium produced at VostGOK to Canada and the further use of uranium concentrate for the conversion and supply of natural uranium hexafluoride (UF6) for enrichment.
· "This is a landmark event for the Ukrainian nuclear industry, it guarantees its stability and, as a result, a stable supply of electricity to citizens," said Petro Kotin, President of SE NNEGC Energoatom.
Mordor - russia
Thursday April 13
10:53: A video of coastal trenches dug right on the beaches of the temporarily occupied Crimea appeared on the network.
09:06 Institute for the Study of War: The so-called campaign of "Russification", which the Kremlin is trying to conduct in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, harms the Russian Federation itself.
· Analysts note that the actions of the Putin regime reinforce pro-nationalist ideology and criticism of national minorities in Russia.
Wednesday April 12
19:14: Deutsche Bank winds down remaining software centers in Moscow and St. Petersburg and plans to lay off 500 employees
17:17: The Russians are preparing a preliminary plan for the evacuation of Rosatom employees from the captured ZNPP in Enerhodar.
· This was reported by the Center of National Resistance.
· "The collaborators and Rosatom employees brought together by Russians were warned that forced evacuation could begin soon and therefore they should provide a list of relatives and be ready to leave at the first signal," the statement said.
17:03 Reuters: Russian exports of petroleum products by sea rose in March by 17.3% month-on-month, partly due to volumes accumulated in February.
15:47 Argus: Imports of cheaper diesel fuel from Russia to Brazil are expected to rise sharply in April, accounting for 53% of the total diesel supplied to the country, up from 0.2% a year earlier.
15:41 The Wall Street Journal: Russians are massively cutting down forests in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
· This is recorded by satellites, law enforcement agencies of Ukraine and the Intelligence Directorate. Wood is exported to Russia for sale, and on the ground, Russians use it to build positions.
· The first photo shows part of the Tavria forest in the Kherson region a month after the invasion. On the second — the same territory in January this year.
15:12: Russian customs was subjected to a hacker attack and has not been able to resume work for the third day. According to documents that appeared in the public domain, Russian state bodies called the cyberattack "an abnormal situation of the first category."
· According to the editorial office, the attack on Russian customs was carried out by cyber specialists of the SBU.
· At the moment, the electronic system of Russian customs has collapsed, there are huge queues at checkpoints, FCS employees are forced to switch to paper document flow.
13:22: China, Russia and Iran are in secret talks to supply the Islamic Republic with a key chemical compound used to propel ballistic missiles, which would mark a clear violation of UN sanctions
13:10 Reuters: New Maxar satellite images have emerged showing the scale of new Russian trenches in temporarily occupied Crimea.
· Protective structures have appeared in the villages of Maslov and Medvedivka in the north of Crimea and continue to be constantly strengthened. Also, trenches appeared on the beaches of Crimea.
KHARKIV
Thursday April 13
11:39 Social Networks: An explosion was heard in Kharkiv.
10:37 Kharkiv RMA: As a result of shelling of the village of Dvorichna, a 71-year-old man was killed, and a 75-year-old man was seriously injured and died in hospital. A 63-year-old woman was hospitalized with blast injuries.
· In Sotnytskyi Kozachok village, 2 private houses were damaged. In Ivashky village there is a private house and a tractor. In the village of Kucherivka, a private household was damaged, a fire broke out. Shelling in Hatyshche village damaged the building of an educational institution.
Wednesday April 12
20:31 Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office: As a result of enemy shelling of the village of Dvorichna, two civilians were killed.
· "A 63-year-old woman was injured. Damaged residential buildings of civilians", – stated in the message.
15:01 Kharkiv RMA: Russian troops shelled the village of Dvorichna.
· A 40-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, both in serious condition, were injured.
DONETSK
Thursday April 13
10:19: Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky showed how the Ukrainian military destroyed the Russian BC warehouse in the Bakhmut direction.
09:59 Donetsk RMA: In the middle of the night, Russians launched a missile strike on Sloviansk, hitting a residential sector, damaging a school, 4 high-rise buildings and 3 private houses.
· Vuhledar and Novoukrainka were under fire, with no casualties. 1 person was injured and 26 private houses damaged in Kurakhivka. Another 2 houses were damaged in Berestky. In the morning, the Russians fired from Uragans Solovyovo. Shelling was recorded on the outskirts of the Toretsk, Chasovoyarsk and Soledar communities. In Siversk, a two-story building and several private houses were damaged.
09:24 Donetsk RMA: On April 12, Russians killed 1 resident of Donetsk region in Ocheretyne.
· Another 2 people in the region were injured.
00:14 Social Networks: Explosions heard in Sloviansk, Donetsk region.
Wednesday April 12
12:40 Donetsk RMA: The Russians have just shelled Kurakhivka from Uragan with cluster munitions - 1 person was wounded.
· The day before, the enemy launched a missile strike on Druzhkivka – they damaged the house.
· In Donetsk sector, shelling continued overnight in Marinka, Krasnohorivka, and Maksymilianivka. Kurakhove came under shelling twice. The next morning, the Russians shelled Ocheretyne twice, damaging a shop.
· In the Horlivka sector in the city of Bakhmut, a kindergarten and an administrative building were destroyed. Another 2 private houses were damaged in Toretsk. Kostiantynivka was shelled and hit by a rocket, damaging an office building.
ZAPORIZHIA
Thursday April 13
11:50: The mayor of temporarily occupied Melitopol confirmed an explosion in the city.
· "We are waiting for details of who smokes unsuccessfully or how malfunctioning the enemy peveo works," Ivan Fedorov.
11:46 Social Networks: An explosion was heard in the temporarily occupied Melitopol.
DNIPRO
Wednesday April 12
14:37: The State Emergency Service published footage of the rescue of a woman who was pulled out of the rubble in Nikopol.
13:34 Dnipro RMA: Russians shelled residential buildings in Nikopol.
· Rescuers pulled out a 72-year-old man and a woman from under the rubble. They were hospitalized. It is known about two more victims, a man 87 years old and a 74-year-old woman.
· Artillery shells destroyed 13 private houses, two outbuildings and a car.
KHERSON
Thursday April 13
08:50 Kherson RMA: According to the Kherson Regional Administration, Russians fired 46 times at peaceful settlements in the Kherson region.
· The residential areas of Kherson were attacked by the Russian army 5 times. They hit the territory of the plant. One resident of Kherson region was killed, two people were injured.
00:45: There will be no mass events in the temporarily occupied part of Kherson region on May 9.
Wednesday April 12
22:13 Social Networks: Explosions heard in Kherson.
21:41 Kherson RMA: A car with two civilians hit a Russian mine in a quarry near the village of Tyahynka.
· "Unfortunately, one man died, the second was seriously injured. Now doctors are fighting for his life", – stated in the message.
12:25 Kherson RMA: In the morning, Russian artillery targeted residential buildings in the Kherson region.
· The shelling broke windows, damaged roofs, greenhouses and solar panels. No one was injured.
MYKOLAIV
Wednesday April 12
22:28 Social Networks: Explosions heard in Ochakiv, Mykolaiv region.
KYIV
Wednesday April 12
13:24 Kyiv RMA: Sounds of explosions may be heard in Kyiv region.
· Today, explosive objects will be destroyed in Vyshgorod district.
Comparing Soviet invasion of Afghanistan to Russian invasion of Ukraine using Wikipedia and Ukraine Ministry of Defense Daily Bulletins. Soviet and Russian military losses not including captured equipment.
SOURCES
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/
https://espreso.tv/
https://cutt.ly/Blyskavka