Russo-Ukrainian war, day 726: Russian troops executed wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Avdiivka despite promise of evacuation

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This is what can fix Ukraine’s Russian gliding bomb predicament. After fall of Avdiivka, fears grow that Russian cheap and dirty guided aerial bombs will wipe out other Ukrainian cities. ATACMS, Patriots, and F-16s are the solution

US blogger learns Ukrainian, exposes Russian imperialism on Instagram. The notion of Ukraine and Russia as “brotherly” whitewashes centuries of imperialism that American Alison Rochford aims to reveal.

Military

Weekly Frontline Update: Russian forces advance on eastern front, Ukraine takes out Russia’s warships and aircraft. After capturing the Ukrainian stronghold of Avdiivka in the Donetsk Oblast, Russia is preparing a new offensive on the southern front.

Russian forces executed wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Avdiivka despite promise of evacuation, military confirms. Russian forces executed wounded Ukrainian soldiers trapped at the encircled Zenit plant in Avdiivka, after promising evacuation and subsequent POWs exchanges, Ukraine’s 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade confirmed.

Zelenskyy visits frontline positions of Ukrainian troops in Kupiansk sector (photos). Ukrainian President also visited a military hospital in Kharkiv, where he met with wounded soldiers and medical staff.

As of 19 Feb 2024, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:

• • • Personnel: 403720 (+1290)
    • Tanks: 6498 (+11)
    • APV: 12232 (+34)
    • Artillery systems: 9733 (+24)
    • MLRS: 986 (+2)
    • Anti-aircraft systems: 674
    • Aircraft: 336 (+1)
    • Helicopters: 325
    • UAV: 7460 (+11)
    • Cruise missiles : 1898
    • Warships/boats: 25
    • Submarines: 1
    • Vehicles and fuel tanks: 12767 (+31)

Intelligence and technology

Media: Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine found dead in Spain, intel says Maksim Kuzminov, a Russian helicopter pilot who defected to Ukraine in August 2023, was reportedly found shot dead in Spain.

NBC: Biden administration considers sending long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine The White House is considering providing Ukraine with long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) if Congress approves a new funding package, NBC News reported, citing unnamed US officials.

Ukraine successfully tests loitering munitions similar to Russia’s Lantset Ukraine successfully tested long-range Lantset-style loitering munitions domestically, the digital minister announced, with serial production possible within months.

International

Canada to donate over 800 multi-mission drones to Ukraine The drones are valued at over C$95 million ($70.44 million) and are part of the C$500 million in military assistance pledged by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his visit to Kyiv last year.

Pistorius: Russia’s attack on NATO territory may occur in five to eight years German Defense Minister Pistorius urges US legislators to approve the $60+ billion aid package for Ukraine, as billions in deals between German and American defense contractors now hang in the balance as lawmakers obstruct crucial Ukraine military aid.

Japan to allocate €1.25 billion to support Japanese investors in Ukraine During the Tokyo Conference on Development and Reconstruction, Japan announced a new program to support its investors in Ukraine and facilitate the export of goods for the country’s reconstruction.

Ukraine, Japan sign 56 documents on reconstruction, business cooperation Except for the agreements in cooperation in education, technology, and ecology, one of the signed documents includes a convention to avoid double taxation, which Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal described as “extremely important for Japanese businesses planning new projects in Ukraine.”

Humanitarian and social impact

Kyiv Oblast sees 198 war-damaged schools and kindergartens restored In Kyiv Oblast 198/244 educational institutions damaged or destroyed during Russia’s full-blown war have been restored, according to the regional authorities.

New developments

“20 Days in Mariupol” wins BAFTA “Best Documentary” award. Ukrainian documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” telling the story of the first weeks of fighting in the encircled city in 2022 has won the BAFTA award for best documentary Political and legal developments

Poll: Majority of Ukrainians believe in victory over Russia, see int’l support as crucial With 85% of Ukrainians confident in victory against Russia, the majority also stress the importance of international support, particularly Western military aid.

Read our earlier daily review here

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