Russo-Ukrainian war, day 727: Polish farmers block Ukraine border, spill grain; Ukraine plans new Danube export route

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Why I protest for Ukraine in Milan every single day. “”I feel it’s my responsibility as an Italian and European citizen to do anything in my power to support Ukraine and help them achieve the true peace they deserve.””

Military

Frontline report: Graphic battle video shows Russia paid heavy price attacking Avdiivka. Graphic Avdiivka footage reveals the enormous losses Russia incurred assaulting entrenched Ukrainian positions, bodies seen covering the area.

ISW: Russia achieved localized air superiority in Avdiivka before capturing it. Russia achieved temporary localized air superiority over Avdiivka by mass deployment of glide bombs, enabling close air support for advancing troops on the ground, per ISW.

UK Intel: bloodied Russian troops need “period of rest” after Avdiivka, seek more gains. British Intelligence reports that, following the seizure of Avdiivka, Russian armed forces, having suffered significant losses, will likely take a pause in their military actions.

As of 20 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: 404950 (+1230)
    • Tanks: 6503 (+5)
    • APV: 12268 (+36)
    • Artillery systems: 9773 (+40)
    • MLRS: 988 (+2)
    • Anti-aircraft systems: 675 (+1)
    • Aircraft: 338 (+2)
    • Helicopters: 325
    • UAV: 7521 (+61)
    • Cruise missiles : 1902 (+3)
    • Warships/boats: 25
    • Submarines: 1
    • Vehicles and fuel tanks: 12805 (+38)

Intelligence and technology

Ukraine signs cooperation memorandum with Taurus manufacturer. Ukrainian defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom has signed a memorandum with leading missile development and manufacturing company MBDA Deutschland.

North Korean missile fired by Russia in Ukraine contained US European components. Conflict Armament Research investigation reveals that a North Korean missile fired by Russia in Ukraine’s Kharkiv on 2 January contains over 290 foreign components, with 75% linked to US companies, 16% to European, and 9% to Asian firms.

Bloomberg: UK, allies plan to supply Ukraine with AI-enabled swarm drones. As Ukraine faces a shortage of artillery, the UK, along with the US and other allies, is working to provide Ukraine with AI-enabled swarm drones to bolster the country’s drone capabilities and create a new dynamic on the battlefield.

International

Sweden to send its largest aid package worth over $ 680 million to Ukraine. The country’s 15th assistance package to Ukraine includes Stridsbåt 90 fast military assault craft and TOW anti-tank missiles.

US House speaker scolded for evading urgent Ukraine aid action. International allies criticize US House speaker Mike Johnson for dodging swift legislative decision on depleted Ukraine’s vital defense assistance

Ecuador backtracks on sending arms to Ukraine after Russia banned imports of its bananas, flowers. Under pressure following Russian trade sanctions that targeted Ecuador’s banana and flower exports, Ecuador’s foreign minister announced the country no longer has plans to transfer Soviet-era equipment to Ukraine.

EU allocates €83 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Moldova. With an estimated 14.6 million Ukrainians needing help in 2024, the EU directs €75 million from an €83 million aid package to Ukraine for emergency aid, including shelter and healthcare.

Humanitarian and social impact

Russian drone strike kills two farm workers in Kupiansk district. Russian “kamikaze” drone struck a civilian car in the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv Oblast, resulting in the deaths of two civilians and injures to another.

Russia attacks Ukraine with drones, missiles, artillery over last 14 hours. Over the last 14 hours, Russia hit Ukrainian cities and villages with two S-300/S-400 surface-to-air missiles, one Kh-31 air-to-surface missile, and 23 Iranian-made Shahed drones, said Ukraine’s Air Forces.

Russia arrests US citizen for sending $ 50 to Ukrainian nonprofit. If convicted, the 33-year-old detainee from Los Angeles could face 20 years in a Russian jail.

Ukraine returns 11 children from Russia, occupied territories, amid Qatar mediation. Ambassador of Qatar to Ukraine, Hadi Al-Hajri, joined the welcoming of 11 children who survived occupation and bombings.

Political and legal developments

Polish farmers block Ukraine border, spill grain, as Ukrainian truckers protest against blockade. Polish farmers escalated border protests over Ukrainian imports, completely blocking trucks at one checkpoint and spilling grain, while Ukrainian truckers initiated counter-blockades against Polish trucks.

Polish farmers to expand Ukraine border blockade. Polish farmers expand protests primarily focusing on blockading the Ukrainian border, targeting 100 locations across Poland including borders, ports and rail to restrict Ukrainian agricultural imports they say undercut domestic producers.

New developments

Ukraine plans new Danube export route to bypass Poland border blockade. The proposed new route would run from the Ukrainian port of Izmail to Romania’s Constanta and the Danube ports of Germany.

Read our earlier daily review here