Russo-Ukrainian war, day 741: Ukraine intel destroys Russian patrol ship “Sergei Kotov”

Last night, a unit of the Ukrainian intelligence agency sank the Russian Black Sea Fleet's patrol ship Sergei Kotov near the Kerch Strait, using five Magura V5 maritime drones.

Mar 5, 2024 - 19:49

Russo-Ukrainian war, day 741: Ukraine intel destroys Russian patrol ship “Sergei Kotov”

Military

Ukraine intel destroys another Russian navy ship “Sergei Kotov” (updated). Ukrainian intelligence agency says its unit has sunk the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s patrol ship Sergei Kotov last night near the Kerch Strait, using five Magura V5 maritime drones.

Frontline report: Ukrainians control Ivanivske in Bakhmut direction despite intensified Russian assault. As Russian troops are attempting to advance in the Bakhmut sector, Ukrainian defenders stand their ground in Ivanivske, bolstered by successful counter-battery fire and sustained control over key supply routes.

As of 05 Mar 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: 419020 (+1070)
  - Tanks: 6657 (+9)
  - APV: 12688 (+28)
  - Artillery systems: 10258 (+48)
  - MLRS: 1007 (+3)
  - Anti-aircraft systems: 700 (+2)
  - Aircraft: 347
  - Helicopters: 325
  - UAV: 7863 (+18)
  - Cruise missiles : 1917 (+1)
  - Warships/boats: 25
  - Submarines: 1
  - Vehicles and fuel tanks: 13423 (+49)

Intelligence and technology

Politico: Russia uses Serbian agent to infiltrate EU institutions, Western intel says. Russian intelligence has been using a Serbian “agent of influence” to spread pro-Kremlin narratives about its invasion of Ukraine within the European Union.

International

European Commission presents first-ever European Defense Industrial Strategy. With the launch of EDIS, the EU aims to strengthen its defense technological and industrial base through increased investment, collaboration, and innovation.

Macron backs Czech plan to supply Ukraine with 800,000 artillery shells. Addressing the urgent need for ammunition in Ukraine, Macron endorses a Czech initiative to provide artillery shells to support Ukrainian forces.

US Air Force employee charged with leaking classified information on Russia’s war via dating site. A retired US Army lieutenant colonel was arrested for allegedly transmitting classified defense information on Russia’s war against Ukraine via a foreign online dating platform.

Macron says Ukraine’s allies must not be cowards, rise up to historic challenge. Macron urged Ukrainian allies not to be cowardly in supporting the country against Russian aggression, urging them to “rise to the occasion.”

UK MP: Germany leak of UK military tactics in Ukraine security breach worrying on many levels. UK MP Tobias Ellwood highlights a leaked German call allegedly disclosing Britain’s covert military assistance to Ukraine as a worrying security breach.

Humanitarian and social impact

Ukraine downs 18 of 22 Russian drones launched overnight. All Russian drones downed over Odesa Oblast. According to the city Governor Oleh Kiper, drones hit recreational facility in the oblast

Bucha massacre: Ukraine presses murder charges against two Russian soldiers. Ukraine’s Prosecutor General charges two more Russian servicemen with murder for executing a civilian in Bucha, accused of violating war laws.

Energoatom: Russia-seized Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant survives eight full blackouts since invasion started. At the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear station, eight blackouts and one partial outage have occurred amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine since 2022, raising concerns about nuclear safety risks under Russian occupation.

Russian morning attack kills 67-year-old woman in Kupiansk district. Kupianks in the Kharkiv Oblast remain the primary target for Russia as they are a key railway hub to support efforts to capture the entirety of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and are necessary for attacking deeper in the Kharkiv Oblast.

Political and legal developments

International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for high-ranking Russian military officials. Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash and Admiral Viktor Sokolov stand accused of conducting a campaign of missile strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure and committing the crime against humanity.

New developments

Prosecutors accuse Russian soldiers of involvement in Lithuanian director killing. Lithuanian Prosecutor General’s Office has accused three Russian soldiers of involvement in the murder of Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravičius near occupied Mariupol, as per Deutsche Welle.

Read our earlier daily review here

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