Russo-Ukrainian war, day 747: “20 Days in Mariupol” wins Oscar for Best Documentary

Exclusive

“I wish I never made this film”: director of Oscar-winning 20 Days in Mariupol. Receiving the first Oscar in Ukrainian history, Mstyslav Chernov said he would exchange the award and recognition for Russia never invading Ukraine

Military

Military: Russian troops used chemical munitions some 60 times in past week on Zaporizhzhia front. Ukrainian military official reported a concerning rise in chemical attacks by Russian forces in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a serious breach of international law.

Frontline report: Ukrainians conduct vicious surprise tank raid, wipe out Russian force accumulation near Kupiansk. Ukraine launched a devastating surprise tank raid near Kupiansk, Ukrainian armor catching accumulated Russian forces off guard and wiping them out before their planned offensive in the region could begin.

Zelenskyy: Ukraine building 2,000 kilometers of fortifications. “The defense in three lines with a length of 2000 kilometers is a large-scale task, but the pace is good now,” Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy said following a meeting with military commanders.

Russia producing three times more artillery shells than US and EU for Ukraine. Russia is producing around 250,000 artillery shells monthly or 3,000,000 a year, compared to just 1.2 million annually from the US and Europe combined for Ukraine, per CNN data.

As of 11 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: 424980 (+920)
    • Tanks: 6739 (+8)
    • APV: 12874 (+24)
    • Artillery systems: 10499 (+33)
    • MLRS: 1016 (+1)
    • Anti-aircraft systems: 711 (+2)
    • Aircraft: 347
    • Helicopters: 325
    • UAV: 8141 (+59)
    • Cruise missiles : 1919
    • Warships/boats: 26
    • Submarines: 1
    • Vehicles and fuel tanks: 13826 (+74)

Intelligence and technology

ISW: Russia aims for mass production of advanced glider bombs. Improved guided glide bombs could allow Russian forces to conduct deeper strikes in Ukraine with less risk.

NYT: Ukraine could deploy F-16s as soon as July, but only a few. NYT says Ukraine may deploy six of some 45 promised F-16 jets by July to counter Russian air support, as the country urgently needs more weapons amid a munitions shortage.

International

Orban claims Trump said he won’t “give a penny” to Ukraine. Hungarian PM Orbán claims that former US President Trump stated he would not provide “a penny” in funding for Ukraine, which echoes US aid delay by Congressional Republicans but hasn’t yet been confirmed by Trump or his team.

Over 1,000 civilian ships defy Russia, transit Ukraine’s Black Sea “grain corridor”. Over 1,000 civilian vessels have exported around 30 million tons through Ukraine’s “”grain corridor”” in the Black Sea, defying Russian efforts to deter maritime traffic and undermine international support.

Politico: Macron delays Ukraine visit, seeking “tangible results” from allied discussions first. “A bit of time is needed to [conclude] the different coalitions and their operational commitments with our partners,” the French diplomat told Politico.

“Capitulation is not peace”: Stoltenberg counters Pope’s remarks; more leaders critique Pontiff’s call for Ukraine’s surrender (updated). NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg rejects Pope Francis’ call for Ukraine to negotiate with Russia, emphasizing that capitulation is not peace and urging continued military support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Czech President: NATO support troops in Ukraine not against international rules. Czech President Petr Pavel indicates NATO troops can engage in support activities in Ukraine without breaching international regulations, following Macron’s suggestion of deploying Western troops. Pavel emphasizes the distinction between combat and support roles, highlighting NATO’s experience in training missions.

Humanitarian and social impact

Russian explosive drones hit Kharkiv, Odesa as Ukraine downs 15/25 UAVs. Ukrainian forces downed 15 of 25 Russian Shahed drones in Russia’s overnight attack; three drones hit Kharkiv, causing damage but no injuries, while one struck an infrastructure facility in Odesa district, also without injuries, official sources said.

UK intel: Russia threatens to deport Ukrainians without Russian passports from occupied areas. Russia forcing Ukrainian residents in occupied areas to accept Russian citizenship or face deportation, per UK intelligence.

Political and legal developments

Ukraine begins talks with aviation regulators to resume international flights during martial law. Ukraine initiates talks with European and American regulators, aiming to safely reopen its skies for international travel despite ongoing Russia’s invasion.

Read our earlier daily review here