Russo-Ukrainian war, day 756: Ukrainian air defense intercepts all 31 Russian missiles targeting Kyiv

In the early hours of 21 March, Russian forces launched two ballistic missiles and 29 cruise missiles on Kyiv, all of which were intercepted, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Despite the success of the Ukrainian air defense forces, the attack still resulted in damage and casualties.

Mar 22, 2024 - 08:56

Russo-Ukrainian war, day 756: Ukrainian air defense intercepts all 31 Russian missiles targeting Kyiv

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Want to know how Ukraine can resist Russia in 2024? Look to Bilohorivka. A microcosm of Ukraine’s defense against Russia, Bilohorivka shows how Ukraine can prevail — or fail.

“Free world won’t let Ukraine fail”: Ramstein group pledges more ammo, armor, drones. At the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at the Ramstein-Miesenbach Air Base in Germany, the country’s allies announced military aid packages and promised more missiles for Ukrainian air defense systems. New members joined drone and ammunition coalitions.

Military

Frontline report: Lyman remains out of Russian reach as Ukrainian forces repel multiple attacks. Despite Russian attempts to reinforce their units and launch a new offensive, Ukrainian defenders have maintained control over key settlements, thwarting Russia’s ultimate goal of seizing Lyman, known as The Gates of Donbas.

ISW: Indicators suggest Russia preparing for large-scale conflict with NATO. Russia is preparing for a “”large-scale conventional conflict with NATO,”” with indicators suggesting a shorter timeline than previously anticipated by Western analysts, ISW reported.

UK intel: Russian forces make minor gains in Donetsk Oblast as Ukrainian troops face shell shortages. Russian forces are intensifying their efforts to expand control northwest of Donetsk city, with a strategic focus on contesting a string of villages including Orlivka, Tonenke, Pervomaiske, and Nevelske.

Ex-Wagner fighters join Russian volunteer forces, battling for Ukraine on Russian soil. Russian volunteer forces vow to press on with their campaign on Russian territory.

Russian town near Ukraine border calls for evacuation amid intense fighting. Last week, Russian volunteer forces fighting for Ukraine started an offensive into the Belgorod and Kursk oblasts of Russia.

As of 20 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: 433090 (+700)
  - Tanks: 6828 (+9)
  - APV: 13058 (+9)
  - Artillery systems: 10714 (+16)
  - MLRS: 1017
  - Anti-aircraft systems: 721
  - Aircraft: 347
  - Helicopters: 325
  - UAV: 8355 (+37)
  - Cruise missiles : 1922
  - Warships/boats: 26
  - Submarines: 1
  - Vehicles and fuel tanks: 14198 (+7)

Intelligence and technology

Czechia sends final two Mi-24 attack helicopters to Ukraine. These helicopters are the final units from Prague’s inventory, totaling eight Mi-24s provided to Ukraine.

Ukrainska Pravda: Ukraine’s defense intel main target in Russia’s latest missile attack on Kyiv. “The absolute majority of missiles that flew towards Kyiv on 21 March were directed at the facilities of the Main Intelligence Directorate,” a source in the agency told Ukrainska Pravda.

International

Bloomberg: US proposes $50 billion bond to support Ukraine with frozen Russian assets. With US funding for Ukraine stalled in Congress, the US proposes using profits from frozen Russian assets to issue at least $50 billion in bonds to aid Ukraine.

Admiral Bauer, NATO military head, makes first Ukraine visit since Russian invasion. On the morning of 21 March, Russia launched a massive missile strike on Kyiv, the first in 44 days.

Two-day EU summit begins in Brussels, Ukraine aid in spotlight. Also on the agenda: long-term defense funding, with suggestions the EU needs €100bn+ to build capacity against potential Russian aggression.

Humanitarian and social impact

13 injured as all 31 Russian missiles aimed at Kyiv downed this morning. Early on 21 March, Russia targeted Kyiv with 31 missiles, Ukraine downed all of those, but the falling debris injured 13 people, according to local authorities.

Political and legal developments

Austrian chancellor opposes using profits from frozen Russian assets to finance weapons for Ukraine. “For us neutrals it must be ensured that money, for which we give our approval, is not spent on weapons and ammunition,” said the Austrian Chancellor.

Politico: EU ambassadors stumble on Ukraine trade deal extension. This setback risks overshadowing the upcoming EU summit, where leaders had hoped to reaffirm their united backing for Ukraine.

Read our earlier daily review here

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