Russo-Ukrainian war, day 778: Russian missile attack devastates Kyiv’s main power plant

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Ukraine’s new mobilization law falls painfully short of frontline expectations. While aiming to bolster the country’s defense, the long-awaited law betrays frontline soldiers by omitting key provisions for troop rotation and demobilization

Podcast: How drones complement but cannot replace artillery in Ukraine’s military strategy. From dropping bombs on Russian positions to evacuating wounded comrades, drones have become an indispensable asset for Ukrainian forces. However, the Russian army also constantly improves in the drone race.

Beneath the bombs: Inside Ukraine’s underground schools and maternity wards. As Russia’s attacks persist, Ukraine is digging deep to create safe spaces for learning and birth, with underground schools in Kharkiv, shelter-based maternity wards in Lviv, and children’s play areas in Kherson Oblast.

Military

Russia attacks Ukraine with 82 air targets, hitting energy infrastructure in Lviv, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia oblasts. Ukraine’s air forces downed 57 targets & reported that Russian main target was Lviv Oblast. In Kharkiv 200K consumers left without power due to Russian attack on the energy infrastructure facility there

Frontline report: Fierce battles rage as Russians attempt to cross Durna River in Avdiivka direction. Ukrainian forces swiftly dealt with three waves of Russian mechanized assaults, destroying at least 12 tanks and 8 infantry fighting vehicles, according to verified losses.

As of 11 Apr 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: 450890 (+810)
    • Tanks: 7137 (+5)
    • APV: 13679 (+12)
    • Artillery systems: 11452 (+48)
    • MLRS: 1040
    • Anti-aircraft systems: 754 (+1)
    • Aircraft: 347
    • Helicopters: 325
    • UAV: 9104 (+34)
    • Cruise missiles : 2069 (+2)
    • Warships/boats: 26
    • Submarines: 1
    • Vehicles and fuel tanks: 15298 (+50)

Intelligence and technology

Podcast: How drones complement but cannot replace artillery in Ukraine’s military strategy. From dropping bombs on Russian positions to evacuating wounded comrades, drones have become an indispensable asset for Ukrainian forces. However, the Russian army also constantly improves in the drone race.

Kuleba: Ukraine wants at least 7 Patriot air defense systems. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Kyiv has identified over 100 available Patriot air defense systems held by allies, urging the transfer of at least 7 systems to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against Russian aerial bombardment. “”I feel like hitting the wall. I just don’t understand why it’s not happening””

International

Zelenskyy calls for EU membership negotiations in June and invites NATO membership for Ukraine. “”Every democratic nation in Europe, upholding and defending common European values, deserves membership in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization,”” Zelenskyy stated.

Zelenskyy visits Three Seas Summit, strengthens military cooperation with Baltic states. Zelensky discussed priorities in weaponry and political cooperation, and secured commitments for military assistance and support for Ukraine’s EU and NATO paths.

Ukraine signs 10-year security agreement with Latvia. Bolstering Ukraine’s defense, Latvia pledged around $120 million in military aid for 2024 under a new bilateral accord.

Borrelll calls for EU focus on preventing destruction in Ukraine, sending those 7 Patriot Kyiv “”asking desperately for””. Providing Ukraine with seven Patriot air defense batteries is “”inconceivable”” not to do, EU’s Borrelll stated, relaying Kyiv’s urgent request.

Japan imposes export controls on Russia, targeting industrial and oil, gas sectors. Japan has imposed additional sanctions on Russia, prohibiting the export of 164 types of goods that could contribute to strengthening Russia’s industrial infrastructure. The updated sanctions list targets items for industry, oil & gas sectors

Borrelll to EU: supporting Ukraine cheaper than dealing with its defeat. Josep Borrelll claimed that Russia would become a bigger threat to the security and freedom of the EU without support for Ukraine.

Humanitarian and social impact

Beneath the bombs: Inside Ukraine’s underground schools and maternity wards. As Russia’s attacks persist, Ukraine is digging deep to create safe spaces for learning and birth, with underground schools in Kharkiv, shelter-based maternity wards in Lviv, and children’s play areas in Kherson Oblast.

Ukraine’s postal service to release stamp highlighting homegrown defense industry. Ukrposhta, in collaboration with Ukraine’s Strategic Industries Ministry, announces the release of a “”Weapons of Victory”” postal stamp on 13 April, featuring Ukrainian-made military equipment like drones, artillery, and armored vehicles.

Mandatory evacuation ordered for Kharkiv Oblast towns bordering Russia. The region has been hit daily by Russian strikes.

Russian massive missile attack wipes out Ukrainian capital Kyiv’s main power plant . Trypilska Thermal Power Plant served as the primary electricity supplier for the Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr oblasts, worsening the situation with the energy crisis in Ukraine.

Political and legal developments

Head of SBU’s cybersecurity reassigned to frontline after investigative report exposes property discrepancies. Besides, the head of the Solomyansky Territorial Recruitment in Kyiv, involved in the attempt to issue the draft summons, has been demoted and reassigned to a lower position.

Ukraine’s Rada mandates additional monthly payments for frontline soldiers. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has approved a resolution for the government to provide additional monthly payments of approximately USD 1,894 to frontline military personnel, on top of their regular salary (approximately USD 540-675) and combat pay (approximately USD 2,700).

Ukrainian parliament approves amendments to mobilization law. While aiming to bolster the country’s defense, the long-awaited law betrays frontline soldiers by omitting key provisions for troop rotation and demobilization.

New developments

Ukraine’s demographic crisis strains military as young men dwindle. The exodus of 800,000 Ukrainian women of childbearing age to European Union nations since the war began has further compounded the problem.

“”Time is short””: Barbra Streisand, Sean Penn, Imagine Dragons demand US help Ukraine now. The signatories argue that Ukrainian armed forces are defending American interests.

Read our earlier daily review here

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