Summary of the Events of the Day
Ukraine has begun a defensive offensive pushing Russian forces back around Kyiv, out of artillery range and sinking ships in the Sea of Azov that are firing missiles on Mariupol. Meanwhile, more and more evidence of Russia’s use of chemical weapons is mounting.
Battle for Kyiv (including Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, and Zhitomir)
Kharkiv came under intense attacks with 44 strikes over the last 24 hours – that is a missile strike almost every half hour. Russia fired 140 MLRS missiles, as well as Caliber missiles from ships in the Black Sea. All the attacks were made against residential neighborhoods. At least six civilians were killed in an attack on a post office. WAR CRIME. Ukrainian forces did not lose any territory in the attacks, and even managed to shoot down two Russian aircraft.
Russian forces to the east of Kyiv have been pushed back another 30 kilometers placing them 55 kilometers away from the center of Kyiv and out of artillery range. Ukrainian forces are attempting to do the same on the western side. Yesterday they took Makariv on the left and today took Moschun on the right. The goal is to encircle the main Russian forces in Vorzel, Bucha and Irpin.
Battle for the Donbas (Donetsk & Luhansk regions)
Overnight hundreds of munitions, including chemical weapon white phosphorous, were dropped on civilians in Luhansk region over the cities of Severodonetsk, Lysychansk, Rubezhy, Kremenny, Novodruzhesky, Voevodovka. The illegal use of white phosphorous dropped on Rubezhy was documented. Four civilians died throughout the night attacks.
The Russian amphibious landing ship The Orsk was sunk in a Ukrainian attack of the Russian naval base set up in Berdyansk which was captured early in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Orsk was offshore in the Sea of Azov. Video footage suggests a second ship may have been sunk as well. Several buildings of the naval base were on fire as well. It is not known if any Russian marines were on board.
Other News
President Zelensky makes an appeal to all civilians in the world to take to their streets to show their support of Ukraine, support of freedom, and support of life.
The U.S. expelled twelve Russian UN diplomats and in retaliation Russia expelled twelve American diplomats from Moscow. Poland expelled 45 Russian diplomats on charges of espionage. Russia called the actions a “dangerous escalation”.
The US Pentagon claims that Ukraine is not actually taking back territory, but that Russia is pulling back to a more defensive position.
Renault, under international pressure when President Zelensky called for a worldwide boycott of the company for continuing to do business in Ukraine, finally announced they are shutting down their business in Russia.
A Russian journalist was killed when Russian forces shelled a residential neighborhood in Kyiv.
Belarus expelled 80% of Ukraine’s diplomatic team from Belarus leaving only five people in the Ukrainian embassy in Minsk.
NATO is planning on sending chemical weapons protection suits and chemical clean-up equipment as more and more Western Intelligence Agencies are reporting that Russia is preparing to use chemical weapons against Ukraine.
Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces has ignited several forest fires around the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant Exclusion Zone threatening to spread high levels of radiation.
President Zelensky continued his addresses to national leaders by addressing a joint session of the French Senate and National Assembly, the Swedish Riksdag, and the Italian Parliament. Zelensky also addressed a meeting of NATO countries asking them for offensive weapons such as planes and tanks. NATO announced four new brigades would be formed and stationed in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. NATO is also discussing sending anti-ship missiles.
International Support
The U.S. has formally announced its position that Russia has committed war crimes against Ukraine.
The Polish Sejm officially condemned Russia for its attacks on Ukraine calling them war crimes and acts of genocide.
Germany announced they are sending another 2000 anti-tank weapons to Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged Russia to end their aggression against Ukraine immediately.
The UK announced they are sending 6000 missiles and $33 million to Ukraine.