As the war stretches into its 762nd day, here are the key updates as of Wednesday, March 27, 2024:
Fighting
– Ukraine’s navy reported damaging four Russian naval ships, including the Konstantin Olshanskya and Ivan Khurs, in a missile attack on Crimea. No response from Moscow.
– Five people were injured in Ukrainian shelling of villages in Belgorod, with Russia’s Ministry of Defence stating they shot down 13 Ukrainian rockets.
– Ukraine downed 12 Iranian-made Russian attack drones in Mykolaiv and Kharkiv regions.
– The Security Service of Ukraine arrested two suspects believed to be working for Russia in an attempt to blow up a railway line used for weapon supplies.
Politics and diplomacy
– Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Oleksandr Lytvynenko to lead the National Security and Defence Council.
– Russian court extended the detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich on espionage charges.
– Ukraine’s victory over Iceland secured their spot in the Euro 2024 finals.
Weapons
– France will deliver 78 Caesar howitzers to Ukraine and increase shell supply to meet ammunition needs.
– French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu is willing to prioritize military orders over civilian ones to expedite the production of arms and shells for the battlefield.