Ukraine: realities | «The Weekly Five»: 18.03 – 24.03

British Intelligence: Ukraine has disabled at least 10% of Russia's oil refining capacity

British intelligence has analyzed Russia's attempts to protect its oil refining facilities from Ukrainian strikes. This is stated in a review by the British Ministry of Defense.

After the Russian government announced plans to deploy Pantsir air defense systems to protect oil refineries (NPRs), the British agency noted that it is unlikely that Russia will be able to protect all vulnerable objects, given the size and scale of its energy sector.

“Recent strikes on NPRs likely disabled at least 10% of Russian oil refining capacity,” the review said.

Analysts point out that depending on the scale of the damage, major repairs at Russian NPRs could take significant time and expenses, and sanctions promise to increase the time and cost due to the search for new equipment.

 

The White House: While Congress delays, Putin uses every minute to strike Ukraine

The White House has condemned the latest missile attack by Russia on Ukraine, emphasizing that the Kremlin leader is trying to seize every day to harm peaceful Ukrainians. This was stated by White House advisor John Kirby.

"This once again demonstrates the importance of continuing to provide Ukraine with air defense systems, interceptor missiles, and tools necessary to protect people and infrastructure."

Kirby noted that Putin "is not sitting idly by" while Ukraine remains without supplies of defense assistance.

"He is using every available minute for his deadly intentions, while our Congress refuses to act. He doesn't hesitate, and neither should we."

 

Britain announces a new aid package to Ukraine including drones and air defense systems

The UK Ministry of Defence has announced intentions to provide Ukraine with modern drones and air defense systems worth £60 million (almost €70 million). This was communicated by the UK Ministry of Defence on Twitter (X).

"The new £60 million military support package from the International Fund for Ukraine, administered by the United Kingdom, will provide new modern drones to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

It will also include £20 million for air defense systems to help secure Ukraine's skies," the announcement said.

 

White House on shooting near Moscow: No evidence indicates Ukraine's involvement

The White House has stated that it sees no signs of Ukraine's involvement in the armed attack on a concert hall near Moscow, during which dozens of people were killed.

"At this point, there is no evidence that Ukraine or Ukrainians were involved in the shooting," said White House advisor John Kirby to journalists.

"At this early stage, I wouldn't advise you to look for any connection to Ukraine," he emphasized.The White House reacted to the attack in Moscow, stating that the footage of the shooting in the Russian capital was "horrific and simply difficult to watch."

 

NATO Military Committee Chairman warns against excessive pessimism regarding Ukraine's chances in the war

NATO Military Committee Chairman Rob Bauer has cautioned against excessive pessimism about Ukraine's ability to win the war and urged for continued support for Kyiv.

Bauer emphasized that pessimists do not win wars.

"If the world perhaps was overly optimistic in 2023, we should not make the same mistake by becoming overly pessimistic in 2024," he noted.

Bauer stressed that looking at the facts, there are all reasons to be confident in Ukraine's ability to succeed.

"All you need is... our support. NATO member countries and many other countries around the world are providing Ukraine with unprecedented support, and it has truly changed the situation for the better. But Ukraine needs even more support," stated the NATO Military Committee Chairman.

He pointed out that Ukrainian forces have fundamentally changed many aspects of modern warfare.

 

The project «Ukraine: realities» is implemented by the News agency «Konkurent» together with the Civic Movement «SVIDOMI» in English for readers from other countries to tell to tell about current news and events in Ukraine.

Проєкт «Ukraine: realities» реалізовується Інформаційним агентством «Конкурент» спільно з Громадянським Рухом «СВІДОМІ» на англійській мові для читачів з інших країн аби розповісти про актуальні новини та події в Україні.