- After Russia once again targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure in missile and drone strikes on Thursday, Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his country's need for Western military aid, slamming allies for engaging in "lengthy discussions" and "turning a blind eye." Al Jazeera (a) (LR: 2 CP: 1)
- According to Ukraine's Air Force, Russia launched a combination of 42 missiles and 40 drones on Thursday. Of these, 39 drones were shot down and 18 missiles were destroyed. Understandingwar
- The Institute for the Study of War, a US military think tank that tracks the conflict, said the attacks caused "caused notable and likely long-term damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure," reporting that a number of energy facilities were either destroyed or damaged in as many as nine regions of Ukraine. Understandingwar
- Among them was the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant in Kyiv, which was completely destroyed by Russian strikes. The plant's owner, Centrenergo — the largest provider of electricity to the regions of Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr — said it lost 100% of its power generation capabilities. CNN (LR: 2 CP: 5)
- Ukraine's persisting munitions shortages, coupled with Russia's increasing use of sophisticated glide bombs, has also led to further Russian gains on the battlefield. After capturing Avdiivka in February, Russian troops are now six miles (10 km) west of the Donetsk city. They are also advancing west of Bakhmut, captured in May last year, towards the Donetsk city of Chasiv Yar. Al Jazeera (b) (LR: 2 CP: 1)
- Meanwhile, in a move likely to be unpopular with Ukrainians, the country's parliament on Thursday passed a law that aims to plug the shortage in troop numbers by calling up more soldiers to fight. While yet to be approved by Zelenskyy, he last week approved a measure that lowered the conscription age from 27 to 25. Associated Press (LR: 3 CP: 5)
Pro-Ukraine narrative:
- These Russian attacks — including on Ukraine's largest power station in Kyiv — simply would not have happened if Ukraine had the weapons it needed to defend itself — including more US-made Patriot missile defense systems. Ukraine needs these weapons as soon as possible.
UKRAINSKA PRAVDA
Pro-Russia narrative:
- For humanitarian reasons, Russia did not strike Ukraine's energy infrastructure throughout the winter. However, after a series of Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory — including on the Crocus Concert Hall in Moscow — the country was forced to respond. It's now up to Ukrainian people to see sense and call for negotiations.
TASS
Nerd narrative:
- There's a 2% chance that Ukraine will sever the land bridge between Crimea and Russia before 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
METACULUS (LR: 3 CP: 3)