Russo-Ukrainian war, day 729: Denmark signs decade-long security pact with Ukraine, allocates $247 million in military aid

Connecticut Digital NewsFebruary 23, 2024

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Military

Frontline report: Russian general set up all his troops for a HIMARS strike. After Russian defense minister Shoigu falsely told Putin that Russian forces captured Krynky village in Kherson Oblast, Ukrainian forces released videos showing village still contested, prompting failed Russian attacks and deadly HIMARS strikes on Russian troop concentrations.

ISW: Pro-war Russian milblogger criticizes command, commits suicide. Popular Russian military blogger commits suicide after top brass orders him to censor his own reporting on disastrous Russian losses of up to 16,000 dead during failed winter offensives to capture Avdiivka.

Ukraine in 2024: A defensive war with no chance of counteroffensive, German official says. Ukraine will have to focus on holding the front against Russia’s offensive, as it lacks the resources and support to regain lost territory, according to Anton Hofreiter.

As of 22 Feb 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: 407240 (+1160)
  - Tanks: 6523 (+7)
  - APV: 12373 (+35)
  - Artillery systems: 9867 (+41)
  - MLRS: 997 (+5)
  - Anti-aircraft systems: 680 (+2)
  - Aircraft: 339 (+1)
  - Helicopters: 325
  - UAV: 7596 (+36)
  - Cruise missiles : 1903
  - Warships/boats: 25
  - Submarines: 1
  - Vehicles and fuel tanks: 12924 (+63)

Intelligence and technology

UK to send 200 more Brimstone anti-tank missiles to Ukraine. Additionally, the UK, in collaboration with other allies, would train a further 10,000 Ukrainian troops in the first half of 2024, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said.

UK intel: Russia depicts its war in Ukraine as conflict with West, shifting rhetoric to excuse its failures. Framing the failing Ukraine invasion as a war with the collective West, Russia aims to prepare the domestic population for extended military losses and declines in economic conditions, per UK intelligence.

Stoltenberg on F-16: Ukraine has right to self-defense, including hitting targets outside the country. Regarding Ukraine’s future use of the F-16 jets, NATO chief Stoltenberg says Ukraine has the right to self-defense, including striking legitimate Russian military targets outside its borders.

International

Borrelll to EU: “Doing nothing is not an option” for Ukraine’s ammunition shortage. In a letter to EU foreign and defense ministers, Borrelll emphasized the urgent need for ammunition, stating, “Ukrainian soldiers are hampered in their fight against the aggressor – because they lack ammunition.”

Denmark signs long-term security agreement with Ukraine. “If we don’t stand together, Ukraine won’t stand, and then potentially Europe won’t stand either,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said.

Bundestag approves further military aid for Ukraine, rejects Taurus missile delivery. German lawmakers have affirmed their support for Ukraine with new military aid, but the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles remains off the table.

UK imposes new sanctions against Russia to mark two years of full-scale war. The UK government has announced over 50 new sanctions targeting Putin’s war efforts, including munitions manufacturers, diamond and oil traders.

Denmark announces $ 247 million military aid package for Ukraine. Denmark’s 15th military aid package includes artillery ammunition, ammunition for Ukraine’s air defense systems, mine-clearing equipment, radars, and drones.

New Zealand sends Ukraine $ 16.4 million aid. New Zealand is supplying a new $16 million Ukraine assistance package and extending key defense force deployments delivering training and support until mid-2025 as Russia’s invasion continues.

Political and legal developments

Latvia bans agricultural imports from Russia, Belarus. Latvia has become the first EU country to ban imports of agricultural products from Russia and Belarus.

New developments

Reuters: Sweden warns of Russian threat as NATO membership decision nears. A new Swedish security report highlights threats from Russia, China, and Iran aiming to “change the current security system.”

Media: Iran supplied Russia with hundreds of ballistic missiles, plans more supplies. Iran has supplied Russia with about 400 ballistic missiles with a 700 km range, and plans new supplies, per Reuters sources.

British tech fuels Russia’s war machine in Ukraine. Sky News has discovered that Russia is importing British high-tech equipment and components through third countries, despite Western sanctions.

Read our earlier daily review here.

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