March 20, 2023

490 Ukraine troops killed in 24-hour period

Russian Defense Ministry

In Kupyansk direction, aviation and artillery of the ‘Zapad’ Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) close to Dvurechnaya, Berestovoye (Kharkov region), and Artyomovka (Lugansk People’s Republic).

️ The enemy suffered losses of up to 55 Ukrainian troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, two pick-up trucks, and one D-20 howitzer.

In Krasny Liman direction, the ‘Tsentr’ Group of Forces, aviation, and artillery hit enemy manpower and hardware close to Yampolovka and Terny (Donetsk People’s Republic).

️ In the past 24 hours, the enemy has lost over 100 Ukrainian troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, three pick-up trucks, one motor vehicle, and one Msta-B howitzer.

In Donetsk direction, the units of the ‘Yug’ Group of Forces and artillery annihilated over 245 Ukrainian troops, one tank, three armoured fighting vehicles, three pick-up trucks, one Grad MLRS vehicle, and one Msta-B howitzer close to Semenovka, Petrovskoye, and Tonenkoye.

In South Donetsk and Zaporozhye directions, aviation and artillery of the ‘Vostok’ Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on the AFU units close to Ugledar and Novomikhailovka (Donetsk People’s Republic).

️ Total losses of the enemy in the past 24 hours in these directions have amounted to over 50 Ukrainian troops, three tanks, four infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, and one D-20 howitzer.

In Kherson direction, Russian troops neutralised up to 40 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, one Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer, one D-30 howitzer, and one U.S.-made Paladin self-propelled artillery system.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Group of Forces (Troops) have engaged 82 artillery units at fire positions, manpower, and military hardware of the enemy in 112 areas in the past 24 hours.

Fighter Aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces intercepted one Mi-8 helicopter of the Ukrainian Air Force close Kolesnikovka (Kharkov region).

Air defence systems have engaged five HIMARS projectiles and one HARM anti-radiation missile during the day.

️ Moreover, seven Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down close to Kremennaya, Rubezhnoye, Ploshchanka, Karmazinovka (Lugansk People’s Republic), and Kirillovka (Donetsk People’s Republic).

In total, 402 airplanes and 223 helicopters, 3,471 unmanned aerial vehicles, 414 air defence missile systems, 8,355 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,070 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 4,395 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 9,027 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.