February 16, 2023

Ukraine forces kill 690 Russian troops in 24-hour period for a total of 140,000 in one year

Ukraine Defense Ministry

The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 16.02.23 were approximately:

personnel ‒ 140460 (+690) persons, 

tanks ‒ 3296 (+6), 

APV ‒ 6517 (+10), 

artillery systems – 2306 (+3), 

MLRS – 466 (+0), 

Anti-aircraft warfare systems ‒ 239 (+3),

aircraft – 298 (+0), 

helicopters – 287 (+1), 

UAV operational-tactical level – 2012 (+1),

cruise missiles ‒ 857 (+0),

boats ‒ 18 (+0),

vehicles and fuel tanks – 5167 (+6) од,

special equipment ‒ 219 (+0).

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Situation update as of 6 p.m., February 16, 2023

Day 358 of the russian full-scale invasion continues. 

During the day of February 16, the adversary launched another missile attack on the territory of Ukraine. 16x out of 36x enemy missiles were shot down by Ukrainian defenders. In addition, the enemy launched 12x air strikes and more than 10x MLRS attacks, killing and wounding civilians. 

The threat of strikes by the russian federation across Ukraine remains high.

The enemy has not yet abandoned its aggressive plans, despite significant losses. The invaders’ main focus is the offensive operations on Kup’yans’k, Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Shakhtars’ke axes.

Volyn’, Polissya, Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: certain adversary units remain stationed in the areas bordering Ukraine, but no offensive groups have been found. During the day of February 16, the vicinities of settlements of Popivka, Bachivs’k, Partyzans’ke (Sumy oblast), Veterynarne, Hraniv, and Vovchans’k (Kharkiv oblast) were shelled by the enemy. In addition, the adversary launched a helicopter gunship attack on the settlement of Udy (Kharkiv oblast) from the territory of the russian federation. 

Kup’yans’k and Lyman axes: the enemy shelled the settlements of Dvorichna, Hryanykivka (Kharkiv oblast), Stel’makhivka, Nevs’ke, Chervonopopivka (Luhansk oblast), and Berestove (Donetsk oblast). 

Bakhmut axis: Spirne, Vyimka, Bilohorivka, Vesele, Rozdolivka, Bakhmut, Ivanivske, Stupochky, Predtechyne, Oleksandro-Shul’tyne, and Kurdyumivka came under fire.

Avdiivka and Shakhtars’ke axes: the adversary fired artillery at the settlements of Vesele, Avdiivka, Vodyane, Pervomais’ke, Nevel’s’ke, Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Mar’inka, Novomykhailivka, Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Velyka Novosilka, Vremivka, and Neskuchne (Donetsk oblast). 

Zaporizhzhia axis: the vicinities of settlements of Zelene Pole (Donetsk oblast), Malynivka, Hulyaipole, Zaliznychne, Mala Tokmachka, Orikhiv, Novoandriivka, and Kam’yans’ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast) came under fire. 

Kherson axis: Zmiivka, Tokarivka, Antonivka, and Kherson were again hit by enemy artillery fire that caused civilian casualties.

The occupation administration of the city of Hola Prystan’ (Kherson oblast) is pressuring the local residents to re-register their property rights under russian law. In particular, information is being spread that Ukrainian citizens who do not comply with the occupiers’ demands by May 2023 will be deported to russia.

In Mariupol, temporarily occupied by the enemy, russian invaders are taking measures to “mobilize” certain members of society. From now on, homeless people, as well as alcohol or drug addicts are being taken to the enemy’s army. 

During the day of February 16, the Ukrainian Air Force launched 13x air strikes on concentrations of russian troops, as well as 1x air strike on the position of the anti-aircraft missile system.

Ukrainian missile and artillery units hit 3x concentrations of enemy troops, 1x artillery unit at its firing position, 1x ammunition depot, and 2x other important targets of the invaders.

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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.