March 20, 3.00 pm EST
Russian forces have damaged around 60 houses, 6 schools and 4 kindergartens in Kyiv since the invasion began. 228 people were killed, including 4 children with 912 people were wounded, including 16 children.
Russian artillery continues to hit residential areas in Kharkiv. Almost 600 high-rise buildings have now been destroyed with thousands of families left homeless.
President of Ukraine: Given the full-scale war waged by the Russian Federation and the ties of some political structures with this state, any activity of a number of political parties is suspended. Namely: “Opposition Platform – For Life”, “Shariy Party”, “Nashi”, “Opposition Bloc”, “Left Opposition”, “Union of Left Forces”, “State”, “Progressive Socialist Party of Ukraine”, “Socialist Party of Ukraine”, “Socialists” Party, “Volodymyr Saldo Bloc”.
The occupiers send terrorist groups to Ukraine to eliminate the leadership of Ukraine.
On March 19, 8 out of 10 humanitarian corridors operated with more than 6600 people evacuated.
WAR ROOM
General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02 to 20.03:
personnel – about 14700,
tanks ‒ 476,
APV ‒ 1487,
artillery systems – 230,
MLRS – 74,
Anti-aircraft warfare systems – 44,
aircraft – 96,
helicopters – 118,
vehicles – 947,
boats/vessels – 3,
fuel tanks – 60,
UAV operational-tactical level – 21,
special equipment – 12.
The twenty-fifth day of the Ukrainian nation’s resistance to the Russian military invasion.
Three more Russian combat helicopters were shot down by Ukrainian air defense.
On the previous day the Russian forces did not conduct active offensive operations, focusing on replenishing current losses, restoring partially destroyed equipment, transferring foreign mercenaries to border areas with Ukraine and solving logistical problems.
At the same time, there is a threat of long-range high-precision missile strikes by the enemy, including the “Kinzhal” hypersonic missile system.
Following losses of the enemy officers and command staff were confirmed: the commanders of the 331st parachute landing assault regiment of Kostroma, 247th Airborne Assault Caucasian Cossack Regiment from Stavropol, 6th Guards Tank Red Banner Regiment from Chebarkul were killed. In addition to that the commander of the 346th separate special brigade from Prokhladny was wounded.
Signs of preparation for the direct invasion to the territory of Ukraine by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus are detected.
In the Polissya direction, the enemy is trying to gain a foothold on the occupied frontiers, expects the group to strengthen due to the arrival of reserves, and is preparing to attack the capital of Ukraine, the city of Kyiv.
The invaders resumed air reconnaissance and shelling of the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the use of army aircraft and artillery.
The enemy did not abandon its intentions to establish control over the city of Izyum, but lost the combat capability of its units and was stopped.
In the Donetsk direction, the enemy’s main efforts are focused on storming the settlements of Rubizhne, Severodonetsk, and Popasna. Russian fascists tried to break through Ukrainian defenses in the area of the settlement of Verkhnotoretske. Assault was unsuccessful and lead to losses of the enemy.
The blockade and shelling of the hero city of Mariupol continues.
Last night Russian forces blocked 14 trucks with foodstuff and first aid medicines destined for the Kherson region.
In addition, in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region, Russia announced another wave of mobilization to replenish the 1st Army Corps. The age of recruitment has been raised to 65. It is expected that similar steps will occur in the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk region.
Operational information as of 20.03.2022
The military commissariats of the Kuban, Primorsky Krai, Yaroslavl Oblast, and regions of the Ural Federal District are conducting covert mobilization measures to make up for the losses of russian occupation army personnel. However, the population of these regions does not want to take part in the war.
At the same time, russian propagandists began preparing the population of the russian federation for a long war. Official communication channels spread propaganda about the alleged success of the so-called “special military operation”, public events are held in support of the war in Ukraine.
According to available information, during the visit of the head of the Libyan National Army Khalifa Haftar to moscow, an agreement was reached to send Libyan “volunteers” to Ukraine to take part in hostilities on the side of the russian federation. The transfer of military mercenaries is likely to be carried out at the expense of the private military company “League” (formerly “Wagner”), aircraft of the russian air force.
Mobilization measures continue in the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts. The management of educational institutions (technical schools, institutes) called students over the age of 18 for so-called registration. Today, the vast majority of personnel of the 1st AK are the mobilized population of the temporarily occupied territories.
During another attempt to attack Kyiv, the occupiers lost a combined detachment of the 6th Tank Regiment. Due to the active actions of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in some areas in the Brovary district, the enemy units remain cut off from the supply of fuel and food.
Advisor to the President
Operational situation: the front is almost frozen, but tactical actions are continued, with the sides striking from a distance.
Russians forces form reserves and transfer them to Ukraine.
Since the Russian command has failed to deliver results, high ranking officers are facing persecution. Numerous reports from Ukrainian intelligence and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine indicate that the Federal Security Service of Russia has started to look for parties responsible for Russian military failures.
Hundreds of Russian service members are subjected to humiliating checks, being accused of refusing to fight and the weakness of character, including generals and senior commanders. One of the representatives of the information and psychological command of the Russian Federation was accused of failure to take the necessary steps to prepare for creation of the so-called Kherson People’s Republic. The morale of the Russian army is low, and because of such accusations is only getting lower.
Commissioner for Human Rights
Massive rocket and artillery attacks by the Russian forces are killing Ukrainian civilians.
Russian terrorists have once again shelled the place where Mariupol residents were hiding from Russian bombs. Yesterday they dropped bombs on Art School in Mariupol, where about 400 local residents (women, children and elderly people) were hiding. Civilians are still under the rubble. Information on the number of casualties is being clarified.
A man and a nine-year-old girl were killed as a result of shelling in Kharkiv. Five civilians were killed during a bombardment by Russian troops in the Izium district.
In the Luhansk region, Russian occupants hit the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, 24 houses were destroyed by the Russians in Rubizhne and Severodonetsk. Three people were killed in Rubizhne, including two children, and two (one child) were injured.
In Donetsk region, a resident was killed by Russian shelling in the village of Novoselivka and two more people were injured in nearby Orlivka.
The occupants targeted hospitals in Chernihiv.
During the night, shelling took place in Makariv, Bucha, Gostomel and Vorzel in Kyiv Region. The invaders were firing indiscriminately at social infrastructure and residential areas.
Yet another terrible crime committed by the Russian forces – the shooting of 56 elderly people in Luhansk region.
In Kreminna on March 11, the Russian forces cynically and purposefully fired from a tank at a home for the elderly. 56 residents died on the spot. The survivors, 15 people, were abducted by the occupiers and taken to the occupied territory in Svatove to the regional geriatric boarding school.
It is still impossible to get to the site of the tragedy to bury the dead old people.
Russian army is turning occupied and besieged settlements into concentration camps, where the civilian population is starving.
Chernihiv is suffering from a humanitarian catastrophe – there is no electricity, no heat, no water. Russian forces do not agree organizing the humanitarian corridor for evacuation of civilian population.
The occupiers did not allow 14 trucks with humanitarian aid to enter the Kherson region. The humanitarian cargo was the most necessary for the residents of Kherson region: hygiene products for children and adults, canned products, meat, semi-finished products, baby food. Many medicines did not reach the region, including insulin, which is now in dire need of many residents.
Humanitarian cargo cannot reach the settlements where fighting is taking place in Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk and Kyiv regions.
Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
The occupiers send terrorist groups to Ukraine to eliminate the leadership of Ukraine.
▪️Regular groups of militants connected with Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Russian propagandist close to Putin and owner of the “League” (Wagner), have started arriving in Ukraine today. The main task is to eliminate the top military and political leadership of Ukraine.
▪️Putin personally ordered another attack by one of the few trusted people. All previous attempts have ended in the failure and elimination of terrorists.
▪️Key “targets” of mercenaries are Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Andriy Yermak and Denys Shmygal.
▪️The RF, having failed to achieve its goals during the full-scale aggression against Ukraine, continues efforts to destabilize the Ukrainian government, demoralize society, disrupt the resistance, and slow down Ukraine’s international cooperation. The organization of assassinations is part of the occupiers’ strategy.
▪️Kremlin’s plans are well known to the Ukrainian army, special services, and law enforcement agencies.
Putin and Shoigu are preparing to use minors in the war against Ukraine – document
▪️Due to the lack of human resources to replenish the ranks of the occupying army, the Kremlin leadership is considering the possibility of involving minors in military actions.
▪️The relevant order “On the organization of involvement of members of the all-Russia “Young Army” (Юнармия) National Military Patriotic Social Movement Association in conducting a special operation on the territory of Ukraine” was signed by the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Shoigu.
▪️The order refers to preparing reports on the potential human reserve aged 17-18 to be involved in military actions in the occupying army. The top military leadership of the Russian Federation must provide proposals for the training of this personnel as soon as possible. Gennady Zhidko, the head of the central military-political department of the Russian Armed Forces, is in charge of monitoring the execution of the order.
▪️ “Young Army” is a Russian children’s and youth military organization under the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, distinguished by radical propaganda work among Russian youth. Children from 8 years old become members of the organization.
▪️Similar actions were carried out by the military leadership of Nazi Germany during World War II. Since 1943, high school students in the Hitler Youth units have been involved in anti-aircraft artillery units. And from September 1944 to January 1945, 150,000 underage girls were enlisted in the Nazi army.
Security Service of Ukraine
Security Service of Ukraine has intercepted phone calls of Russian soldiers proving that they are engaged in looting on the territory of Ukraine.
Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
Russian artillery continues to hit targeted residential areas in Kharkiv. Repeatedly Russian forces destroyed residential buildings and infrastructure. Almost 600 high-rise buildings have been destroyed, with thousands of families left homeless.
Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine
A pre-trial investigation has been launched in the matter of:
Massive shelling of the city of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region;
The shelling of a home for senior citizens with 56 dead in Luhansk region;
The murder of civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure of the city of Trostyanets;
115 children were killed and more than 140 were injured as a result of Russia’s large-scale war against Ukraine.
On March 28, soldiers of the Russian armed forces threw a grenade at people in a street in Trostianets. The explosion killed two men.
Kyiv City Administration
Russian forces have damaged around 60 houses, 6 schools and 4 kindergartens in Kyiv since the invasion began. 228 people have been killed, including 4 children. 912 people were injured, including 16 children.
POLICY
President of Ukraine
Ukrainian Chornobaivka will go down in war history. This is a place where the Russian military and their commanders have shown their true self: incompetent, capable of simply driving their people to slaughter. Six times our military destroyed the occupiers near Chornobaivka. Six times! And they still come there.
The besieged Mariupol will go down in history of responsibility for war crimes. The terror the occupiers did to the peaceful city will be remembered for centuries to come. And the more Ukrainians tell the world about it, the more support we find. The more Russia uses terror against Ukraine, the worse the consequences will be for it.
I have addressed the people of Switzerland. Switzerland has backed sanctions against Russia imposed by the European Union. This means a lot to the Russian state machine. I am grateful to the President and to the people of Switzerland and to their country for their sincere support in our struggle for life and liberty.
I urged them to take a few more steps.
So that all Swiss companies that have not yet left the Russian market do so immediately to stop funding of Russian military machine that kills our people.
So that all those responsible for the war against our state could not enjoy life in Switzerland, real estate in Switzerland, banks in Switzerland.
Our Armed Forces continue to deter the enemy in all major areas and they inflict unprecedented losses to Russian troops. Some units of the occupiers were destroyed by 80-90%.
Eight humanitarian corridors operated on Saturday. 6623 people were rescued.
Unfortunately, it was not possible to deliver the humanitarian cargo to the cities of Kherson region. Russian troops blocked the movement of our column.
I spoke today with French President Macron about our interaction and about finding a solution for peace, for the liberation of our territories and to save our people.
Any activity of politicians aimed at splitting or collaborating will not succeed; instead it will receive a tough response.
Given the full-scale war waged by the Russian Federation and the ties of some political structures with this state, any activity of a number of political parties during the martial law is suspended. Namely: “Opposition Platform – For Life”, “Shariy Party”, “Nashi”, “Opposition Bloc”, “Left Opposition”, “Union of Left Forces”, “State”, “Progressive Socialist Party of Ukraine”, “Socialist Party of Ukraine”, “Socialists” Party, “Volodymyr Saldo Bloc”.
The Ministry of Justice is instructed to immediately take comprehensive measures to ban the activities of these political parties in the prescribed manner.
Speech by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Knesset
The Ukrainian and Jewish communities have always been and, I am sure, will be very intertwined, very close. They will always live side by side. And they will feel both joy and pain together.
That is why I want to remind you of the words of a great woman from Kyiv, whom you know very well. The words of Golda Meir. They are very famous, everyone has heard of them. Apparently, every Jew. Many, many Ukrainians as well. And certainly no less Russians. “We intend to remain alive. Our neighbors want to see us dead. This is not a question that leaves much room for compromise.”
I don’t need to convince you how intertwined our stories are. Stories of Ukrainians and Jews. In the past, and now, in this terrible time. We are in different countries and in completely different conditions. But the threat is the same: for both us and you – the total destruction of the people, state, culture. And even of the names: Ukraine, Israel.
I want you to feel it all. I want you to think about this date. About February 24. About the beginning of this invasion. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. February 24 – this day has twice gone down in history. And both times – as a tragedy. A tragedy for Ukrainians, for Jews, for Europe, for the world.
On February 24, 1920, the National Socialist Workers’ Party of Germany (NSDAP) was founded. A party that took millions of lives. Destroyed entire countries. Tried to kill nations.
102 years later, on February 24, a criminal order was issued to launch a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. The invasion, which has claimed thousands of lives, has left millions homeless. Made them exiles. On their land and in neighboring countries. In Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Germany, the Czech Republic, the Baltic States and dozens of different countries.
Our people are now scattered around the world. They are looking for security. They are looking for a way to stay in peace. As you once searched.
This Russian invasion of Ukraine is not just a military operation, as Moscow claims. This is a large-scale and treacherous war aimed at destroying our people. Destroying our children, our families. Our state. Our cities. Our communities. Our culture. And everything that makes Ukrainians Ukrainians. Everything that Russian troops are now destroying. Deliberately. In front of the whole world.
That is why I have the right to this parallel and to this comparison. Our history and your history. Our war for our survival and World War II.
Listen to what the Kremlin says. Just listen! There are even terms that sounded then. And this is a tragedy. When the Nazi party raided Europe and wanted to destroy everything. Destroy everyone. Wanted to conquer the nations. And leave nothing from us, nothing from you. Even the name and the trace. They called it “the final solution to the Jewish issue”. You remember that. And I’m sure you will never forget!
But listen to what is sounding now in Moscow. Hear how these words are said again: “Final solution”. But already in relation, so to speak, to us, to the “Ukrainian issue”.
It sounded openly. This is a tragedy. Once again, it was said at a meeting in Moscow. It is available on official websites. This was quoted in the state media of Russia. Moscow says so: without the war against us, they would not be able to ensure a “final solution” allegedly for their own security. Just like it was said 80 years ago.
People of Israel!
You saw Russian missiles hit Kyiv, Babyn Yar. You know what kind of land it is. More than 100,000 Holocaust victims are buried there. There are ancient Kyiv cemeteries. There is a Jewish cemetery. Russian missiles hit there.
People of Israel!
On the first day of this war, Russian projectiles hit our city of Uman. A city visited by tens of thousands of Israelis every year. For a pilgrimage to the tomb of Nachman of Breslov. What will be left of all such places in Ukraine after this terrible war?
I am sure that every word of my address echoes with pain in your hearts. Because you feel what I’m talking about. But can you explain why we still turn to the whole world, to many countries for help? We ask you for help… Even for basic visas…
What is it? Indifference? Premeditation? Or mediation without choosing a party? I will leave you a choice of answer to this question. And I will note only one thing – indifference kills. Premeditation is often erroneous. And mediation can be between states, not between good and evil.
Everyone in Israel knows that your missile defense is the best. It is powerful. Everyone knows that your weapon is strong. Everyone knows you’re doing great. You know how to defend your state interests, the interests of your people. And you can definitely help us protect our lives, the lives of Ukrainians, the lives of Ukrainian Jews.
One can keep asking why we can’t get weapons from you. Or why Israel has not imposed strong sanctions against Russia. Why it doesn’t put pressure on Russian business. But it is up to you, dear brothers and sisters, to choose the answer. And you will have to live with this answer, people of Israel.
Ukrainians have made their choice. 80 years ago. They rescued Jews. That is why the Righteous Among the Nations are among us.
People of Israel, now you have such a choice.
Thank you!
Thank you for everything.
Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister for Reintegration of Temporary Occupied Territories
On March 19, 8 out of 10 humanitarian corridors worked, more than 6600 people were evacuated.
As of March 20, seven humanitarian corridors have been agreed upon in Ukraine to evacuate residents of settlements affected by the Russian invasion, as well as to send aid. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk.
Evacuation from the city of Mariupol to the city of Zaporizhzhia is planned in the Donetsk region.
According to her, in Berdyansk it will be possible to refuel private vehicles of Mariupol residents driving on the route to Zaporizhzhia.
Transportation to Berdyansk and Zaporizhzhia has also been organized for Mariupol residents who will reach Manhush.
The following humanitarian routes have been agreed upon in the Kyiv region:
From the village of Bobryk to Brovary.
From the village of Tarasivka to Brovary.
From the urban-type settlement of Borodyanka to Bila Tserkva.
Evacuation buses will depart from Brovary and Malyn.
In the Kharkiv region, humanitarian goods will be sent from Kharkiv to the city of Vovchansk and the villages of Rohan and Nova Rohan.
Ukrainian Government is planning delivery of food and medicine to these settlements.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed hope for the effectiveness of today’s humanitarian corridors.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Ukrainian diplomacy is working to ensure that foreign companies cease their activities in Russia and withdraw their business.
German company Bosch announced the suspension of components for trucks to Russia and Russian customers, because Russia has used its products for military purposes.
Dmytro Kuleba: “We will definitely continue to reveal all the facts of sponsorship of the Russian military machine by foreign companies and put pressure on the immediate exit of foreign businesses from Russia. And in general, any decent international company has no place in Russia. “
Support of the world
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky made a speech in the Swiss Parliament. In his speech, the Head of State called for a complete freeze on the financial assets of those who are involved in the full-scale war against Ukraine.
Refusal of gas from the Russian Federation
Bulgaria will not renew its natural gas supply contract with Russia’s Gazprom amid the war in Ukraine. The contract expires at the end of the year.
Isolation of the Russian Federation
57 cities in Poland have unilaterally terminated cooperation agreements with 48 cities in Russia and 12 cities in Belarus.
One of the largest oil service companies, Baker Hughes, is halting investment in Russia over the war against Ukraine.
The German company Bosch is preparing for a complete cessation of production at Russian plants, including the plant in St. Petersburg.
Humanitarian aid
The United Kingdom has donated more than two million medical devices and equipment to Ukraine. Also, 21 children with cancer arrived in Britain for treatment.
The Hungarian government has sent another humanitarian convoy to Ukraine – 5 trucks with emergency medical supplies, as well as food and hygiene products.
The International Committee of the Red Cross in Monaco donated 268,000 euros worth of medicines and equipment to the Center for Pediatric Neurosurgery in Kyiv.
Since the start of the full-scale Russian war, Croatia has provided Ukraine with almost 115 tons of humanitarian aid, as well as firefighting equipment worth about $ 60,000.
Five trucks of humanitarian aid from Georgia were unloaded in Lviv.
Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine
Since the beginning of the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, 4,894 children from 179 institutions of institutional care have been evacuated (2,522 children were relocated within Ukraine and 2,372 children were relocated abroad).
ENERGY
Center for Strategic Communication
At the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the workers have finally been rotated.
On March 20th, a partial rotation of Chernobyl personnel was done, and 64 people have been evacuated, with 46 volunteers replacing them.
Ministry of Energy of Ukraine
German Galushchenko: Australia will provide Ukraine with 70,000 tons of coal.
Upon request of the Government of Ukraine, Australia will provide our country with at least 70,000 tons of thermal coal to strengthen energy security.
“Australia is recognized internationally as a leading and reliable supplier of energy resources. We thank our Australian partners for their help to Ukraine at this difficult time, when our country is resisting the illegal and brutal military invasion by Russia,” Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko said.
The Australian Government took on the task with the country’s coal industry to accumulate coal, which will be the country’s contribution to providing Ukrainian consumers with a reliable electricity supply.
The Australian company Whitehaven Coal will arrange shipment. Currently, the government is working with the Ukrainian side on the issue of delivery as soon as possible.
The cost of coal and its delivery would be covered by the Australian Government.