February 15, 2023

Russian forces kill over 400 Ukrainian troops in 24-hour period

Russian Defense Ministry

In Kupyansk direction, Army Aviation and artillery of the ‘Zapad’ Group of Forces inflicted a fire damage on manpower and military hardware of the 14th Mechanised Brigade and 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) close to Dvurechnaya and Kotlyarovka (Kharkov region).

In addition, eight sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were destroyed near Krakhmalnoye, Masyutovka, Pershotravnevoye, Timkovka (Kharkov region) and Novoselovskoye (Lugansk People’s Republic).

Total enemy casualties in the day in this direction amounted to up to 100 Ukrainian servicemen killed and wounded, two armoured combat vehicles, four vehicles, and one D-30 howitzer. An ammunition depot of the 113rd Territorial Defense Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has been destroyed near Veterinarnoye (Kharkov region).

In Krasny Liman direction, Army Aviation strikes and artillery fire of the ‘Tsentr’ Group of Forces hit units of the 67th, 92nd Mechanised and 25th Airborne brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the areas of Chervonaya Dibrova, Stelmakhovka (Lugansk People’s Republic) and Yampolovka (Donetsk People’s Republic).

Up to 65 Ukrainian servicemen, an infantry fighting vehicle, two armoured combat vehicles, three vehicles, two Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers, and a Grad MLRS have been destroyed during the day.

In Donetsk direction, up to 190 Ukrainian troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, one armoured personnel carrier, three motor vehicles, a Msta-B howitzer, and a US-made M777 artillery system have been neutralised during the day by the ‘Yug’ Group of Forces offensive and artillery fire.

In South Donetsk and Zaporozhye directions, artillery and heavy flamethrower systems of the ‘Vostok’ Group of Forces hit Ukrainian Armed Forces in the areas of Ugledar and Novoselka (Donetsk People’s Republic).

The enemy’s losses included over 60 Ukrainian troops, two tanks, four infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured combat vehicles, D-20 and a D-30 howitzers, as well as a Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer in this direction.

In Kherson direction, one Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer and one D-30 howitzer have been obliterated during the day as part of the counter-battery warfare operation.

Army Aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have neutralised 87 AFU artillery units at their firing positions, manpower and hardware in 112 areas.

The air defence forces shot down eight HIMARS projectiles and destroyed 11 Ukrainian drones close to Sofiyevka, Popovka, Golikovo, Novokrasnyanka, Kremennaya, Zhitlovka, and Chervonopopovka (Lugansk People’s Republic).

In total, 385 airplanes and 208 helicopters, 3,132 unmanned aerial vehicles, 404 anti-aircraft missile systems, 7,875 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,020 combat vehicles equipped with multiple launch rocket systems, 4,101 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 8,388 units of special military hardware 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.