February 17, 2024

Russian Ministry of Defense: up to 995 Ukrainian troops killed or wounded in 24 hours

Russian Defense Ministry

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

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In Kupyansk direction, the Zapad Group of Forces’ units improved the situation on the front line, and hit manpower and hardware of AFU 41st, 60th mechanised brigades near Sinkovka (Kharkov region) and Terni (Donets People’s Republic).
  Up to 90 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, two armoured personnel carriers, and three pick-up trucks were eliminated.
  In the course of the counter-battery warfare, one Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery system, two D-20 howitzers, two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, and one D-30 howitzer were neutralised.    

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In Krasny Liman direction, the Tsentr Group of Forces’ units captured more favourable lines and positions, and launched strikes at manpower and hardware of AFU 60th, 63rd mechanised brigades and the 125th Territorial Defence Brigade close to Yampolovka, Torskoye (Donetsk People’s Republic), and Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People’s Republic).
  More than 315 Ukrainian personnel, one tank, four armoured fighting vehicles, 11 motor vehicles, and one Giatsint-S anti-tank gun were neutralised.

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In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces improved situation on the front line, as well as hit inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of AFU 24th, 42nd mechanised, 5th assault, 81st airmobile, 79th air assault brigades near Belogorovka (Lugansk People’s Republic), Bogdanovka, Kleshcheyevka, Kurdyumovka, and Nevelskoye (Donetsk People’s Republic).
  In addition, four attacks launched by assault groups of AFU 79th air assault, 24th mechanised brigades were repelled near Georgiyevka, Leninskoye, and Novgorodskoye (Donetsk People’s Republic).
  The enemy losses amounted to up to 360 Ukrainian troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, 12 motor vehicles, and one Grad MLRS combat vehicle.

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In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces improved the tactical situation, and launched strikes at units of the AFU 72nd Mechanised Brigade and the 128th Territorial Defence Brigade near Vodyanoye and Nikolskoye (Donetsk People’s Republic).

The enemy losses amounted to up to 170 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles.

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In Kherson direction, units of AFU 65th mechanised, 121st, 126th territorial defence brigades were hit near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region), Zolotaya Balka, Zmiyevka (Kherson region). The enemy lost up to 40 Ukrainian troops and two motor vehicles.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces eliminated aircraft on the airfields, temporary deployment areas of foreign mercenaries and Special Operations Forces, and engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 110 areas during the day.
  Air defence systems have intercepted seven HIMARS MLRS projectiles, three HARM anti-radiation missiles, three JDAM guided bombs, as well as three S-200 anti-aircraft guided missiles converted to hit ground targets.
  In addition, 47 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down close to Kremennaya, Zolotaryovka, Karmazinkovka (Lugansk People’s Republic), Shevchenko (Donetsk People’s Republic), and Rabotino and Novoukrainskoye (Zaporozhye region).

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  In total, 571 airplanes and 266 helicopters, 12,618 unmanned aerial vehicles, 469 air defence missile systems, 15,076 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,222 combat vehicles equipped with MRLS, 8,074 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 18,782 units of special military equipment have been destroyed.

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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.