WAR BULLETIN

March 17, 11.00 am EST

Zelenskyy to the German Bundestag: ‘pull down the Wall and help us’
President of Ukraine: for weeks, hundreds of thousands of people in Mariupol have been
under shelling around the clock, without food, water, electricity and communications.
Russian armed forces continue to launch missile strikes on civilians, cynically
disregarding international humanitarian law. 108 children have been killed and more than
120 wounded.
Bombing and shelling by Russian forces damaged more than 411 educational
institutions, 63 of which were completely destroyed: Donetsk – 119, Kharkiv – 77, Mykolaiv –
30, Sumy – 28, Kyiv – 35, Kherson – 21 and Kyiv – 24. More than 11 medical institutions, 3
rehabilitation centers, including for children with disabilities, were fired upon.

WAR ROOM
General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
The total estimated loss of the Russian forces within the period of 24.02 – 17.03.2022:
 personnel – around 14 000 killed.
 aircraft – 86;
 helicopters – 108;
 tanks – 444;
 armored personnel vehicles – 1435;
 artillery systems – 201;
 anti-aircraft warfare systems – 43;
 MLRS – 72;
 vehicles – 864;
 fuel tanks – 60;
 UAV o1wsf operational and tactical level – 11;
 ships/boats – 3;
 special equipment – 10;
https://www.facebook.com/MinistryofDefence.UA/posts/277322574580202
The Russian troops continue the strategic offensive operation against Ukraine. Current
activities include:
 continued Russian missile and bomb strikes on civilian infrastructure objects in Lviv, Ivano-
Frankivsk, Dnipropetrovsk and other regions.
 Using Belarus to prepare for Russian attacks and provide logistical support to Russian troops
in the direction of Polissya and Volyn.
 Further attempts by Russian forces to resume the blockade of Kyiv from the northeastern
direction.
 Attempts by Russian forces at offensive operations around the city of Izyum (Kharkiv
region), but without success. The enemy made attempts to gain a foothold of the occupied
boundaries and to improve the logistics system supply.
 Russian forces carried out offensive operations in Donetsk and Tavriya directions.
 Russian forces made failed assaults in Popasna and Volnovakha (Donetsk region). They
suffered losses, and were forced to regroup.
 The assault on Mariupol continues (Donetsk region).

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 In the regions around Pivdennobuzkyi, the enemy conducted reconnaissance and attempted
to carry engineering works in occupied positions.
 Russian forces tried to carry out offensive operations in Kryvyi Rih direction
(Dnipropetrovsk region), and while they took the control of the settlement of Mala Shestirnya they
failed to consolidate their positions.
https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/274409551538797
European Parliament
Ukraine’s Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov participated in the joint meeting of the
Foreign Affairs Committee and Security and Defence Subcommittee of the European Parliament.
Key messages:
 I thank the European Parliament for the resolution on supporting Ukraine in the fight against
the ongoing Russian aggression, and I urge MEPs also to recognize Putin as a war criminal.
 It is important not to delay the supply of lethal weapons and other means of combating the
aggressor, the sampling of funds should be extremely operational. We need 100 Su-24 and Su-25
aircraft, or their analogues. Air and missile defense systems.
 I urge MEPs to ask their Governments to immediately provide the necessary weapons at the
expense of the already allocated assistance package within the framework of the European Peace
Fund.
 We need armor. Hundreds of thousands of people in Ukraine are ready to take weapons, but
they need to be protected.
 It is necessary to strengthen sanctions against Russia. Disconnecting key Russian banks
from SWIFT, embargo on oil and gas supplies, making impossible any cooperation in the field of
defense industry. As well as a ban on the entry of Russian ships to the seaports of EU member
states.
 I urge to continue the termination of any cooperation between the European Union and the
Russian side. This should continue until power in Russia is changed by holding open and
democratic elections.
 Ukrainian critical infrastructure facilities have undergone large-scale cyberattacks from the
Kremlin. I urge our partners to strengthen Ukraine’s cyber resilience by deepening cooperation with
relevant institutions.
 We need a clear signal to restore the destroyed infrastructure and support the Ukrainian
economy. This will increase the stability of our state.
https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/webstreaming/d-ua_20220317-0900-COMMITTEE-
SEDE-AFET
Prosecutor General’s Office
 The Russian armed forces continue to launch missile strikes on civilians, including children,
cynically disregarding international humanitarian law.
 As of of March 17, 108 children had been killed and more than 120 injured.
 Bombing and shelling by Russian forces damaged more than 411 educational institutions, 63
of which were completely destroyed: Donetsk – 119, Kharkiv – 77, Mykolaiv – 30, Sumy – 28, Kyiv

• 35, Kherson – 21 and Kyiv – 24. More than 11 medical institutions, 3 rehabilitation centers,
  including for children with disabilities, were fired upon.
   On March 16, 2022, the occupiers dropped a bomb on the Donetsk Regional Drama Theater
  in Mariupol, which housed approximately a thousand civilians, mostly women and children, took
  shelter. The exact number of victims cannot be determined, as shelling continues in Mariupol.
  https://gp.gov.ua/ua/posts/yuvenalni-prokurori-108-ditei-zaginulo-cerez-zbroinu-agresiyu-rf-
  v-ukrayini
  Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine

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 On March 16, Luhansk police registered 20 cases of shelling of residential buildings and
civilian infrastructure in the region. As a result of enemy shelling, a number of civilians were killed
and wounded.
 Also, as a result of the shelling, 15 apartment and private buildings and a private company
building was damaged or destroyed. Gas pipelines in the cities of Rubizhne and Lysychansk were
damaged.
 Due to the fall of the remains of a downed missile a fire broke out in a Kyiv high rise
building. 30 people were evacuated, 3 of whom were injured, 1 person died.
https://www.facebook.com/mvs.gov.ua
Liudmyla Denisova, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights
 On the night of March 16 shells hit several private houses in the Podilskyi district of Kyiv.
Also as a result of a missile strike in Kyiv, two high-rise apartment buildings in the Darnytskyi
district were damaged, one person was killed and four were injured.
 Yesterday in Irpin, Kyiv region, Russian soldiers hit a residential building with a direct shot
from a tank. In Sarny, Rivne region, 3 enemy missiles were launched.
 At night, Russian forces shelled Merefa in the Kharkiv region. The school, the house of
culture and private houses were destroyed.
https://www.facebook.com/denisovaombudsman/posts/503837381097539
In Mariupol, the release of civilians from the rubble of the drama theater has begun. The
building withstood the impact of a high-powered air bomb and protected the lives of people hiding
in the bomb shelter. Work is underway to unlock the basement.
https://www.facebook.com/denisovaombudsman/posts/503857891095488
 In settlements temporarily occupied or surrounded by the enemy, Russian soldiers have
tortured the local population according to witnesses.
 In the Sumy region, the occupiers are driving people out of their homes and looting. Taking
advantage of the lack of humanitarian corridors, they have arranged «arms marches».
 Villages, where the enemy enters for overnight stays, suffer the most: Russians break into
houses, throw people out into the street and take their food.
 In Mariupol, a well-known paramedic, People’s Hero of Ukraine Yulia Paіevska, together
with her driver Serhii, was captured by the occupants. She spent 8 years saving the lives of
civilians, including children and wounded soldiers. Yulia has a disability and health problems.
Staying in captivity threatens her life and health.
https://www.facebook.com/denisovaombudsman/posts/503868221094455

POLICY

President of Ukraine
Address by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Bundestag.
I am addressing you after three weeks of full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, after eight
years of war in the east of my country, in Donbas. I appeal to you when Russia is bombing our
cities, destroying everything in Ukraine. Everything – houses, hospitals, schools, churches. Using
missiles, air bombs, rocket artillery.
Thousands of Ukrainians died in three weeks. The occupiers killed 108 children. In the
middle of Europe, in our country, in 2022. I am addressing you after numerous meetings,
negotiations, statements and requests. After steps in support, some of which are overdue. After
sanctions, which are obviously not enough to stop this war. And after we saw how many ties your
companies still have with Russia. With a state that just uses you and some other countries to finance
the war.
During the three weeks of war for our lives, for our freedom, we became convinced of what
we had felt before. And what you probably do not all notice yet. You are like behind the wall again.

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Not the Berlin Wall. But in the middle of Europe. Between freedom and slavery. And this wall
grows stronger with each bomb that falls on our land, on Ukraine. With every decision that is not
made for the sake of peace. Not approved by you, although it may help.
Why is this possible? When we told you that Nord Stream was a weapon and a preparation for
a great war, we heard in response that it was an economy after all. Economy. Economy. But it was
cement for a new wall.
When we asked you what Ukraine needs to do to become a member of NATO, to be safe, to
receive security guarantees, we heard the answer: such a decision is not on the table yet and will not
be in the near future. Just as the chair for us at this table. Just as you are still delaying the issue of
Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. Frankly, for some it is politics. The truth is that it is
stones. Stones for a new wall.
When we asked for preventive sanctions, we appealed to Europe, we appealed to many
countries. We turned to you. Sanctions for the aggressor to feel that you are a force. We saw delays.
We felt resistance. We understood that you want to continue the economy. Economy. Economy.
And now the trade routes between you and the country that has once again brought a brutal
war to Europe are barbed wire over the wall. Over the new wall that divides Europe.
And you don’t see what’s behind this wall, and it’s between us, between people in Europe. And
because of this, not everyone is fully aware of what we are going through today.
I am addressing you on behalf of Ukrainians, I am addressing you on behalf of Mariupol
residents – civilians of a city that Russian troops have blocked and razed to the ground. They just
destroy everything there. Everything and everyone who is there. Hundreds of thousands of people
are under shelling around the clock. No food, 24 hours a day without water, no electricity, 24 hours
a day without communication. For weeks.
Russian troops do not distinguish between civilians and military. They don’t care where
civilian objects are, everything is considered a target. A theater that was a shelter for hundreds of
people and was blown up yesterday, a maternity hospital, a children’s hospital, residential areas
without any military facilities – they are destroying everything. Round the clock. And they do not let
any humanitarian cargo into our blocked city. For five days, Russian troops have not stopped the
shelling specifically to prevent the rescue of our people.
You can see it all. If you climb over this Wall. If you remember what the Berlin Airlift meant
to you. Which could be realized because the sky was safe. You were not killed from the sky as now
in our country, when we cannot even make an airlift! When the sky gives only Russian missiles and
air bombs. I am addressing you on behalf of older Ukrainians. Many survivors of World War II.
Those who escaped during the occupation 80 years ago. Those who survived Babyn Yar. Babyn
Yar that President Steinmeier visited last year. On the 80th anniversary of the tragedy. And that was
hit by Russian missiles now. It is exactly this place that was hit. And the missile strike killed the
family that went to Babyn Yar, to the monument. Killed again, 80 years after.
I appeal to you on behalf of everyone who has heard politicians say: “Never again.” And who
saw that these words are worthless. Because again in Europe they are trying to destroy the whole
nation. Destroy everything we live by and live for.
I am addressing you on behalf of our military. Those who defend our state, and therefore the
values that are often talked about everywhere in Europe, everywhere – and in Germany as well.
Freedom and equality. Opportunity to live freely, not to submit to another state, which
considers a foreign land its “living space”. Why are they defending all this without your leadership?
Without your strength? Why are overseas states closer to us than you are?
Because this is the Wall. The wall that someone doesn’t notice and that we are hammering on
while fighting to save our people. I am grateful to everyone who supports us. I am grateful to you.
Ordinary Germans who sincerely help Ukrainians on your land. To journalists who do their job
honestly, showing all the evil that Russia has brought to us. I am grateful to the German
businessmen who put morality and humanity above accounting. Above the economy. Economy.
Economy. And I am grateful to the politicians who are still trying… Trying to break this Wall. Who
choose life between Russian money and the deaths of Ukrainian children. Who support the

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strengthening of sanctions against Russia that can guarantee peace. Peace to Ukraine. Peace to
Europe. Who do not hesitate to disconnect Russia from SWIFT.
Who know that an embargo on trade with Russia is needed. On imports of everything that
sponsors this war. Who knows that Ukraine will be in the European Union. Because Ukraine is
already more Europe than many others.
I am grateful to everyone who is taller than any wall. And who knows that the stronger one
bears more responsibility when it comes to saving people. It is difficult for us to endure without the
help of the world, without your help. It is difficult to defend Ukraine, Europe without what you can
do. So that you don’t look over your shoulder even after this war. After the destruction of Kharkiv…
For the second time in 80 years. After the bombing of Chernihiv, Sumy and Donbas. For the second
time in 80 years. After thousands of people tortured and killed. For the second time in 80 years.
Otherwise, what is the historical responsibility to the Ukrainian people still not redeemed for what
happened 80 years ago?
And now – so that a new one does not appear, behind the new Wall, which will again demand
redemption. I appeal to you and remind you of what is needed. The things without which Europe
will not survive and will not preserve its values.
Former actor, President of the United States Ronald Reagan once said in Berlin: Tear down
this wall! And I want to tell you now. Chancellor Scholz! Tear down this wall. Give Germany the
leadership you deserve. And what your descendants will be proud of. Support us. Support peace.
Support every Ukrainian. Stop the war. Help us stop it.
https://bit.ly/3ifGOgh
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The operational situation on the diplomatic front as of 10:00, March 17
For twenty-one days, Ukraine has been fiercely resisting Russia’s armed aggression
on all fronts, including diplomatic.
Ukrainian diplomacy continues to provide sustained support from the world.
Significant progress has been made in recent days in providing military and financial
assistance. At the same time, Russia continues to fall into the abyss and plunge into
complete isolation from the world.
Helping
After the speech of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy before the US
Congress, President Joe Biden announced the allocation of an additional $ 800 million in
security assistance to Ukraine
World’s support
The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy addressed the deputies of the
German Bundestag and called on them not to delay Ukraine’s accession to the European
Union
The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania passed a solid vote resolution calling on
the UN to take immediate measures to secure a no-fly zone over Ukraine to stop the mass
deaths of civilians
Isolation of the Russian Federation
Canada has banned broadcasting in the country of the Russian propagandist
channel RT (Russia Today)
The American company Qualcomm, which develops wireless communications, has
stopped selling its products to Russian companies
The United States has set up a multilateral task force with other countries to
persecute Russian oligarchs and officials. The group collects and exchanges information
to take a specific action, including sanctions, asset freezes, and criminal indictment
According to the analytical company Sensor Tower, 6982 applications have been
removed from the Russian App Store since the beginning of the war in Ukraine
Illy coffee stops supply to Russia

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Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, as well as the University of Łódź and the
University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn have stopped cooperating with universities in
Russia and Belarus
Canada bans Belarusian planes from entering the country’s airspace
Serbian airline Air Serbia has refused to operate flights between Belgrade and
Moscow
Humanitarian aid
Belgian monarchs King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will provide shelter to
Ukrainians who have been forced to escape from their homes due to the Russian war
The Japanese government has allowed Ukrainians escaping from Russian
aggression to enter, even if they have no relatives or acquaintances who could act as
guarantors
EU countries reserve more than 10,000 hospital beds for Ukrainians. In particular,
medical care is provided for preterm babies and their mothers, for children, for cancer
patients, patients with severe burns, and patients in intensive care units.
https://bit.ly/3tYwKha
Adviser to the Head of Office of the President Briefing
 As of 22 day of the war, the enemy’s positions did not change significantly. However, there
are several achievements by the Ukrainian Armed forces.
 Ukrainian aerial forces downed at least 5 aircraft, 2 helicopters, 1 UAV, and several cruise
missiles.
 The enemy, understanding its weakness in air and on land, uses the massive destruction of
civil objects and terror of locals in shelters as, for example, yesterday in Mariupol [Drama Theatre].
 A principal position of the President of Ukraine remains the same: Ukraine must be restored
in the internationally recognized borders as of 1991, and secondly, the negotiations must bring to an
improvement of position in comparison to the one before the war, because otherwise any losses are
unjustified. Ukraine will never give up its national interests.
https://www.facebook.com/president.gov.ua/videos/1187225555381211/
Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily
Occupied Territories of Ukraine
9 humanitarian corridors approved for March 17:
 Donetsk region
 Mariupol – Zaporizhzhia.
 Kyiv region
 Borodyanka – Zhytomyr;
 Shevchenkovo – Brovary.
 Kharkiv region
 Kharkiv – Vovchansk.
 Through these routes, we also plan to deliver humanitarian aid – food and medicine – to the
settlements of Hostomel, Bucha, Semipolka, Markivka, Opanasiv
https://tinyurl.com/2p8btkuy
Ministry for Digital Transformation of Ukraine
150 million UAH were raised for Ukrainian army through Diia applications. Over 160
thousand Ukrainians have donated money in the application. All the money is transferred to the
fund “Come Back Alive” and will be used for necessary supplies for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
https://www.facebook.com/mintsyfra/posts/333409218828401

ENERGY

Gasmen from Mykolaiv under attacks prevented distribution of danger for citizens.

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The shelling of gas networks is especially dangerous. Because of the bombing of Mykolaiv in
the territory of line production management the explosion damaged the office building, boiler room
and other adjacent buildings. In addition, there was a fire caused by fragments hitting a gas
distribution station. After the fire, the concentration of poisonous gas reached dangerous levels and
was only prevented from spreading through the efforts of experts from the chemical and
radiological laboratory of the State Emergency Service of Mykolaiv.
https://www.facebook.com/minenergoUkraine/posts/331321049025848