PERMANENT MISSION OF UKRAINE TO THE UNITED NATIONS

WAR BULLETIN 31

March 10, 6.30pm EST

President of Ukraine: “Mariupol and Volnovakha humanitarian corridors remain completely blocked. Russian troops did not cease fire.”

The invaders focused their efforts on spreading disinformation and propaganda through all available news channels.

The Ministry of Finance has created an IT Army of Ukraine and an Internet Army of Ukraine, where anyone can counter Russian propaganda and fight the enemy in cyberspace.

WAR ROOM

General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Ukraine's defense forces are repelling and holding back the offensive of the Russian Armed Forces in all directions.

During the day, the defenders of Ukraine in the Polissya and Volyn forced the enemy to retreat to unfavorable borders. The settlement of Baklanov Muraviyka was liberated in the northern direction.

The defenders of Kyiv are firmly holding the borders, protecting the city’s critical infrastructure.

The Russian aggressors were stopped in all directions, the enemy suffered significant losses in personnel, weapons and equipment.

The invaders focused their efforts on spreading disinformation and propaganda through all available news channels. With the help of cyber units and the federal media, the enemy is actively spreading disinformation about the activities of the top military and political leadership of Ukraine, creating and spreading fakes.

Despite the fact that the personnel of the Russian Armed Forces located on the territory of Ukraine is isolated from truthful information, they still receive information about the real state of affairs, which is shameful for Russia.

There are rumors among the Russian military about the inability of their Ministry of Defense to deliver on the paycheck obligations. The reasoning behind it are sanctions, which in turn demoralizes the personnel of Russian forces.

In the area of the village of Shestovytsia, Chernihiv region, the aggressors are looking for a way to surrender.

(https://bit.ly/3IeNw0N)

Operative information

During the day, the Russians tried to gain a foothold on the occupied frontiers, regrouped troops, restored combat capability, replenished missile, ammunition and fuel supplies.

Due to significant personnel losses and the reduction of the pace of the offensive, enemy continues the formation of reserves on the territory of the Russian Federation.

In the Polissya direction, the enemy is trying to break through the defenders of Ukraine in the settlements of Poliske, Kukhari, Zhovtneve, Andriyivka, Kopyliv, Motyzhyn, Buzova, Horenychi, Bucha, Demydiv and block Kyiv.

In the northern direction, the enemy was stopped while trying to break through the defense of Chernihiv. Further movement of the enemy is possible in the direction of Brovary from the east.

In the Kharkiv direction, the enemy continues unsuccessful attempts to blockade the city from the north. Rifle regiments formed at the expense of Russian reservists were involved in the fighting.

In the Donetsk and Tavriya directions, the occupiers are concentrating their efforts on capturing Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Severodonetsk.

In the South Buza direction, the occupiers tried to gain a foothold on the captured frontiers, establish control over the city of Mykolayiv and develop an offensive in the directions of Zaporizhia and Kryvyi Rih.

In the Black Sea and Azov operational zones the occupiers' ships return to naval bases and bases.

(https://bit.ly/3HVDP7f)

The Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine

During the two weeks of the war, the lives of Russians changed dramatically. They will not be able to live as before as long as their tanks destroy our lives.

The Ministry of Digital Transformation appealed to more than 200 technology companies to stop their activities in the aggressor country. Many of them have already supported Ukraine and imposed the toughest sanctions in the history of Russia, including the following world giants:

Apple Pay and Google Pay are no longer available for Russians. As well as PayPal services.

YouTube has blocked Russian propaganda channels.

Netflix has suspended work in Russia.

Apple has stopped selling its equipment in online and offline stores in Russia and advertising in the App Store. Samsung has also suspended supplies to the aggressor country.

Microsoft has stopped selling goods in Russia.

Even TikTok is on guard the truth. The social network has suspended work in Russia due to the law on "fakes."

Airbnb and Booking also stopped their work on the enemy’s side.

IBM is entirely out of the Russian market. Interesting how the Russian Federation imagines itself without software and hardware from IBM.

Payoneer stopped working in Russia. Russian freelancers will not be able to work with foreign clients. Also, one of the largest freelance platforms, Upwork, stopped working in Russia and Belarus.

Netscout stops selling and supporting its products, and most importantly, Arbor services are a solution to protect against DDoS attacks.

The world's largest manufacturer of microprocessors and processors for Intel PCs and the online interface development service Figma has ceased operations in Russia.

The Ministry of Finance has also created an IT Army (https://t.me/itarmyofukraine2022) of Ukraine and an Internet Army (https://t.me/ivukr) of Ukraine, where anyone can counter Russian propaganda and fight the enemy in cyberspace.

 (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=329017925934197&set=a.292461882923135)

POLICY

President of Ukraine

One of the main tasks for us today was organization of humanitarian corridors.

Sumy, Trostyanets, Krasnopillya, Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel, Izyum. Almost 40,000 people have already been evacuated this day. They were given safety at last. In Poltava, Kyiv, Cherkasy, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Lviv.

Humanitarian cargoes were also delivered. Hundreds of tons of food, medicine.

We are doing everything to save our people in the cities that the enemy just wants to destroy. Taking into account the work of humanitarian corridors in the previous two days, we have already evacuated about one hundred thousand people.

Unfortunately, Mariupol and Volnovakha remain completely blocked. Although we did everything necessary to make the humanitarian corridor work, Russian troops did not cease fire.

Despite this, I decided to send a convoy of trucks to Mariupol. With food, water, medicine. I am grateful to the drivers - brave people who were ready to fulfill this mission. An extremely important mission.

But the invaders started a tank attack exactly in the area where this corridor was supposed to be. Corridor of life. For the people of Mariupol. They did it consciously! They knew what they were disrupting. They have a clear order to hold Mariupol hostage, to torture it, to carry out constant bombardment. Today they destroyed the building of the main department of the State Emergency Service in the Donetsk region. Right next to this building was the place where Mariupol residents were to gather for evacuation.

This is outright terror. Blatant terror. From experienced terrorists. The world needs to know that. It has to admit it. We are all dealing with a terrorist state. We will continue to try to bring to Mariupol the aid that people so desperately need. Ukrainians need. The invaders are doing everything to deceive our people in the besieged cities. They block communication. Prevent the provision of Information. The state is doing everything to help our city. Everything to tell the people of Mariupol: we are fighting. And we will not give up this fight.Therefore, if you have the opportunity to talk to the people of Mariupol, to write to the people of Mariupol, spread the truth. Remind them that Ukraine is with them wholeheartedly and is doing everything to stop the torture of the city. Russian propagandists have substantially intensified their activity today. And they tried very hard. Probably in order to cover up the crimes of their army in Ukraine. Crimes against Mariupol. Against Donbas. Against Kharkiv. Against dozens of other cities. Cover them up with new accusations. New-old fakes.

Russians accuse us of developing biological weapons. Allegedly, we are preparing a chemical attack. This makes me really worried, because we’ve been repeatedly convinced: if you want to know Russia's plans, look at what Russia accuses others of. Spreading such accusations in the Russian media shows that Russians are capable of this. They have already done such things in other countries. Similar! They themselves announced, they themselves organized, they themselves complained. And they will do so again.

They tore apart Moldova with Transnistria. They tore apart Georgia with Abkhazia. They tore apart Ukraine with Donbas and Crimea. But they blame us! Those who have become victims.

Those who are forced to defend themselves. Fight for the right to live.They themselves come to us in tanks and with missiles. They take something that doesn’t belong to them. Capture. They are even ashamed to show their officers! They hide their generals. They conceal from their own people that they are sending conscripts to this war only to make the invasion forces larger. But we are to blame! We are accused of attacks on allegedly peaceful Russia.And now what? What are these allegations of preparing chemical attacks? Have you decided to carry out "de-chemicalization" of Ukraine? Using ammonia? Using phosphorus? What else have you prepared for us? Where will you strike with chemical weapons? At the maternity hospital in Mariupol? At the church in Kharkiv? At the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital? Or at laboratories, most of which have remained since Soviet times and are engaged in ordinary science. Ordinary! NOT military technology.

We are adequate people. I am the President of an adequate country, an adequate nation. And a father of two children. I claim that no chemical or any other weapons of mass destruction were developed on my land. The whole world knows that. YOU know that.And if YOU do something like that against the U.S., you will get the most severe sanctions response.

Ukrainians! Our defenders!I have signed several important decrees. About awarding the title of Hero of Ukraine to thirteen of our defenders: Lieutenant Colonel Litun Andriy Mykolayovych. Posthumously. He died covering our troops and heroically restraining the enemy's offensive. Captain Korpan Oleksandr Bohdanovych. Posthumously. He saved our soldiers and civilian houses when he took the falling aircraft away from them. Junior Lieutenant Blokha Yuriy Ihorovych. Posthumously. In the battles in the Mykolaiv region he heroically protected brothers-in-arms, saving their lives. Senior Sergeant Ivashko Andriy Oleksandrovych. Posthumously. During the rocket fire, he personally provided information about the enemy's actions at the cost of his own life. Junior Sergeant Volkov Yevhen Volodymyrovych. Posthumously. For courage and heroism during the evacuation of the wounded in the Donetsk region, for saving our military.Major General Nikoliuk Viktor Dmytrovych. He skillfully led the defense in the north-eastern direction and managed to prevent the capture of Chernihiv.Colonel Khoda Leonid Oleksiyovych. During the war, under his command, more than 50 enemy vehicles were destroyed. Lieutenant Colonel Ponomarenko Vyacheslav Anatoliyovych. Thanks to his actions, a significant number of enemy’s equipment and soldiers in the city of Hostomel were destroyed. Lieutenant Colonel Yakovenko Oleksandr Oleksiyovych. He withdrew his units from the enemy artillery fire, thanks to which he saved personnel and continued to successfully defend the Donetsk region. Major Bova Yevhen Petrovych. For the heroic defense of Mariupol and holding positions under constant enemy attacks.

Captain Boyechko Vasyl Vasyliovych. For the extremely successful destruction of enemy equipment and manpower. Sergeant Moroz Oleh Romanovych. Thanks to his heroic deeds, the enemy's offensive in the Luhansk region was stopped.Sailor Samofalov Valeriy Mykhailovych. In one battle, for the first time in the history of this war, he shot down three enemy helicopters. I also signed a decree awarding orders for personal courage to 39 national guardsmen, 31 policemen (9 posthumously), 14 border guards (4 posthumously) and 23 employees of the State Emergency Service.Today the rank of Brigadier General is awarded to: Nechayev Oleh Oleksandrovych. For the successful defense of the Kyiv region. Lishchynsky Vladyslav Vatslavovych. For extremely successful actions against the enemy in the Kherson region.Hutsol Volodymyr Volodymyrych. For the successful destruction of enemy airborne troops in Vasylkiv.Demyanchyk Hryhoriy Petrovych. For the successful organization of personnel training for our military units.

Discussions on Ukraine's future in the EU continue today and tomorrow in Europe. I believe that our people, our state, our army did everything for us to be welcomed in Europe. This is the final exam for Europe. Among the leaders of the states there are some who support us. And there are also those who support only themselves. But we see how the nations of all European countries treat us. And this is the main thing. Today, when I see the support of the people of each country in the squares of European capitals, I know that the Ukrainian people are already in the European Union. And politicians... I'm sure they will adjust to that.Preferably faster.

(https://www.facebook.com/president.gov.ua)

Prime Minister of Ukraine

The whole civilized world has united to accelerate the victory of Ukraine; not just the governments, but also regular people and companies.

The US House of Representatives approved a $13.6 billion emergency aid package, this money will go to strengthening the army and humanitarian needs of Ukraine and to protect Europe.

Soon, EU member states will consider giving Ukraine a candidate status. This will be a defining moment in Europe’s history.

“We call upon not only Europe’s leaders, but also to European citizens: now is the time to support Ukraine. Ukraine earned its right to be in the European Union. I urge you to be vocal about your opinion so that your leaders know what decision they have to make.” stressed Shmygal.

Energy security and critical infrastructure, defense industry, agriculture, and logistics are all integral parts of our victory.

Prime Minister called upon the business to restore production, bring people back to work where possible.

Government of Ukraine increased the disbursement of the government budget reserves to 50.8 billion UAH, which will go towards defense sector. 38.3 billion UAH were directed for pension payments in March.

The government has approved the use of “єДокумент” [eDocument]. This document can be generated online or on the app and it contains all the important information and QR codes to confirm one's identity.

(https://fb.watch/bG9ImFLvXu/)

Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister for Reintegration of Temporary Occupied Territories

Yesterday, were launched first humanitarian corridors.

In the two days that passed, more than 60,000 people were evacuated from the cities of Sumy, Trostyanets, and Krasnlopil in the direction of Poltava.

It is difficult to go from Izyum to Lozova in the Kharkiv region. However, about 3,000 people managed to leave, and more than 100 tons of essential aid (medicines, food, water) was delivered to the city of Izum.

Special gratitude is expressed to those who helped successfully evacuated 52 children and young mothers from the Maternity House in Vorzel.

Today the work continues. There are significant difficulties: there is a roadblock, and people constantly complain that they cannot pass. Ukrainian authorities are working, reporting, and fighting for the humanitarian corridors to work as it was demanded by Ukrainian side.

Yesterday about 20,000 people were evacuated from Bucha, Irpin, Gostomel, Vorzel, and other towns of the Kyiv region. The evacuation continues today.

More than 100 tons of aid were delivered to the city of Energodar.

What was failed:

Volnovakha, direction Volnovakha - Pokrovsk, since March 5th, we have tried to open this humanitarian corridor, and we didn`t succeed. But there are people like Pavlo Kyrylenko and the head of the military-civil administration, who does almost the impossible with his team - he helps people against the ban, despite the irresponsibility of Russian forces. Many thanks to those leaders of the MCA who do their best to provide and organize humanitarian corridors in our east, as well as the head of the Luhansk MCA.

“I would like to thank the head of the military-civil administration in the Kyiv region Oleksiy Kuleba. We are in constant contact with him. He does his best even though much has not been done yet. Many thanks to Oleksiy's team from the entire President's team. Many thanks to the Poltava and Sumy leaders, who are also constantly in touch. This also includes the Kharkiv leader, Oleg Sinyogubov: thank you very much for the endurance and willpower to help civilians, help with humanitarian aid in Izyum and other cities in our country. Thanks to the head of the military-civil administration in Zaporizhia.” stressed Vereshchuk.

Deputy Prime Minister appealed to the whole world to help Mariupol. There is a real humanitarian catastrophe. Today on the March 10^th, Ukrainian Government was once again denied the effort to bring humanitarian cargo to Mariupol. No water, no medicine, no food. Nothing got to the people who have been under fire for several days in a row. The whole world saw the airstrikes that destroyed the maternity house and a hospital in Mariupol. “I hope that this is also seen by world leaders who are closely watching the struggle of the Ukrainian people. I want to appeal once again and demand from the leaders, nations and just to those people who have a big heart and a sincere desire to build a new world - help your authorities to make the humanitarian corridors in Ukraine work. Help your leaders to keep the skies over Ukraine closed. Help your elites feel that you, the people who cherish freedom, want to defend democratic principles with us. And we will continue to fight for all of you.” underlined Vereshchuk.

(https://www.facebook.com/president.gov.ua/videos/678995826481495/)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Operational situation on the diplomatic front as for March 10, 7pm

Ukrainian diplomacy makes every effort every day to ensure sustainable financial, military and humanitarian aid. The maximum support achievement from European capitals for Ukraine's accession to the EU is one of the top priorities now.

Support for Ukraine's accession to the EU:

The Lithuanian Parliament unanimously approved a resolution calling on the European Union to immediately grant Ukraine candidate status and open membership talks;

The Parliament of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the Declaration on the Situation in Ukraine, in which it condemned the military aggression of Russia against Ukraine and supported the European perspective of our country;

Financial Aid:

The IMF has transferred $ 1.4 billion of emergency support to Ukraine under the Rapid Financing Instrument. Funds in this program will help finance the priority expenditures of the state budget and maintain Ukraine's balance of payments;

Sanctions:

Great Britain has expanded sanctions against Russia. Several Russian oligarchs have been restricted, including billionaire and Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich and businessman Oleg Deripaska;

Isolation of the Russian Federation:

One of the world's largest investment companies, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. stated that it plans to close its operations in Russia;

The Western Union international money transfer system is suspending operations in Russia and Belarus;

Sony Music, the world's second-largest record company, is suspending operations in Russia;

Estonia has announced a temporary suspension of tourist visas to Russian citizens;

Cosmopolitan, Elle Russia, Harper’s Bazaar and Esquire will no longer be published in Russia. The company that owns these brands has announced the severance of all business ties with Russia;

Jewelry company Pandora has suspended business with Russia and Belarus;

American shoe manufacturers Skechers and Crocs have joined the boycott of Russia and suspended their activities in Russia.

 (https://bit.ly/3I52VjU)

 Embassy of Ukraine in the USA

WAR BULLETIN 30

March 10, 10.30 EST

Ukraine's defense forces are repelling and holding back the offensive of the Russian armed forces in all directions.

Minister D.Kuleba: In our meeting with FM Lavrov mediated by Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu I insisted on the urgent need to allow humanitarian help for Mariupol and a 24-hour ceasefire. Unfortunately, Lavrov seemed to join talks with no purpose for decision.  

Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed a division of Russia’s Iskander-M (SS-26 Stone) ballistic operational-tactical missile systems.

On March 9, 2022 Ukraine evacuated 2000 foreign students from Sumy.

After yesterday's Russian air strike on the maternity house and children's hospital in Mariupol, 3 people died and 17 people were injured (pregnant women, mothers, doctors). This morning Russian forces dropped bombs on the city center again.

WAR ROOM

General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The total combat losses of the Russian forces from 24.02 to 10.03:

personnel - more than 12 000,

tanks ‒ 335,

APV ‒ 1105,

artillery systems – 123,

MLRS - 56,

Anti-aircraft warfare systems - 29,

aircraft – 49,

helicopters – 81,

vehicles - 526,

boats / vessels - 3,

fuel tanks - 60,

UAV operational-tactical level - 7.

https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/269079492071803

Ukraine's defense forces are repelling and holding back the offensive of the Russian armed forces in all directions.

In the Polissya direction, the aggressors continue to hold the settlements of Poliske, Kukhari, Borodyanka, Andriyivka, Motyzhyn, Horenychi, Bucha, and Demydiv. The enemy is trying to restore the combat effectiveness of units that have suffered heavy losses, regroups and does not abandon the idea of blocking Kyiv from the west and southwest.

The defense forces of Ukraine repulsed an attempt by the enemy to force the Irpin River near the settlement of Moshchun, the enemy was repulsed, and the settlement was liberated.

In the Mykolayiv direction, the enemy is trying to gain a foothold in the settlements of Luparevo, Pravdyno, Blagodatne, Novohryhorivka, Kalynivka, Kiselivka, Pershotravneve, Oleksandrivka, Burgunka, Bereslav, and Tavriysk.

In the Crimean direction was recorded the strengthening of the enemy grouping by a battalion tactical group from the 336th separate brigade of marines of the Baltic Fleet of the Armed Forces of the Russian Armed Forces.

In all directions the enemy is stopped by the Defense Forces of Ukraine, has no success, tries to keep the occupied frontiers and positions.

Ukraine's defense forces continue to hold back the offensive of the Russian Armed Forces in Donetsk, Slobozhansky and parts of the Tavriya operational areas. Defend the Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Okhtyrka. The main efforts are focused on preventing the enemy from advancing in the south-eastern direction. The circular defense of the city of Mariupol continues.

At the same time, the state border with the Republic of Belarus continues to be protected.

In the Siverskyi region, Ukrainians are defending the city of Chernihiv. Measures are being taken to deter the enemy from advancing in the direction of Kyiv.

The group of forces and means of defense of the city of Kyiv is constantly ready to repel the enemy's offensive.

In the southern direction, the enemy is held back in the directions of the cities of Kryvyi Rih, Mykolayiv, Voznesensk and the settlement of Novovorontsovka (Kherson region).

In other areas, groups of troops are conducting a stabilization operation and performing territorial defense tasks.

Units of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine repel missile and bomb strikes and destroy enemy air strikes, provide air cover for important objects and troops of Ukraine.

Over the past two days, fighter jets and anti-aircraft missile units have destroyed four Su-25 fighter jets and two enemy helicopters.

The enemy reduced the pace of the offensive, its personnel is demoralized. The number of cases of desertion and looting has significantly increased.

https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/269162925396793

Operational Command "North" reports, that on Thursday afternoon, March 10, in the Chernihiv oblast, the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed a division of Iskander-M (SS-26 Stone) ballistic operational-tactical missile systems, whuch fired on civilians.

https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/269193108727108

State Emergency Service

During March 10, SES units made 564 rescue missions, including 283 to eliminate the consequences of shelling of settlements and civilian infrastructure by Russian troops, 74 people were rescued.

90 pyrotechnics of the SES made 90 involvements and neutralized 35 explosive devices.

On the state border in Zakarpattia, Odesa, Lviv and Chernivtsi regions the SES rescuers in cooperation with the Red Cross of Ukraine and local authorities set up 82 tents for heating and reception of citizens. Since the beginning of such operations, 186 thousand people have been assisted.

During the past day SES assisted with evacuation of more than 404 thousand people, including over 86 thousand of children and 1606 people with disabilities.

Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine

Russian troops killed 5 civilians in Donetsk region, including a little girl. At least 22 people were injured.

Catastrophic situation is observed in Mariupol. After yesterday's air strike on the maternity house and children's hospital, the aggressors dropped bombs on the city center again this morning. Information on the actual number of victims is being clarified. Police are helping people and documenting the aftermath of the shelling’s.

At least 27 civilians have been injured in the past 24 hours. According to new data, three people died in Mariupol after the air raid on the maternity house, among them an infant and a girl. 17 people were injured - pregnant women, mothers, doctors.

In the morning the enemy inflicted two more strikes on Mariupol at 8:00 am and about 9:20 am. Number of victims is to be determined. Due to constant shelling, there is no possibility to bury the dead. The enemy deliberately cuts off all communications, leaving the city without electricity, water, gas, hitting and communications.

The aggressors attacked 14 settlements - Mariupol, Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, Novoluhansk, New York, Luhansk, Krasnohorivka, Marinka, Kostiantynivka, Ivano-Frankivsk, Terny, Myronivsky, Stepne, Mykhailivka.

34 objects were damaged - a children's hospital and a maternity house, two schools, the Azov State Technical University, residential buildings, a shop, a church, the town municipality building, a railway, a gas pipeline and communal equipment building.

Police opened criminal proceedings under Article 438 (violation of the laws or customs of war) and Article 110 (encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The most difficult situation is in the besieged Mariupol, Volnovakha and surrounding villages, which Russian troops smashes with missiles, aircraft and artillery. There is a humanitarian catastrophe in the cities. Kramatorsk and Svitlodar direction are also under attack.

In Zhytomyr Region 7 people were killed and 12 were injured in air strikes during the day.

On March 9, air alarms were heard in the region almost continuously. As a result of air attacks up to ten settlements were damaged. Police officers are currently documenting the Russian aggressor's war crimes.

In the Luhansk Oblast 6 civilians were killed in the past 24 hours as a result of enemy shelling.

On March 9, Russian forces shelled residential buildings and infrastructure in the cities of Severodonetsk, Lysychansk, Privilege, Rubizhne, and Kreminna.

https://www.facebook.com/mvs.gov.ua

Ministry of Health of Ukraine

Since the beginning of the war, Ukraine have lost 5 health workers, Russian terrorists also damaged 63 hospitals.

Now 19 foreign doctors help doctors in Ukraine. There are now more than 1,000 registered health workers listed to provide assistance in case of such a need. Registration remains open to all health professionals from our allied countries who wish to assist Ukrainian hospitals in providing help to victims. They can register by filling out the form: https://bit.ly/questionnaire_UA .

For the first time in the world medical practice 132 Ukrainian children are currently transported and treated in clinics of Poland, Italy, Germany.

https://moz.gov.ua

State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

Students from 26 countries were evacuated to Poland.

https://www.facebook.com/100066866381279/posts/292801869625357/?d=n

POLICY

President of Ukraine

Information about the victims of yesterday's bombing of the maternity hospital and the children's hospital in Mariupol appeared last night. We lost three people, including a child, a girl. The number of wounded is 17. These are children, women, medical workers.

This topic was mentioned on Russian television. It was on their talk show. But not a word of truth was said. The Russians were lied to that there had been no patients in the hospital and no women or children in the maternity hospital. The Russians were lied to that "nationalists" had allegedly taken up positions there. They lie confidently, as always.

War crimes are impossible without the propagandists who cover them up. I want to tell them one thing: you will bear responsibility just as all those who give orders to bomb civilians. We will find all the property of the propagandists and their associates. We will do our best to confiscate it wherever it is. You love a rich life. Love prosperous countries. You will not have this anymore. And this is just the beginning.

You will definitely be prosecuted for complicity in war crimes. And then, it will definitely happen, you will be hated by Russian citizens. Everyone whom you have been deceiving constantly, daily, for many years in a row. When they feel the consequences of your lies in their wallets, in their shrinking possibilities. In the stolen future of Russian children.

War is never isolated. It always beats both the victim and the aggressor. The aggressor just realizes it later. But it always realizes and always suffers.

Today, we are once again providing humanitarian corridors for our cities. The buses have already departed, the trucks are already on their way - with food, water, medicine.

Mariupol, Volnovakha, Izyum, Sumy and the region. Cities and towns of the Kyiv region - Bucha, Borodyanka, Irpin, Hostomel... My heart is broken by what the invaders did to our cities, to our state! And by what they want to do to our people who need urgent help.

Russian troops have already created a humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine. But for them it is part of the plan. They want to humiliate our people. Make them take bread and water from the hands of the invaders standing on their knees. So that Ukrainians can save their lives just by going to the occupied territories or to Russia. That's why they are blocking Mariupol, that's why they are blocking Volnovakha, blocking other cities.

The invaders specially organize this torture to give their propaganda channels new material. Just for that. Monsters.

Despite everything, updated information was received every hour yesterday about people whom we managed to evacuate to the free territory of Ukraine. In total, more than 60,000 of our citizens were rescued yesterday plus those who did not have time until night and continued the evacuation in the morning.

I spoke today, in particular about that, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. About the torture of our cities, our people. I spoke with French President Macron.

I felt in a conversation with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson that our anti-war coalition will soon become much stronger. Consequently, the pressure on Russia for peace will also be much stronger. For us, specifics in relations with world leaders, with European leaders are very important.

We are really fighting for our independence! For freedom, for equality for all on the continent! That is why we want to see from partners the decisions based on reality, not on declarations or abstract considerations.

These days, the EU leaders will convene to discuss Russia's war against Ukraine. To discuss our application for EU membership. We are waiting for a concrete signal. We look forward to strong support. Because it will be fair, real, human, European.

We know exactly the position of every leader. We know exactly who stands with us and who thinks that the European Union is just accounting, profits, expenses and nothing more. We will work, we will persuade. Life will convince them.

Ukrainians! Our defenders!

We all have been defending our state for the 15th day. We endured. The Ukrainian army is repelling attacks in key directions. Thanks to our military, National Guards, border guards, police, territorial defense and everyone who joined the defense of the state, we have not become slaves, and will never become!

Because this is our spirit, this is our destiny. Pride for our Armed Forces of Ukraine is boundless!

After the war, after our victory, we will rebuild everything that was destroyed.

Very quickly and with a very high quality. A special state program for reconstruction will be created for each affected city. I have already instructed the government to start the elaboration.

Chernihiv and Sumy, Okhtyrka and Zhytomyr, Izyum, Mariupol and all our beautiful cities to which evil has come will not see a single trace of the Russian invasion.

The best architects, the best companies, the best projects. For every city! I want to say this on the example of Kharkiv. Our Kharkiv, which is now experiencing the worst suffering since World War II.

Saltivka, Oleksiivka... Perhaps most Ukrainians know nothing about these names. But the people of Kharkiv will hear. Freedom Square will be such that everyone, all of us, all Europeans will be there! Poltava Way, Belgorod Highway, Myronosytska Street, Regional Children's Hospital, Kharkiv Oncology Center, Karazin University, Labor Palace, Korolenko Library.

https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/zavdyaki-nashim-zahisnikam-ukrayinci-ne-stali-rabami-j-nikol-73477

Briefing of Counsellor of the Head of Presidential Office of Ukraine Oleksii Arestovych

After yesterday’s airstrike at the Mariupol maternity house and children's hospital, it became obvious that the enemy has totally changed the tactics, has turned to a “Syrian scenario” – encircling and terrorizing cities and towns to cause maximum suffering and psychological pressure to civilians. Currently, cities that suffer the most are Mariupol (which Russia is trying to wipe off the map), Kharkiv, Okhtyrka and in some sense Mykolaiv.

The military and political leadership of Ukraine, the leadership of all states in the world together with the international organizations are aware of the situation. There are daily attempts to establish the humanitarian corridors, and today they will be launched from many cities, including from Mariupol. However, the enemy is deliberately disrupting the evacuation from Mariupol. At the same time, the Ukraine’s army is defending the city and doing its best to ensure the evacuation.

The goal of Russia in Mariupol is to cause panic and frustration with the actions of the Ukrainian authorities by the citizens of Ukraine. He urged the citizens to remember that it is Russia that cause the war and is interested in the Ukrainian disunity. The developments during the war depend on actions from both sides.

When it comes to the general military situation, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have made at least 7 powerful strikes at the enemy, including the termination of two regimental commanders of the Russian army, near Brovary, Izyum, Nikopol and Kryvyy Rig. Our army near Kharkiv took control over Dergachi and have disconnected the part of Russian troops in the north from those located next to Izyum, and have created a serious tactical success.

Ukrainian aviation, rocket forces and artillery continue striking the enemy, and we expect the change of the situation in Ukraine’s favor in the closet time. Ukraine is doing much efforts to change the humanitarian situation in the blocked cities, as like it works on the elimination of the enemy from those and other cities of Ukraine.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=386123212892310

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal

IMF approved $1.4 billion within emergency support program to help Ukraine’s economy during the war. Grateful to Kristalina Georgieva for quick decisions. Keeping in contact with the IMF.

https://twitter.com/Denys_Shmyhal/status/1501690629054685188

More and more countries support Ukraine’s integration to the EU under the accelerated procedure. Coordinated further steps with President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. Thank you for your help! Coalition in support of Ukraine is in action now!

https://twitter.com/Denys_Shmyhal/status/1501666186135810049

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

On March 9, 2022 Ukraine evacuated 2000 foreign students from Sumy.

These are the first foreign students who managed to escape a horrible war zone, created by Russia on the territory of Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/mfa_ukraine/status/1501929275968004097?s=21

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba

In our meeting with FM Lavrov mediated by Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu I insisted on the urgent need to allow humanitarian help for Mariupol and a 24-hour ceasefire. Unfortunately, FM Lavrov seemed to have come to talk, not to decide. I hope he will convey Ukraine’s requests back in Moscow.

https://twitter.com/DmytroKuleba/status/1501907775013765124

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba speaking to the media following the meeting with the foreign ministers of Turkey and the RF on Russia ceasing its war against Ukraine.

[The talks] were both easy and difficult. Easy because Minister Lavrov shared his traditional narratives about Ukraine. Difficult because I did my best to at least find a diplomatic solution to humanitarian tragedy unfolding on the battle ground near besieged cities. The most tragic situation is now in Mariupol on the Sea of Azov, which is bombarded and is subjected to artillery fire.

I came here with a humanitarian purpose. Mariupol is in the most difficult situation. I came here with a humanitarian mission to open humanitarian corridors out of Mariupol for the people wishing to leave the city, and to bring assistance into the city.

Unfortunately, Minister Lavrov was in a position to commit himself to it, but he will correspond with respective authorities on this issue.

We also raised an issue of a 24-hour ceasefire to resolve the most pressing humanitarian issues. We did not make progress on this since it seems there are other decision-makers on this matters in Russia.

We agreed to continue doing our best to seek a solution for humanitarian issues on the ground. I will be ready to meet again in this format if there will be prospect for a solution.

I believe that when Foreign ministers meet, they have by definition to negotiate issues of peace and security. I am ready to continue this engagement with the purpose of ending the war in Ukraine and stopping the suffering of Ukrainian people and liberating our territory from the Russian occupational force.

[In Ukrainian] – Thanked Turkish Foreign Minister for good will and professionalism. Underscored that had 2 tasks: to organize humanitarian corridors and 24-hours ceasefire.

I hope that Russia will demonstrate compassion to human suffering and allow the functioning humanitarian corridors from Mariupol and from Sumy to Poltava. We cannot stop the war if the country that started it does not want to stop it.

Today I heard that Russia will not allow ceasefire until Ukraine meets the demands that had been put forward by President Putin. In this regard I’d like to underscore that Ukraine did not surrender, is not surrendering and will not surrender. We are ready for diplomacy, we are looking for solutions, but until they are there, we will continue fighting to offset the Russian aggression.

I hope that today’s format will be continued. I am ready to continue talks if the Russian side will be ready to a serious talk, but not repetition of well-known clichés and narratives about Ukraine. What we need today a serious, subject-based talk without clichés. When the Russian side is ready, we’ll be ready. We’ll do everything for peace because saving human lives is a priority for us.

Q&A:

1)    Did you get the impression that these attacks will continue? Have you received a promise about receiving military jets from the US?

No, we did not discuss military supplies to Ukraine. Upon my initiative we dedicated most of the time to discussing humanitarian issues on the ground. Because it is of the utmost priority for diplomacy to help everyone, who is suffering. I appealed to him in the most constructive way. It was not easy for me to listen to everything he was saying. But I several times requested to address urgently humanitarian issues.

My impression is that Russia is not in a position at this point to establish the ceasefire. They seek a surrender from Ukraine, but that is not what they are going to get.

Ukraine is strong, Ukraine is fighting, Ukraine will not surrender. We made we are ready to seek a balanced diplomatic solution to end this war but we will not surrender.

2)    Peskov said the invasion will stop if there is a commitment from Ukraine not to join NATO. Did Russia ask you about it?

No, Minister Lavrov said that all these issues must be discussed at a different track, the Belarus talks. He did not go into details on these issues, but he conveyed to me that they will continue their repression until Ukraine meets their demands. And the list of those demands is a surrender.  That is why it is unacceptable to us.

The last thing I want is to kill hope. I shared with Mr. Lavrov one episode in a hope that he will respond constructively based on simple human values and with respect to human life. I talked to him about a civilian, who was driving in a car and made a wrong turn and was immediately shot by a Russian solider. This must be stopped. This is a war crime. And everyone involved will bear responsibility, eventually.

I hope, I sincerely hope, that Mr. Lavrov will follow up these conversation with the Russian government and the Russian army and they will organize humanitarian passage for thousands of civilians, on whose behalf I spoke to him today, first and foremost from Mariupol, to allow provision of humanitarian aid to Mariupol.

3)    Ukraine’s leadership has talked about pursuing some non-NATO models to resolve the conflict if it receives certain security guarantees. During your meeting with Mr. Lavrov did any issues about Ukraine’s status came up? Minister Lavrov set up any red lines, such as insisting Ukraine disarm or recognizes Russian sovereignty over the Donbas.  What did you respond to it?

He mentioned it very briefly without going into discussion again. He insists this issue has to be discussed between delegations on the Belarus talks.

I told him that in my view the ministers are invested with the power to discuss these matters. However, he had a different understanding of the role of foreign ministers in these talks, so we did not engage into specific discussion on this matter.

4)    Director General of MAGATE is in Antalya. Do you plan to meet with him? Has Minister Lavrov touched the issue of security of nuclear power plants? Does Russia continue threats of nuclear button?

[In Ukrainian] Yes, by the end of the meting Mr. Lavrov touched upon the issue of nuclear safety. He proposed to hold trilateral talks with MAGATE. I told him that before Russian soldiers came to Ukraine our nuclear power stations operated properly and that Ukraine has always been and is a reliable participant of all verifications models of MAGATE and reliable implementer of treaties on nuclear nonproliferation.

The lie that they are trying to spread – that they had found in Ukraine the traces of [Ukraine] developing nuclear weapons – this is a lie. Nothing of that sort ever happened in Ukraine.

So, the best Russia can do now is to take its soldiers out of Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plants and allow their personnel to service them. 

5)    [inaudible, signal lost] – Question on NATO membership

Yes, it is written in our Constitution that Ukraine will eventually join NATO as a full member and receive security guarantees.

However, we understand that this is not going to happen in the foreseeable future. We also see from the reaction of NATO, as an Alliance, to the Russian aggression against Ukraine that NATO is not ready to act collectively to stop the war and protect civilians from Russian raids. It [NATO] delegated the authority to help to member-states on the bilateral basis.

This poses a question: How to ensure Ukraine’s security between now and eventual NATO membership? This is the question. My Constitution says something and I can’t speak against my Constitution. 

But if we could reach an agreement were a similar system of guarantees, as envisaged by NATO, charter would be granted to Ukraine – by permanent members of the UN Security Council, including Russia, by Turkey, by all our neighbors – this is something that we are ready to discuss.

The war is happening now. Ukraine exists in a security vacuum. We have to think creatively on how to address this issue and ensure our security. So far it is our Army that ensures our security and a list of partners, including Turkey, who are helping us with that.

https://www.facebook.com/UkraineMFA/videos/487307792881871

Ministry for Digital Transformation of Ukraine

Russia is increasingly covered by the iron curtain. Every day dozens of technology companies block RF and stop their work in the country. Soon the Russians will be completely isolated from the real world. 

Digital sanctions against Russia over the past day include:

· YouTube has disabled monetization for users in Russia

· Google restricts Google Play in Russia

· Apple Pay is no longer available in Russia

· Sony has stopped the PlayStation Store in Russia, and also stops supplying consoles to Russia

· Amazon stops sending goods to Russia

· Software developers RedHat and Suse cease operations in Russia.

Sanctions will not stop until the war in Ukraine stops.

https://www.facebook.com/mintsyfra/posts/328909449278378 

State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine

Mobile operators and Internet providers in Ukraine work stably and continue to provide electronic communications services.

Following the request of the State Service for Special Communications, in large cities local governments, providers and operators work together on connecting bomb shelters to the Internet.

JSC Ukrtelecom resumed services in the Chernihiv region. But due to accidents on the main lines in Sumy, Kherson, Mykolaiv and parts of Kyiv regions, communication was disrupted. Work on the restoration of Internet services in Kyiv region continues. Also, the operator lifted restrictions on the speed of Internet access in all regions, except Chernihiv and Sumy, where priority is given to critical needs of the Armed Forces and critical social infrastructure facilities. The total number of regional communication nodes operating has increased to 77%.

https://www.facebook.com/dsszzi/posts/271200085191135 

Prosecutor’s General Office of Ukraine

On March 9, during a press conference on Russian crimes in Ukraine Prosecutor General of Ukraine Iryna Venediktova stated that more than 60 children have already been killed and more than 100 were injured by the criminal actions of the Russian Federation. "This is Russia's war against Ukrainian children," the Prosecutor General said.

The Prosecutor’s General Office launched criminal proceedings on the first day of the invasion for infringement on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine and for waging a war of aggression. The Russian Defense Minister, the Chief of the General Staff, the Commander of the National Guard, the Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service, the Director of the FSB, the Minister of Internal Affairs and other high-ranking Russian officials have already been reported as suspected of committing deliberate acts that resulted in the death and injury of a large number of Ukrainians.

"The courts have issued permits for their arrest. We are taking measures to put them on the international wanted list. In total, more than 40 representatives of the government and the military and political leadership of the aggressor country are now criminally prosecuted. And there will be thousands of them," said Iryna Venediktova.

https://bit.ly/34wly2H 

Iryna Venediktova, Prosecutor General of Ukraine

U.S. forms mobile justice expert teams to assist Russian war crimes investigations in Ukraine.

On 9 March we met with Kristina Kvien, U.S. Charge d'Affaires a.i. in Ukraine, and John Clint Williamson, the 3rd U.S. Ambassador for War Crimes and his team.

The support from the US for Ukraine is extraordinary right now. They will now assist us in the process of documenting war crimes. Mobile teams with international humanitarian law experts and military analysts with significant experience in international courts and tribunals will assist and support Ukrainian law enforcement in evaluating the evidence collected and their legal analysis. All of them will be used by us in national and international judicial institutions.

This is yet another confirmation that the international community is united to hold the military accountable.

https://www.facebook.com/VenediktovaIryna/posts/344981430972865                                                                                                                                                              

ENERGY

Ministry of energy of Ukraine

Information on the operation of the Ukrainian power system

The frequency in the UES of Ukraine is maintained at 50 Hz.

Over the past day, sometimes - at the cost of incredible efforts, it was managed to restore electricity to about 72 thousand consumers, gas supply - 4828 consumers.

 The most successful restoration works were carried out in Sumy region: electricity supply to 62.8 thousand subscribers in 263 settlements was restored.

At the same time, according to operative information, as of 17:00 CET 9 March 2022, more than 1,250 settlements and about 11,000 transformer substations in Ukraine were left without electricity (completely or partially) due to damage caused by hostilities. In total - more than 723 thousand consumers.

The most difficult situation remains in the Donetsk region - more than 235 thousand consumers remain without electricity; Mariupol is completely disconnected from the electricity supply.

The most difficult situation with gas supply is observed in Donetsk, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhya, Kyiv, Mykolaiv regions. In total, as of 17:00 CET 9 March, about 233 thousand consumers in Ukraine are left without gas supply.

Despite the extremely critical situation, the emergency response crews continue to repair equipment and restore power supply around the clock.

 Ukrainian energy companies tirelessly support the stable operation of the energy system and, despite the risk to life, make every effort to ensure energy supply to our citizens.

https://cutt.ly/4ASGSq0

Ukrenergo

Ukrenergo expects a safe corridor that will enable the reconstruction of the line to power Chornobyl NPP. Our repair teams are ready to restore the line immediately, despite the threat of being shot by the enemy and are waiting for permission.

https://www.facebook.com/npcukrenergo/posts/327897582712407

Data on the operational capabilities of the Ukrainian power grid

Ukrainian power system has been operating steadily for two weeks in a row in the face of fierce attacks by Russian invaders. Despite this, the frequency in the network is 50 Hz.

Repair crews of NEC Ukrenergo and distribution system operators (Oblenergo) are repairing damaged power lines and substations as soon as possible. Thanks to the heroism and kindness of today's people in the Sumy region, the light was restored in the homes of more than 50,000 consumers, part of Chernihiv and Kharkiv were healed. The high professionalism and devotion of regional power repairmen helped to restore electricity supply in Okhtyrka, where for several days the same enemy destroyed the local Okhtyrka CHP.

Ukrainian power plants generate enough electricity to meet the needs of the consumers. If you are safe, continue to use household appliances in the usual way - there is enough electricity in Ukraine for everyone.

But, unfortunately, the aggressors continue to destroy our energy infrastructure. Due to hostilities, Chornobyl NPP and the city of Slavutych (damage to the 750 kV line Chernobyl - Kyiv) were disconnected.

The outage of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant threatens Europe with environmental catastrophe, as apart from the reactor that exploded in 1986, there are spent fuel assemblies at the territory of the plant. The cooling system cannot work there without electricity. The storages are healed by diesel generators, but it is necessary to restore the power supply to their facilities as soon as possible.

Since the time Chornobyl NPP was seized, Ukrenergo was doing everything possible to keep its power supply on one power line instead of three, and had negotiations with the aggressors about the need to repair damaged lines. Once we got the consent, and our repair crew went for an inspection, but it all ended in brutal searches, shootings over the heads of our specialists and threats of execution. The brigade was not allowed to carry out repair work.

Ukrenergo calls on the IAEA, the EU and all civilised world not to remain silent, not to ignore Russia's nuclear terrorism, which the aggressor state is now targeting against Ukraine.

According to Energoatom, all two Ukrainian nuclear power plants are operating stably, despite the fact that the Zaporizhzhya NPP is also occupied by invaders. Ukrainian specialists take care of nuclear power units, so radiation, fire and environmental conditions at nuclear power plants and adjacent territories are within the current norms.

https://cutt.ly/FASSgQ9

Embassy of Ukraine in the USA

WAR BULLETIN

March 9, 6.30 pm EST

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Russia will meet in Turkey.

Hospital and maternity house in Mariupol were destroyed during a Russian air raid.

Europeans must tighten sanctions against Russia so that it has no chance to continue the genocide in Ukraine.

At 11.22 am CET on March 9th, 2022, an emergency shutdown of the 750 kV-power line Chornobyl NPP occurred.

The Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine started collecting information on damage and destruction of cultural heritage sites committed by the Russian forces in Ukraine.

WAR ROOM

General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Operational information

The Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to conduct a defense operation within the Southern, Eastern and Northern operational zones.

In the East, Armed Forces of Ukraine are holding back the enemy in three operational districts at once - Donetsk, Slobozhansk and Tavriya.

In the North-Western direction, a part of Ukrainian forces is covering the state border with the Republic of Belarus. The defense operation in Polissya and Volyn operational districts continues.

During the offensive operations of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near the settlements of Borodyanka and Makariv, Russians suffered significant losses.

The city of Chernihiv has a strong defense.

The group of defense forces of the city of Kyiv holds its position.

Russian aggressors are demoralized; their psychological state is rapidly deteriorating.

At the same time, Russian units of the information warfare are preparing psychological attack to undermine trust in the representatives of the Ukrainian state authorities.

According to the available information, on March 8, 2022, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus conducted an internal anonymous poll on their readiness to take part in Russian war against Ukraine on the side of the aggressor. The results show that the vast majority of personnel is not ready to take part in war against Ukraine.

(https://bit.ly/3vRRGc6)

Operational information as of 24.00 on 09.03.2022 regarding the Russian invasion

Ukraine's defense forces are repelling and holding back the offensive of the Russian armed forces in all directions.

In some of them, the occupying forces lost their combat capability and put reserves into operation. In order to increase its combat capabilities, the enemy moves units and military units from other strategic directions to the borders of Ukraine.

The Republic of Belarus provides support to the aggressor in ensuring the supply of fuel, the use of railway infrastructure and the airfield network.

The likelihood of sabotage of military and civilian infrastructure remains.

The Russian Federation is not abandoning plans to encircle Kyiv, continuing the offensive operation in the Polissya and Seversky directions.

In the Slobozhansky direction, the enemy attacked the settlements of Izyum, Petrovske, Hrushuvakha, as well as the cities of Sumy and Okhtyrka.

The enemy offensive also continues in the Donetsk and Tavriya directions.

The enemy increases grouping of troops in the Mykolaiv direction.

In the Black Sea and Azov operational zones, the aggressors continue to isolate the area of hostilities. Naval groups of the Russian Armed Forces are located in the areas of Cape Tarkhankut and Lake Donuzlav.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine, in coordinated cooperation with other components of the defense sector of the state and the forces of national resistance, are restraining the massive offensive of the occupying forces.

Air Force

Ukrainian fighter jets and anti-aircraft missile units S-300 and Buk-M1 destroyed 4 Su-25 fighter jets and two helicopters of the Russian aggressors. There is also evidence of two downed cruise missiles of the enemy.

Assault bombers and bomb carrier of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine continues to support actions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in various strategic areas and inflict missile and bomb strikes on columns of the enemy equipment.

(https://bit.ly/3MFm27S)

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Dmytro Kuleba: Petrifying war crime in #Mariupol. Russian air strike targeted a hospital and a maternity house. We could stop this barbarism by protecting our skies. For the sake of humanity, provide us with aircraft, now! Lives are being lost while this is being considered over and over again.

POLICY

President of Ukraine

Europeans must tighten sanctions against Russia so that it has no chance to continue the genocide in Ukraine.

Today is the day that defines everything. Defines who is on whose side. Russian bombs fell on a hospital and maternity house in Mariupol. Children's hospital. Maternity hospital that is functioning! Buildings are destroyed. As of now, there are 17 wounded. Disassembly of the debris is still ongoing. People were lucky to hide from the air threat in time.

Everything that the invaders are doing to Mariupol is beyond atrocities. Europeans! Ukrainians! Mariupol residents! Today, we must be united in condemning this war crime of Russia, which reflects all the evil that the invaders brought to our land.

All destroyed cities. Russians did unthinkable to Volnovakha, Kharkiv, Izyum, Okhtyrka, Chernihiv, Borodyanka, Hostomel, Zhytomyr and dozens of other Ukrainian cities, which never posed any threat to the Russian Federation.

Destroyed hospitals. Destroyed schools, churches, houses. And all the people killed. All the children killed.

Europeans! You won’t be able to say that you didn't see what happened to Ukrainians, what happened to Mariupol residents. You saw. You know.

Therefore, you must increase sanctions against Russia so that it no longer has any opportunity to continue this genocide.

You must put pressure on Russia to force it to sit down at the negotiating table and end this brutal war.

We have not done and never would have done anything similar to this war crime to any of the cities of the Donetsk, Luhansk or any other region. To any of the cities on earth. Because we are people. And you?

I spoke today with European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. We also worked and spoke with Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson. Thank you for your support, Boris.

The partners are fully informed about what is happening in our Mariupol. And about the situation in all other regions of Ukraine, where hostilities continue. We are working to make Russia feel the consequences of its actions. We are doing everything to finally secure our sky. I am grateful to the vast majority of Ukrainians who support this position. Those who collect signatures, who convince their acquaintances in the West, write on social networks, organize rallies.

Together we must return courage to some Western leaders. So that they finally do what they had to do on the first day of the invasion. Either close the Ukrainian sky from Russian missiles and bombs, or give us fighter jets so that we can do everything ourselves. A pause without a decision has become simply deadly.

Today we managed to organize the work of three humanitarian corridors. From the city of Sumy, from the cities and towns of the Kyiv region and from Enerhodar.

In total, about 35,000 people were rescued. We will continue tomorrow. We are preparing six corridors. We pray that people will be taken out of Mariupol, Izyum, Volnovakha, etc. Taken to safe cities of our free Ukraine.

And I am sure that every Ukrainian whose help is needed by this people will do everything possible to make them feel our care. Until they can return home.

And finally. Every year on March 9, the winners of the Shevchenko Prize are announced. Our national award for the most significant contribution to the preservation and development of the Ukrainian spirit, our national culture.

I believe that our traditions must be observed during martial law and the fierce battles for our freedom. We must not betray them so that we preserve all ours, Ukrainian, completely while we are heading to victory. While we are heading to peace.

The decree was signed. Now I look forward to meeting the winners. But after the victory. After the victory of Ukraine.

(https://bit.ly/3pU0Z7D)

Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister for Reintegration of Temporary Occupied Territories

The ceasefire has not been in effect since March 5. Russian troops shell the evacuation corridors through Zaporizhzhia to Mariupol and other temporary occupied regions. More than 1300 civilians, including children, have died due to starvation, dehydration, and bombings.

The prospects for future rescue include operations through the land and the sea. More than 70 civilians held in Mariupol are Turkish citizens. President Erdoğan has suggested help to the Ukrainians and Turks, but Putin remains deaf to his demands.

Russia is offering "evacuation corridors" to people in Mariupol, offering them to go to Russia. The same "propositions" are made to the people of Kyiv.

Tomorrow Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Russia will meet in Turkey. We hope that we will finally agree on the parameters of the evacuation corridors and that the Russian troops will hold the protocol. Otherwise, we expect repercussions to Russia, which is responsible for the deaths of many civilians through the contract breach.

West media prognoses Russians' use of terror on Ukrainian civilians. The present crimes are not yet subjected to sanctions. We expect Russia to allow the humanitarian corridors if the global community condemns and penalizes Russia's misconduct.

(https://bit.ly/34stDVU)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Operational information on the diplomatic front as of March 9^th, 7 p.m.

Ukraine and its partners are stepping up with unprecedented sanctions’ pressure on Russia to end its war against Ukraine. The European Union announced today a new package of sanctions against Russia and Belarus.

Military aid:

 Canada will send another batch of highly specialized military equipment to Ukraine.

Financial Aids:

 The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has announced an initial € 2 billion package of measures for Ukraine, in particular, for war-torn citizens and companies;

 Canada will allocate about $ 2.5 million to counter Russian disinformation.

 Sanctions against Russia:

 The EU Council approved new sectoral sanctions against Russia and Belarus for armed aggression against Ukraine. The new restrictions include restrictions on access to SWIFT for three Belarusian banks and the import of the euro into Belarus. In addition, the EU has expanded the list of sanctioned legal entities and organizations subject to restrictions on investment, securities and financial instruments. The list includes another 160 people linked to the Putin`s regime.

International isolation

 Members of the Venice Commission Bureau, the Council of Europe's advisory body on constitutional law, initiated the termination of Russia's right to be represented on the commission. The Committee of Ministers of the European Council will make a decision on this issue on the 10th of March.

Informational and economic isolation

 The French machine-building company Alstom, which manufactures railway warehouses and transport systems, has announced a halt of their operations in Russia;

 The American media company Discovery is suspending broadcasting of its cable TV channels in Russia due to its invasion to Ukraine. 15 channels were excluded from Russian air, including Discovery Channel, Discovery Science, Eurosport;

 Latvia has banned broadcasting of 18 Russian TV channels that are directly or indirectly owned by Gazprombank;

 The American service Amazon Prime Video has restricted access to movies and series for Russian subscribers.

Humanitarian aids

 In Latvia, almost 6 million euros have already been raised through the ziedot.lv portal for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and civilian population;

 Ukrainian organizations of foreign Ukrainians in Germany have already donated more than 330 tons of medical supplies, food and basic necessities;

 The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste has decided to allocate $1.5 million to help the people of Ukraine through the UN World Food Program.

(https://bit.ly/3KA2Run)

The Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine

The Ministry started collecting information on damage and destruction of cultural heritage sites committed by the Russian forces in Ukraine.

Russia's aggression is accompanied by the movement of heavy military equipment, missiles and air strikes, artillery shelling of Ukrainian cities and villages.

The Ministry urge`s witnesses of the destruction of cultural heritage from all regions of Ukraine to send photo or video evidence to the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy through the resource: https://culturecrimes.mkip.gov.ua

Available for public data will be published on the separate portal created specifically for the evidence collection purposes. Provided and verified materials are to be transferred to the International Criminal Court in the Hague for investigation.

(https://bit.ly/3MDh3o3)

ENERGY

Ministry of Energy of Ukraine

Minister of Energy of Ukraine H.Galushchenko requested the support of the European Commission due to the outage at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

Uniper writes off Nord Stream 2 and wants to sell "Unipro" in Russia: losses amount to 987 million euros.

The world's largest manufacturer of wind turbines, Vestas, has suspended projects in Russia.

At 11.22 am CET on March 9^th, 2022, an emergency shutdown of the 750 kV-power line Chornobyl NPP occurred. As a result, all facilities of the SSE Chornobyl NPP are de-energized. Emergency diesel generators will provide power for safety-critical systems. In case of trouble-free operation, the containers of diesel fuel will be enough for 48 hours. De-energization of the SSE Chornobyl NPP makes it impossible to control the parameters of nuclear and radiation safety at the facilities enterprise.

Minister Galushchenko, held a telephone call with the European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson. He announced a potential threat to Europe as a result of de-energizing of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, which is now fully controlled by Russian troops.

UGS facilities are secure and continue to operate normally, except for the Krasnopopivske underground gas storage facility in Luhansk region (stopped due to hostilities in the immediate vicinity of the facility).

"Donetskoblgaz" continues to eliminate damages to gas networks caused by constant shelling.

Gas supply company "Naftogaz Trading" for the past day delivered 75 million cubic meters of natural gas to their consumers. Due to the cold weather, heating systems have increased fuel consumption. However, the company is provided with the necessary resources to satisfy all applications.

Employees of "Kharkivmiskgaz" emergency services restored gas supply for 500 consumers.

(https://bit.ly/3hRIXyn)

 Embassy of Ukraine in the USA

WAR BULLETIN

March 9, 10.00 EST

Dmytro Kuleba: The only electrical grid supplying the Chornobyl NPP and all its nuclear facilities occupied by Russian army is damaged.

Russia continues to focus its efforts on encircling the city of Kyiv, capturing the cities of Sumy, Kharkiv, Mariupol, and Mykolayiv; providing a land corridor between the temporary occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the mainland of the Russian Federation.

Deputy Prime Minister: “Ukraine calls on Russia to comply with the obligations to cease fire at the sites of humanitarian corridors.”

Russian terrorists are neglecting any human values and continue to destroy hospitals and attack doctors in Ukraine. During the 13 days of the war 61 hospitals have been damaged.

Commissioner for human rights of Ukraine: “As of March 9, 2022, since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, 61 children have died and 100 children have been injured.”

WAR ROOM

General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The fourteenth day of the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people to the Russian military invasion continues.

The enemy significantly reduced the pace of troop advance, but did not refuse to conduct an offensive operation.

Russia is losing manpower and equipment; its personnel is demoralized. The enemy continues to focus its efforts on encircling the city of Kyiv, capturing the cities of Sumy, Kharkiv, Mariupol, and Mykolayiv; providing a land corridor between the TOT of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the mainland of the Russian Federation.

The formation of the enemy's reserves in the points of permanent deployment continues in order to further transfer them to certain areas in our country.

Due to the fierce resistance of the residents of Kherson, the occupiers are trying to impose an administrative-police regime, for which units of the Russian guard were deployed in the Kherson region, which illegally detained more than 400 citizens of Ukraine.

In the Volyn direction, the enemy does not carry out offensive actions, but there is a high probability of sabotage at military facilities and civilian infrastructure in Rivne and Lviv regions by sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the invaders.

In the Polissya direction, the enemy is acting with the help of separate units of the 29th, 35th, and 36th all-military armies of the Pacific Fleet and the Airborne Forces of the Russian Federation.

After an unsuccessful offensive, a significant number of units of the occupiers' strike group suffered casualties and were hastily withdrawn to recovery areas. Combat equipment is usually not evacuated by the enemy.

According to available information, the enemy is regrouping in preparation for another attempt to take Kyiv. After an unsuccessful offensive in the direction of settlement Fastiv, enemy is trying to resume offensive operations in this direction.

In the northern direction, the enemy, with the help of separate units of 2, 41 general armies and 90 tank divisions of the Central Military District, is trying to resume the offensive.

By forces to BTGr the enemy made crossing over the river Trubizh, blocked the highway E95 in the area of settlement Zalissya. The enemy suffered losses on the outskirts of Chernihiv and other areas. In order to restore the fighting capacity of the group, BTGr from 55 separate motorized infantry brigades of 41 all-military armies of the Central Military District from the operational reserve was transferred to the territory of Ukraine.

In the Slobozhansky direction, the enemy forces separate units of the 1st Tank Army (up to 11 BTGr), the 20th All-Military Army (up to 8 BTGr), the 6th All-Military Army (up to 3 BTGr) of the Western Military District, the 14th Army Corps of the Northern Fleet (to 1 BTGr) tries to keep the line from city Severodonetsk to the city of Sumy. The main efforts are focused on trying to surround the city of Kharkiv and reach the barrier on the Dnieper River. Preparations for the attack on Sumy are underway. The enemy is concentrating army aircraft to ensure airborne action.

In the Donetsk direction, the occupiers of the 1st, 2nd Army Corps and separate units of the 150th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th General Army (up to 7 BTGr) are trying to continue offensive operations in previously selected areas to reach the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

In the Tavriya direction, the enemy, with the help of separate units of the 49th General Army, the 22nd Army Corps, the 20th Motorized Rifle Division of the 8th General Army and the Airborne Troops (up to 17 BTGr) holds the border from Kherson to Rozivka. Attempts to force the Southern Bug River were unsuccessful. Uses Kherson International Airport to base combat aircraft.

In the South-Buh operational area, the Russian invaders are holding the border from the city of Kherson to Kakhovka. Separate units of the 49th All-Military Army of the Southern Military District were stopped northeast of the city of Mykolayiv along the Ingul River.

https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/268420482137704

On the night of March 9, in the village of Andriyivka, Balakliia district, a battle took place between the military of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the enemy (SRGE). The enemy attacked the block post. As a result of the battle, the enemy SRGE was completely defeated.

https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/posts/268395735473512

The total combat losses of the Russian forces 24.02 to 09.03:

personnel – more than 12 000,

tanks ‒ 317,

APV ‒ 1070,

artillery systems – 120,

MLRS - 56,

anti-aircraft warfare systems - 28,

aircrafts – 49,

helicopters – 81,

vehicles - 482,

boats / cutters - 3,

fuel tanks - 60,

UAV operational-tactical level - 7.

https://bit.ly/3hYxME5

Ministry of Health of Ukraine

Russian terrorists are neglecting any human values and continue to destroy hospitals and attack doctors in Ukraine. Today, the newly built admission department of the Izium Central City Hospital in the Kharkiv oblast was completely destroyed again – mercilessly and purposefully.

Yesterday Russia attacked an ambulance in Severodonetsk city, while doctors were performing their professional duties. Everyone in the ambulance received injuries and concussions.

During the 13 days of the war 61 hospitals have been damaged. This is another evidence of the complete violation of all existing international humanitarian laws.

https://www.facebook.com/viktor.liashko

Deputy Prime Minister / Minister for Reintegration of Temporary Occupied Territories

As of 9.00 am today we received the confirmation from the Armed Forces of Russia for the usage of earlier proposed by Ukrainian side corridors for humanitarian evacuation. In addition to that Red Cross has issued official letter to the Russian side with confirmation of such corridors establishment. In it`s turn Ukrainian side has issued a letter to the Red Cross, as a result of which Prime Minister of Ukraine is having talks with the Head of international Committee of Red Cross. All the efforts are being taken to receive a confirmation from the Armed Forces of Russia regarding the humanitarian corridors approval for blocked by warfare civilians.

It was preliminary confirmed to cease fire from 9am to 9pm CEP 9 March. Following directions are to be used for evacuation: Energodar – Zaporizhzhya, Sumi – Poltava, Mariupol – Zaporizhzhya, Volnovaha – Pokrovsk, Izum – Lozova, from Kyiv region (Vorzel, Bucha, Irpin, Hostomel, Borodianka) – city of Kyiv.