Demobilization of conscripts, downed Russian A-50, spilled agricultural products in Poland: highlights for February 23

Demobilization of conscripts

In the first reading, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law amending the terms of conscript service. The document contains a provision to postpone conscripts from further mobilization for 12 months.

Now President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must sign the bill.

Ukrainian military shoots down Russian A-50 aircraft

On February 23, the Ukrainian military shot down a Russian A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft. It happened over the Sea of Azov.

According to RBK-Ukraine and LIGA.net, which cite their sources in the Defense Forces, it was a joint operation of the Air Force and the Main Intelligence Directorate. The level of damage to the plane is being clarified.

The meeting between the Polish and Ukrainian governments did not take place

The meeting of representatives of the Ukrainian and Polish governments at the border, which Ukraine had previously proposed to organize, did not take place. It was supposed to be a platform to "reach an agreement and find a compromise," said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

At the same time, a Ukrainian official proposed his own plan to de-blockade the Ukrainian border.

Agricultural products from Ukraine were scattered in Poland

At the Dorohusk railway station in Poland, unknown persons opened three Ukrainian grain carriers with rapeseed, causing the grain to spill onto the ground. These products were supposed to be in transit to Hamburg, Germany.

The Embassy of Ukraine in Poland sent an official note to the Polish authorities and demanded that the perpetrators be found and brought to justice.

Russian attacks

Overnight, Russians fired at Ukraine with Shahed attack drones, with air defense forces shooting down 23 of the 31 drones. The Russians also fired six missiles.

The attack in Odesa resulted in the destruction of a civilian enterprise, with three people reported dead. In Dnipro, the Russians hit a residential building - two people were killed and eight were wounded.

New sanctions against Russia

On February 23, US President Joe Biden announced more than 500 new sanctions against Russia for its war of aggression against Ukraine and for the death of Alexei Navalny, who was called a Russian oppositionist.

In addition, the Council of the European Union adopted the thirteenth package of sanctions against Russia on February 23.

In particular, both sanctions packages contain restrictions on the military sector of Russia.

Other news

• President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave an interview to Fox News.
• The government has made a key decision to create a National Military Cemetery, announced Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
• Pensions will be indexed in Ukraine.
• A soldier whose family was killed by a Russian missile was buried in Odesa Oblast.
• A Polish farmer who called on Putin to "deal with Ukraine" was charged.