Destruction of Kalibr missiles in Crimea, upcoming visit of Japanese Prime Minister: last night's highlights

Destruction of Kalibr missiles in Crimea

On the evening of March 20, a series of explosions occurred in the occupied Crimea, and the occupation authorities claimed a drone attack. The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that Russian Kalibr NK cruise missiles were destroyed in Dzhankoy during their transportation by rail.

The self-proclaimed "head" of Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, said that air defense had "operated out in the Dzhankoy area." At the same time, pro-Russian Telegram channels reported that at least two drones had reached the target near the railway station.

Visit of Japanese Prime Minister

Japanese media reported that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is paying an unannounced visit to Ukraine on March 21 to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This will be the first visit by a Japanese prime minister to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion.

At the meeting with Zelenskyy, Kishida is expected to convey Japan's intention to continue efforts and demonstrate the G7's determination to firmly uphold the international order. As the representative of the country that holds the G7 presidency, Kishida will declare further solidarity and support for Ukraine.

Hungary blocks EU joint statement on Putin's arrest warrant?

Bloomberg quoted sources as saying that Hungary has not allowed the European Union to publish a joint statement on the International Criminal Court's decision to issue arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Budapest denied this information. They say that they have conveyed to the EU's chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, the position that "Hungary takes note of the ICC's decision and does not wish to comment on it in any way." At the same time, they add, Hungary will not object if Borrell or any of the EU countries decide to make a statement on the matter.

Wagner chief Prigozhin asks for help from Defense Minister Shoigu

The founder of the private military company Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozin, has asked Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu for help amid the Ukrainian Armed Forces' plans to launch a "large-scale" counteroffensive.

In his appeal, Prigozhin says that "according to available information," in late March or early April, Ukrainian troops "plan to launch a large-scale offensive and launch flanking cutting strikes" allegedly to cut off Wagner units from the main forces of the Russian military.

Other news:

• In Huliaypole, Zaporizhzhya Oblast, a drunk civilian grabbed a weapon from a soldier and started shooting. As a result, one soldier was killed and three other citizens were wounded.
• The EU will consider a €3.5 billion increase in the European Peace Facility, which finances weapons for Ukraine.
• The Defense Ministry names the commanders in charge of the defense of Bakhmut. In particular, Brigadier General Andriy Hnatov is in charge of the defense of the city.
• The Ministry of Culture has tightened requirements for artists to travel abroad, following statements by stand-up comedian Andriy Shchehel.
• Zelenskyy called on European justice ministers to support all elements of international efforts "so that the aggressor is definitely punished."