Massive missile attack on Ukraine and accusations from Transnistria: today's highlights
As a result of a massive missile attack by Russian troops on Ukraine, generation and distribution facilities in 8 regions were damaged, causing power outages. In Transnistria, the Security Service of Ukraine was accused of preparing a terrorist attack – Ukraine denies it. We have collected the key news for today.
Consequences of the missile attack
According to the latest data from the General Staff, Russian troops launched 84 missiles of various types during the day. 34 missiles were destroyed by the Defense Forces, and another 8 missed their targets. The occupiers also carried out 12 air strikes (including 8 Shaheds).
The government warned of possible blackouts in some regions due to damage to generation and distribution facilities in eight regions. In the morning, the Ministry of Energy reported the shelling of energy facilities in Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Dnipro, and Zhytomyr Oblasts.
Ukrenergo explained that there is no shortage of electricity, but the network that delivers electricity to the regions has been damaged.
Due to Russian shelling, Zaporizhzhia NPP was completely de-energized – the plant went into blackout mode for the sixth time during the occupation. In the afternoon, Ukrenergo reported that the plant had been reconnected to the Ukrainian power grid.
Accusations from “Transnistria”
The unrecognized “Transnistria” accused the Security Service of Ukraine of preparing an assassination attempt against officials of the “republic”. They claimed to have prevented the attack and even detained the suspects. They allegedly confessed.
The Security Service of Ukraine denied the accusations and said that any statements by the “Ministry of State Security of Transnistria” should be considered “only as a provocation orchestrated by the Kremlin”.
Protests in Georgia
On March 9, the ruling party of Georgia announced the withdrawal of the draft law “on foreign agents” from the parliament, which had stirred up the society, and its alternative version, which was not voted on in the first reading.
However, Georgian lawyers say that the declaration of withdrawal is not enough. A draft law adopted in the first reading cannot be withdrawn; for this to happen, it must be put to a vote in the second reading and rejected based on its results.
Despite the government's statements, Georgian activists announced that they would continue their protests.
The largest opposition party in Georgia, the United National Movement, has published demands: the immediate signing of the withdrawal/cancellation of the scandalous bill – both legally and politically – and the release of all detained fighters for European integration.
As it became known, during the protests on March 7-8, the police detained a total of 133 people. The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that all the detainees have been released - some have been brought to trial, and others have been released due to the expiration of their term in pre-trial detention.
In addition, according to the Special Investigative Service, 22 reports were received about the possible use of force by law enforcement officers against protesters. According to the agency, it is checking and seizing surveillance camera footage.
Possible provocations in Belarus
Ukrainian intelligence has said it has received information that Russia's military and political command is planning a large-scale provocation on the border of Ukraine and Belarus. To do this, several groups of Russians are arriving in Belarus. The occupiers' plans are likely to involve the threat of destruction of infrastructure and possible civilian casualties.
According to the intelligence, Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov is to arrive in Belarus to provide detailed coverage of the provocation. A TV and radio bridge and live broadcast from the scene for Russian propaganda media are planned for March 11.
Situation at the frontline
Russian troops are continuing their attempts to surround the city of Bakhmut and then reach the administrative borders of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts. Ground Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi said that the importance of holding Bakhmut is only growing, as the city's defense allows for the preparation of reserves. He noted that if Bakhmut is captured, the Russians “will have their hands free” and will be able to launch “a large-scale offensive using army and airborne units with military equipment”.
Russian troops also tried to break through the defense at the Kupiansk and Lyman sectors and unsuccessfully attacked at the Avdiivka and Shakhtarsk sectors. In the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson directions, Russian troops are on the defensive.
Other news:
- The President's Office said that the name of the soldier who was shot by Russians after saying “Glory to Ukraine!” has not yet been officially identified.
- Self-proclaimed President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed a law introducing the death penalty for high treason for officials and the military.
- Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad says that his Polish counterpart Mariusz Blaszczak has confirmed the agreement to jointly transfer multi-purpose Soviet MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine.
- Ukrainian intelligence showed how the ICEYE satellite, which was purchased by the Serhiy Prytula Charitable Foundation with funds raised by Ukrainians, works – it has helped to detect and destroy thousands of pieces of enemy equipment.
- Journalists claimed that Pope John Paul II knew about sexual abuse by priests under his command and even tried to cover it up. The Prime Minister of Poland and MPs defended the “Polish Pope”.
- The United States imposed sanctions on companies from China that supplied parts to the Iranian Shahed drones.
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