Meeting of Ukrainian and Polish governments, new aid from Germany, Russia's preparations for an offensive: highlights
Ukrainian—Polish consultations at the level of prime ministers on the border blockade by protesters and the crisis of Ukrainian agricultural exports have ended in Warsaw. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a new Russian offensive is expected in a few months. Germany announced a new defense package for Ukraine. We have collected the main news for March 28.
A new Russian offensive is possible
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian military managed to hold back Russia's offensive during the “worst winter months”. However, a new Russian offensive is expected around the end of May or June.
“And before that, we need not only to prepare, not only to stabilize the situation, because our partners are sometimes very happy that we have stabilized the situation. No, I'm saying that we need help now,” the Ukrainian President emphasized.
Negotiations between the governments of Ukraine and Poland
Ukrainian-Polish consultations at the level of prime ministers on the border blockade by protesters and the crisis of Ukrainian agricultural exports have ended in Warsaw.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said that the negotiations between the Ukrainian and Polish sides have made progress in lifting the blockade on the border. He also said that Ukrainian grain is currently not entering the Polish market, and Ukraine has agreed to certain restrictions and “safeguards” proposed by the European Commission.
New aid from Germany
On March 28, Germany announced new military aid to Ukraine. The aid includes, in particular, many weapons and equipment for the Ukrainian army:
- ammunition for Leopard 2A6 tanks;
- 18 thousand rounds 155 mm caliber;
- 14 Vector drones with spare parts;
- 30 RQ-35 Heidrun reconnaissance drones;
- 9 All Terrain Tracked Carrier Warthog (command vehicle).
An airplane was shot down in Sevastopol
An explosion was heard in occupied Sevastopol. Local Telegram channels report the downing of a Russian plane, allegedly shot down by the Russians themselves. Russia's appointee in Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, confirmed that a military plane had crashed into the sea. The pilot ejected and his life is not in danger.
The Shahed attack
On the night of March 28, Russian troops attacked Ukraine with 28 Shahed 136/131 attack drones. Ukraine's air defense forces managed to destroy 26 drones. The enemy also attacked with missiles.
The wreckage of enemy drones fell on residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia. Two women were injured. Kharkiv also came under attack, but there were no casualties.
This year, only 3% of Russian attacks hit military targets
Defense Minister Rustem Umierov said that the extraordinary meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council focused on Russia's recent massive air strikes and the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defense.
“The total explosive power of combined air strikes on Ukraine since the beginning of the year exceeds 9 kilotons. Only 3% of these Russian missiles, drones, and guided bombs hit military targets, while 97% hit civilian infrastructure,” the minister emphasized.
Other important news
- The Ministry of Defense has initiated work on a legislative definition of the concept of “cyber warfare”.
- Three more children with their families were returned from the occupation.
- The HACC extended the duties of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Kniazev.
- The court postponed the hearing to consider the reinstatement of judge Lvov.
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