Ramstein 20 and new contributions to the Czech initiative for Ukraine: highlights for March 19

Ramstein 20

Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that the coalition of partner countries demonstrated its unity and activity in helping Ukraine during the 20th meeting in the Ramstein format. In particular, the allies promised to provide ammunition and air defense missiles.

Among the partners who announced new assistance was Germany with a €500 million defense package and Kosovo, which announced the transfer of mortar shells.

Overall, over the nearly two years of meetings in this format, Ramstein has raised about $88 billion in military aid for Ukraine.

New contributions to the Czech initiative

Ukraine's allies have announced funding for the Czech initiative to supply ammunition to Ukraine. Finland will provide 30 million euros, and Canada will provide more than $29 million. Germany announced that it would provide 180,000 artillery shells.

According to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine expects to have enough ammunition for the army starting in April. This includes supplies provided under this initiative.

New Commander of the Russian Navy

Russia has introduced a new commander of the Russian Navy. Admiral Alexander Moiseev, who has been in command of the Northern Fleet since 2019, will temporarily serve as acting commander.

The resignation of the previous Commander of the Russian Navy, Admiral Nikolai Evmenov, followed a series of sinkings of ships of the Black Sea Fleet by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. No official reason for the rotation of admirals was given.

Proceeds from Russian assets in the EU may be spent on weapons for Ukraine

The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, is planning to propose that the EU countries use 90% of the proceeds from Russian assets frozen in the EU to provide military support to Ukraine. He wants to use the remaining 10% of the income from the assets to improve the defense capabilities of Ukrainian industry.

The official will submit an official proposal to the 27 governments of the EU member states on March 20.

Suspicions to Putin's associates who deported Ukrainian children

The Security Service of Ukraine has served suspicion notices to Russian State Duma deputy Yana Lantratova and her accomplice Inna Varlamova, the wife of the head of the Federal Assembly faction, Sergei Mironov.

Earlier, hromadske journalists found out that Ukrainian children, 10-month-old Marharyta Prokopenko and 2-year-old Illia Vashchenko, were deported from the Kherson orphanage. According to the investigation, the Ukrainian children have now been issued a Russian-style birth certificate.

Other important news

• The Pentagon has launched a website that will help track aid provided to Ukraine.
• The EU will impose duties on Russian grain imports, media reports.
• After the Russian attack, access to Ukrainian broadcasting has been restored at almost all facilities in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions.
• The High Council of Justice will consider a complaint against the judge who authorized wiretapping in the office of HACC head Vovk.