Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

Ukraine expects Russia to intensify its offensive in late spring and early summer, especially in Donbas, moving toward Chasovyi Yar and Pokrovsk, said Kirill Budanov, head of the Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate.

Over the past week, Ukrainian sappers have cleared more than 7,000 hectares of land and destroyed more than 3,800 explosive devices.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Armed Forces are actively using Ukrainian-made drones to destroy Russian occupiers, protect soldiers' lives and reduce Russia's military potential, and that drone production will continue to grow this year.

"The State Logistics Operator refused to provide services to one of the food suppliers to the Armed Forces, as the latter delivered only 25% of the required volume of products in the first week, failing to fulfill its contractual obligations.

At night, a pipeline used by the Russians to pump oil from a local oil depot to tankers was blown up in the port area of the Azov Sea Port. Tanker loading of oil products has been suspended for an indefinite period.

Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Chief of the General Staff Oleksandr Syrsky discussed the current situation on the battlefield, the consequences of Russian attacks, and the need for additional air defense systems and missiles with U. S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during their weekly phone call.

The co-owner of the Slovak company Sevotech appealed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to help bring mortar rounds that were purchased under a contract with Lviv Arsenal for the Ministry of Defense and are now in Slovakia.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that Ukrainian and Estonian UAV manufacturers will cooperate.

The Lviv Arsenal company, which is involved in a criminal case for failing to deliver 100,000 mortar shells to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, had a license from the State Export Control Service to import weapons, which requires strict checks and approvals from various agencies.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is developing an electronic reporting system for the military called Army+, which will allow servicemen to submit reports electronically and track their processing, creating a more transparent and efficient process than the traditional paper-based system.

Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has announced a "smart mobilization" that allows citizens to apply for specific military specialties, such as drone operator or artilleryman, in two clicks, facilitating targeted recruitment and using civilian expertise to strengthen the capabilities of the armed forces.

"The State Logistics Operator has 100 days to prove the effectiveness of the new contracts for food supplies for the Armed Forces. Experts advise waiting for feedback from soldiers before drawing conclusions.

According to an opinion poll, Rustem Umerov as Defense Minister is trusted by far fewer Ukrainians than Oleksiy Reznikov.

In 2024, Ukraine plans to implement about 90 NATO standards, of which more than 50 have already been adopted, as part of efforts to improve the effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in cooperation with NATO.

Explaining his statement about the alleged "attack on civilian infrastructure" in Tatarstan, the UN Secretary-General's spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said that he simply did not hear the journalist's question.

The state logistics operator has signed contracts worth UAH 45. 2 million for catering services for cadets of military institutes of the National Aviation University and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv for the second quarter of 2024, with savings of 24% and 23% compared to pre-war prices.

Ukrainian arms and ammunition companies receive a 3% commission for importing weapons to Ukraine during the war, which allows them to break even and continue their operations.

President Zelenskyy held a meeting with the Supreme Commander-in-Chief to discuss the situation at the front, the purchase of drones, electronic warfare and air defense equipment.

The Ministry of Defense explains that the abolition of the "limitedly fit" status for servicemen and women requires a second medical examination within 9 months, after which they will be determined as "fit" or "unfit" for military service.

Russia has 50 Kalibr missiles loaded and ready for use on missile carriers in the Black Sea, which pose a constant threat of shelling, despite the fact that they are not on active combat duty.

In order to effectively protect the rights of servicemen and their families, Ukraine has established the Central Department for the Protection of the Rights of Servicemen, an institution of a military ombudsman.

25 conscripts of the Chop border guard detachment were discharged from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 11 of them were recognized for their heroism, resilience and steadfastness during the fighting in Bakhmut, Donetsk region, and were awarded various medals and orders.

In the first quarter of 2024, the State Logistics Operator signed 155 contracts for the supply of food, fuel and supplies to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for a total of UAH 23. 8 billion, saving UAH 3 billion compared to previous prices.

Ukrainian specialized importers assume guarantees for the supply of certain ammunition when purchasing shells for the Ministry of Defense, acting as intermediaries.

Political analyst Viktor Bobyrenko suggests amending the legislation to prevent unfair competition and pressure on new suppliers from firms that previously supplied food to the Ukrainian army but refused to participate in tenders for State operator of the rear.

After a drone attack on a Russian factory in Tatarstan that produces kamikaze drones, the UN called for an end to attacks on "civilian infrastructure.

A Ukrainian military intelligence official has denied the use of foreign-made weapons during recent drone strikes on a russian company in Tatarstan that assembles Shakhty drones.

President Zelenskyy met with representatives of Protestant and Catholic churches in Ukraine, asking them to communicate with churches abroad to enlist Ukraine's support in the war against Russian occupiers, as churches have a great influence on society and government leaders.

President Zelenskyy signed a bill to create an electronic office for persons liable for military service, which will facilitate the rapid collection and processing of military data and the digitalization of services for servicemen, thereby strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities.

n March 2024, the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed a record 976 russian artillery systems, the highest monthly figure since the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.