​Day 27th of Ukraine's Defense Against Russian Invasion (Live Updates)

Brief facts:

• The Joint Forces Operation reports that on Moday, March 21, defenders of Ukraine eliminated about 300 russian invaders only in JFO area
• Pentagon sees clear evidence that Russian forces are committing war crimes in Ukraine and will help to document the one by helping gather evidence of them
• US and NATO officials told CNN that Belarussian military could join Russian troops in the war against Ukraine

Sources:

• Verkhovna Rada: the parliament of Ukraine and its social media (Facebook, Telegram)
• President Zelenskyy: the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his social media (Twitter, Facebook, Telegram)
• Presidential Office: the Official website of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his social media (Facebook, Twitter, Telegram); advisers to the Office: Oleksiy Arestovych and Mykhailo Podoliak; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Reintegration of Temporary Occupied Territories Iryna Vereshchuk
• General Staff: the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
• Air Force: the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine of Ukraine
• Defense intelligence of Ukraine: the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (website, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram)

Latest news:

Thank you for your attention! This feed is closed. But Defense Express has already started a new one. Find the latest news on Day 28th of the Russian invasion of Ukraine here.

23:56 Nexta media citing the Community of Railroad Workers of Belarus: a military vehicles echelon is moving towards Belarus-Ukraine border. It departed from Rechytsa, Belarus; the destination is Khoiniki, which is about 44 km from the border.

Read more: Russia has lost another 9K331 "Tor-M1"

"In addition to covered wagons and tanks, the train includes: about 5 "Grad" MLRS vehicles, more than 15 "Ural" (tilt trucks) and combat tracked vehicles. There are no identification marks," the Community wrote on Telegram.

23:44 Presidential Office: Kyiv is looking forward to the direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. On his Twitter, Andriy Yermak, the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said:

"The leading countries of the West and the East should agree on the issue of deterring Russia. China is one of the world's most powerful leaders. And Kyiv is hopeful Beijing will play a more prominent role in bringing this war to an end. We look forward to Zelenskyy and Xi Jinping talk."

23:26 Presidential Office via Ukraine NOW: Russian occupiers have seized an evacuation column near Mariupol city. Iryna Vereshchuk, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine informed on this.

Representatives of the Russian puppet state, the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" seized an evacuation column with State Emergency Service officers on the route close to Manhush urban-type settlement, near Mariupol. This is a recognized corridor agreed with the Red Cross. People are being held hostage. The Russians say the equipment will be confiscated and people "may or may not be let go."

Mariupol has been in a Russian blockade for several weeks now. The occupiers destroy the city and kill its people, not giving a chance to provide help or rescue them from the city.

22:37 Stratcom Centre: Russian occupiers staged a "shameful provocation" in Vovchansk city. As the locals said, while giving away "humanitarian aid", Russians tried to gather signatories for the dismissal of the current mayor. The occupiers were planning to chair a pro-Russian former prisoner candidate in replacement.

"But they received a dignified answer, which showed that the people living in Vovchansk are true Ukrainians, true patriots of their land. You [Russians] can assign pseudo-governors, you can manipulate the traitors of Ukraine and fellow villagers, but you won't succeed, won't manage to buy Ukrainians with your cheap handouts," Oleh Synyehubov, the Head of the Kharkiv region military administration said.

22:17 The Times: "Russian pilots will think twice about getting into their planes after British soldiers have trained Ukrainians to fire Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles, the British Army’s air defense commander Colonel Graham Taylor told the Times magazine.

The commander of the UK's ground-based air defense capability said that this high-velocity weapon causes "catastrophic" damage to low-flying enemy fighter jets and helicopters. He also noted that British troops were being deployed to a secret location in eastern Europe to teach Ukrainians how to use the Starstreak portable system, which launches missiles capable of traveling at more than 2,000 mph.

Defense Express memo: the United Kingdom decided to provide the Starstreak MANPADS to Ukraine on March 17.

21:51 Stratcom Centre: Belarussian military could join Russian troops in the war against Ukraine

It is increasingly "likely" that Belarus will enter the conflict, the unspecified US and NATO officials told CNN on Monday, March 22. A senior NATO intelligence official said separately that the alliance assesses that the Belarusian government "is preparing the environment to justify a Belarusian offensive against Ukraine." More details here.

The possibility of an invasion of the Belarusian armed forces was previously reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Also, the Secretary of the NSDC Oleksii Danilov said that the Russian Federation uses the territory of Belarus for its own purposes, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Poland Andrii Deshchytsia suggested that Russia would try to use Belarus for another attack on Ukraine.

Stratcom Centre reminded, that the General Staff earlier reported Russian military leaders spreading propaganda among Belarusian soldiers about the need to attack Ukraine.

21:22 Airborne Assault Troops Command: while on combat duty, an air defense unit spotted and destroyed a cruise missile "with an accurate shot from 'Igla' MANPADS". The Russian 400-kg missile was flying in the direction of Kropyvnytskyi city. The missile was intercepted in the Mykolaiv region.

"It is scary to even imagine, how many civilians could have died if 400 kg of TNT (carried by a killer rocket) fell on a peaceful city..." Public Relations Service of the 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook, forwarded by the Airborne Assault Troops Command.

20:54 Associated Press: Russian troops were hunting the journalists of the international Associated Press media. According to the article, Russian occupiers had a list of names to detain.

"We were the only international journalists left in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, and we had been documenting its siege by Russian troops for more than two weeks. We were reporting inside the hospital when gunmen began stalking the corridors. Surgeons gave us white scrubs to wear as camouflage," said Mstyslav Chernov, the photojournals

The reason for the hunt on journalists is that Russians planned to get the photojournalists on camera and make them say that everything they filmed was a lie. But Ukrainian soldiers took them away from the besieged Mariupol.

"It was March 15. We had no idea if we would make it out alive," the AP journalist said about the rescue operation.

As Censor.net media reports, the evacuated Mstyslav Chernov and his colleagues were the last journalists staying in Mariupol.

National Anti-Crisis Management of Belarus: Swedish Foreign Minister said that 70% of Belarussian export to Europe would be sanctioned as a result of the 5th sanctions package that the EU is preparing.

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde had a meeting with the officials Pavel Latushka and Vladimir Astapenko from the National Anti-Crisis Management of Belarus. Ann Linde noted, that Sweden regards the actions of the Lukashenka regime towards Ukraine as aggressive. Thus, the fifth package of sanctions which is currently prepared at the European Union would not only aim at Russia but also include a block concerning the Lukashenka regime's complicity in the war in Ukraine. This would result in 70% of Belarussian export in the EU countries being put under sanctions.

20:26 Verkhovna Rada: chairman of the Okhtyrka District Council was released after a week of captivity by Russian occupiers. The information was published by the parliament deputy and the Head of the "Servant of People" political party Olena Shuliak.

Kirichko Serhiy Borysovych was kept in a basement for a week. He continued his pro-Ukrainian activism, returned to work from the first hours after his release, and continued to help the residents of Okhtyrka district around the clock.

"Despite all the circumstances, we are here and we work. Glad to be free. Thank you to everyone involved! We continue to work for the victory of our native Sumy region! Everything will be Ukraine’s way!” Kirichko said.

19:44 Reuters media: German finance minister called for a "Marshall Plan" for Ukraine. Ukraine needs one to deal with the consequences of Russia's invasion, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said on Tuesday, March 22.

"Our solidarity with our European neighbor has a lasting basis and that's why we need an international Marshall Plan for Ukraine," Lindner said in a speech to the Bundestag lower house of parliament.

19:20 Paris.fr – the official media center and social media of the city of Paris: Paris Council has awarded the Honorary Citizenship of Paris title to Kyiv.

"Indeed, the international echoing distinction to defend human rights and the constant commitment of the City of Paris to the oppressed peoples is calling [us] to protect the receivers [of the title] and to affirm Paris' support in these fights," the Council of Paris commented on this issue.

Also, Paris Council adopted €1 million in humanitarian aid "for the benefit of associations, NGOs (non-government organizations), and those in the field, who organize the collection and delivery of food and basic necessities in Ukraine or in the bordering countries."

19:08 "Azov" Specia Regiment: during the battle in the streets of Mariupol, 4 tanks and several units of enemy armored vehicles were destroyed by the "Azov" Regiment, which is operating under the MIA of Ukraine.

" Azov armor crewmen have shown to the enemy who is the bigboss in the Mariupol' streets and have sent the occupiers to hell," the regiment wrote on Telegram.

18:52 93rd Separate Motorized Brigade "Holodnyi Yar" of Ukrainian Armed Forces published a video on Facebook:

"This is how precisely and accurately Javelin is working against the enemy vehicles!"

18:20 Hromadske media outlet: Occupiers release from captivity hromadske journalist detained on Saturday.

On Monday, March 21, Russian occupiers released journalist Viktoria Roschyna from captivity, hromadske reports.

"Several hours ago, pro-Russian media and Telegram channels began to distribute a video in which Viktoria Roschyna denies her claims to the Russian services holding her captive and says that they allegedly saved her life. This recording, which became a condition for dismissal, was recorded by the journalist under pressure from Russian security officials," the newspaper said.

It is noted that data on the detention and captivity will be reported by Roschyna in the near future.

As reported, on March 19, representatives of the FSB and the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation abducted a hromadske journalist in the city of Berdiansk, who was preparing materials on military operations in eastern and southern Ukraine.

18:10 The 58th Independent Motorized Infantry Brigade show how they deal with the enemy.

The 58th Independent Motorized Infantry Brigade posted their “before” and “after” footage destroying 5 “Msta-B” artillery guns and ammunition.

17:30 Kryvyi Rih City Council: Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups (SRGs) explodes on a mine near Kryvyi Rih.

The mine barriers placed around the city of Kryvyi Rih have already proven their efficiency, as one of Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups (SRGs) exploded on a mine, when driving a car across the field.

“The [Russian] occupation troops, which have been stopped by the Armed Forces of Ukraine far from Kryvyi Rih, are attempting to get closer to the city in small groups, as well as send reconnaissance groups by cars seized from local residents within the occupied area. All such attempts are being successfully stopped at the moment. The mine barriers, placed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, are playing an effective role in defense terms. At dawn, a car with the enemy SRG and weapons exploded on one of such barriers. The documents found in the car are being investigated,” the report states.

17:15 Kherson Regional State Administration First Deputy Head Yurii Sobolevskyi: Russian invaders disperse peaceful rally in Kherson, wounded reported.

The relevant statement was made by Kherson Regional State Administration First Deputy Head Yurii Sobolevskyi, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“After Russian occupiers used force against people for the first time, they gathered again. Kherson residents were again dispersed with tear gas,” Sobolevskyi told and posted a relevant video on Facebook.

In his words, ambulance crews were working at the scene and provided first aid to one of protesters.

16:40 Farmak Supervisory Board Member Petro Chernyshov: Farmak’s warehouse burns down due to Russian shelling in Kyiv Region.

A warehouse of the pharmaceutical company, Farmak, has burned down near Makariv, Kyiv Region, due to shelling by Russian invaders.

The relevant statement was made by Farmak Supervisory Board Member Petro Chernyshov on Facebook, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“Farmak’s warehouse is situated near Makariv, not far from Kyiv. As we understand, there was a tank battle within that area. Our warehouse burned down completely. The company suffered losses worth about UAH 1.5 billion,” Chernyshov wrote.

In his words, Farmak is working to fully resume production operations.

“It is difficult, as all the raw materials and primary packaging were in the warehouse, and Kyiv is remaining under shelling,” Chernyshov added.

16:28 The Dnipropetrovsk Regional Prosecutor's Office: Some 20 residential buildings damaged in heavy artillery shelling of village in Kryvy Rih district, one injured.

Enemy troops continue shelling Kryvy Rih district of Dnipropetrovsk region, more than 20 residential buildings have been damaged in the morning shelling, one person was hospitalized, the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Prosecutor's Office has reported.

"According to the investigators, on March 22, 2022, the armed forces of the Russian Federation shelled the village of Mala Kostromka, Kryvy Rih district, Dnipropetrovsk region, for an hour using heavy rocket artillery. More than 20 residential houses were damaged in the shelling by the Grad multiple launch rocket system, in one of which there were four children," the Facebook post said.

According to preliminary data, one person was hospitalized with shrapnel wounds.

Full information about the victims and damaged infrastructure is being specified.

16:15 Ukrainian Air Command East: Chornobaivka airfield is shelled for eighth time in a row.

The statement was posted by Ukrainian Air Command East on Facebook.

Earlier, the Ukrainian military destroyed enemy military vehicles within the Chornobaivka airfield on February 27, March 7, March 15, March 16, March 18, March 19 and March 21.

The fifth Russian general was also liquidated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Chornobaivka. It was Lieutenant General Andrey Mordvichev, who was responsible for the situation in eastern Ukraine.

15:59 Prosecutor General's Office: Russian troops fire artillery at Brovary, shell hits territory of factory.

On Tuesday, March 22, Russian troops fired artillery at Brovary (Kyiv region), a shell hit the territory of one of the factories, damaging 7 buses and outbuildings, Prosecutor General's Office has reported.

"According to the investigators, on March 22, 2022, the armed forces of the Russian Federation used artillery to shell of the town of Brovary, Kyiv region. A shell hit the territory of one of the factories, damaging 7 buses and outbuildings," the message on Facebook said.

According to preliminary data, no casualties are reported.

15:40 BritishDefence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine as of 22 March 2022.

15:15 The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Lyudmyla Denisova: Women, children forcibly taken out of occupied territories of Donbas to Russia.

The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Lyudmyla Denisova says that women and children are forcibly taken from the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions to Russia.

"From the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions temporarily occupied by the enemy, women and children are forcibly taken out to the territory of Russia. In settlements, which include Russian troops, so-called 'humanitarian corridors' are organized for residents to be taken to the aggressor country. Women, children, elderly people are searched, Ukrainian documents, phones are taken away and sent to the border regions of Russia. There they are placed in concentration camps with subsequent transfer to the depressive regions of Russia for settlements," Denisova said in the Telegram channel.

According to her, people were left without means of communication with their relatives, often without food, basic necessities.

"Currently, there is no data on the number of deported persons. The office of the Prosecutor General is conducting a pretrial investigation into the illegal removal of 2,389 children from the occupied territories of Donbas to Russia. But the Russian press, which is prone to distorting reality in the direction of exaggerating the achievements of the invaders, notes 206,000 IDPs from Donbass," she said.

14:25 Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority: Mykolaiv port hit, no casualties.

Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority informed that on the night of March 22, a blow was struck at the seaport in Mykolaiv.

"Tonight, the seaport of Mykolaiv was hit. As a result, the port infrastructure was significantly damaged," the USPA said on its Facebook page.

According to preliminary information, there were no casualties.

14:00 Mariupol City Council: Russian aviation drops two most powerful bombs on Mariupol on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Russian aviation dropped two most powerful air bombs on Mariupol, the city was subjected to even greater destruction, Mariupol City Council said.

"The enemy continues to cynically destroy the Ukrainian Mariupol. Russian aviation today dropped two most powerful air bombs. The city suffered even more destruction," the city council said on the Telegram channel.

The city council said: "Once again it becomes clear that the occupiers are not interested in the city of Mariupol, they want to raze it to the ground."

13:45 The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Support full embargo for Russia, including oil.

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on parliamentarians and the people of Italy to support a complete embargo for Russia, including oil.

"The people of Italy! You know the Ukrainians well. Our people, who never wanted to fight, who are as European as you are. You know those who brought war to Ukraine. You clearly know those who order to fight and those who propagate this. Almost all of them use Italy as a holiday destination. So don't be a killer resort. Freeze all their properties, accounts, yachts. Freeze the assets of everyone who has influence - let them use them for peace. Support sanctions against Russia, a complete embargo on trade, starting with oil," Zelenskyy urged in an address to the Italian parliament.

He also called on Italians to support a ban on Russian ships from entering Italian ports, as well as the imposition of sanctions against Russian banks.

"For them to feel the cost of their aggression. There should be no exceptions from the sanctions regime for any of the Russian banks ... Help us stop the killings and save Ukrainian families. This war must be stopped as soon as possible, peace should be returned and enemy troops removed from Ukraine, it is necessary to carry out demining and rebuild the country. Together with you, together with Italy, together with all of Europe, together in the European Union," the President said.

13:25 Operational information as of 12.00 on 22.03.2022 regarding russian invasion.

The twenty-seventh day of the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people to the Russian military invasion continues.

The enemy continues to conduct full-scale armed aggression against our country. The tasks set by the criminal military-political leadership of the russian federation remain unfulfilled.

Due to the lack of success of the ground phase of the operation, the enemy continues to actively launch missile and bomb strikes on important military and civilian infrastructure using operational and tactical aircrafts, high-precision missile weapons and indiscriminate munitions.

The enemy is trying to form and move reserves to the borders of Ukraine. According to the available information, a joint unit of servicemen of several military units is being formed at the permanent deployment point of the 200th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade of the Northern Fleet (Pechenga settlement).

Due to the unsatisfactory level of personnel of the 1st Army Corps in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region, representatives of the russian federation continue active measures to forcibly mobilize the local population in the cities of Horlivka, Yenakiieve and nearby settlements. After undergoing a rapid training course, the occupiers plan to reinforce the units with heavy casualties near Avdiivka and Izyum.

No active offensive actions of the enemy were recorded in the Polissya direction. Regrouping, consolidation on the occupied frontiers and logistical support of the troops are carried out.

In the Northern direction, some units of the Central Military District continue to regroup and concentrate forces and means to resume offensive operations.

In the direction of Chernihiv, the enemy is not conducting active offensive operations, continues artillery shelling of positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the city of Chernihiv. No changes in the composition of forces and the nature of the actions of the occupying forces were noted.

In the direction of Brovary, the enemy continues to regroup in order to resume offensive operations. Logistical support of divisions and engineering equipment of occupied positions continues.

Units of the Western Military District did not carry out active offensive operations in the Slobozhansky direction. In the direction of Kharkiv and Izyum, the enemy is trying to take measures to restore the units that lost their combat capability, at the expense of separate units of the Baltic and Northern Fleets. Massive artillery shelling of Kharkiv continues.

In the Donetsk direction, the enemy focused its efforts on capturing the cities of Rubizhne, Severodonetsk, Popasna, Vuhledar, and Mariupol.

In the area of the settlement of Kreminna the enemy didn't carry out active actions. The forces of the 2nd Army Corp continue to consolidate in the area of the settlement of Pshenichne.

In the area of the settlement of Yampil, a separate unit of the 150th Motorized Rifle Division, the enemy carried out fire on the units of our troops in order to ensure further advance in the direction of the settlement of Torske. It was not successful.

In the direction of Donetsk - Mariyinka an attempt to attack was made. It was unsuccessful, the enemy suffered heavy losses, and retreated.

The russian occupiers are trying to carry out artillery shelling and assault operations in the city of Mariupol.

No changes in the composition and position of the enemy are recorded in the Tavriya direction. In the Kherson oblast, in the areas of the settlements of Kalanchak, Radensk, Brylivka and Tarasivka, Rosguard units carried out filtering measures to search for places to store small arms.

In the Pivdenny Buh direction, the enemy attempted to carry out assault operations in the area of the settlement of Oleksandrivka, but was unsuccessful. In the area of the settlement of Bereznuvate, he conducted reconnaissance in battle, suffered casualties and withdrew.

We believe in the Armed Forces of Ukraine! Keep calm! Glory to Ukraine!

More information here.

13:10 The Defense Ministers Ukraine and Poland, Oleksiy Reznikov and Mariusz Błaszczak, coordinated cooperation ahead of a NATO summit.

The Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov held talks with Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaschak.

“I had fruitful talks with my Polish colleague - Minister of National Defence of Poland Mariusz Błaszczak! Coordinated cooperation ahead of the NATO summit,” the minister wrote on Facebook., Ukrinform reports.

Reznikov thanked Poland for the firm and consistent support of the Ukrainian people in the fight against the Russian invaders.

12:50 The National Police of Ukraine: Over past day, occupiers shell 11 settlements of Donetsk region, there are killed, wounded, including children.

Over the past 24 hours, Russian occupiers shelled 11 settlements in Donetsk region, damaged houses, a school, a kindergarten, a church, there are killed and wounded people, according to the National Police of Ukraine.

"During the day, 11 settlements of Donetsk region were shelled by Russians. As a result of the strikes, at least 43 civilian facilities were damaged, including residential buildings, a school, a kindergarten, a church. There are dead and wounded civilians, including children," the the National Police said in the Telegram channel.

According to the police, Mariupol, Avdiyivka, Maryinka, Krasnohorivka, Slovyansk, Kostantynivka, Pokrovsk, Novhorodske, New York, Hostre, Ocheretyne were under fire from the invaders.

12:10 The State Emergency Service of Ukraine: Three men killed, one woman hospitalized as result of shelling on March 21 in Mykolaiv region.

Over the past day in Mykolaiv region, as a result of shelling by Russian occupiers, three men were killed, another woman was wounded and was hospitalized, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said.

"In Mykolaiv region on March 21, after enemy shelling, firefighters of the fifth state fire and rescue unit extinguished a fire at a gas station in the Ship district of Mykolaiv on an area of ten square meters. It is known that three men died from the received wounds incompatible with life, one the woman was wounded," the ministry said on Facebook page on Tuesday morning.

11:51 The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has posted the new summary of total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02 to 22.03.

So far, the list of enemy's combat losses is the following:

Personnel - more 15 300,

11:15 The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority: Russian troops have fired on a seaport in Mykolayiv, damaging the infrastructure.

“Last night, Mykolayiv seaport was struck. As a result, the port infrastructure was severely damaged. According to preliminary information, no casualties were reported," posted the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authorityon Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

On March 21, Mykolayiv suffered serious airstrikes from Russian invaders. A hotel, a hospital, several residential houses, and a gas station were damaged, killing three people and injuring one person.

10:20 The Prosecutor General’s Office on Telegram: As a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, 117 children have already been killed and more than 155 have been injured.

“As of the morning of March 22, 2022, 117 children were killed and more than 155 were injured. Most children suffered in Kyiv region – 58, Kharkiv region – 40, Chernihiv region – 31, Donetsk region – 30, Mykolaiv region – 24, Kyiv city – 16, Zhytomyr region – 15, Kherson region – 15, and Sumy region – 14,” the Prosecutor General’s Office posted on Telegram.

The PGO noted that a Russian tank had shot down a car with a family of two children in Kharkiv region. The family shouted that they were civilians, waving a white flag, but all their efforts were in vain. Parents and a 9-year-old girl were killed, a 17-year-old boy was injured.

The burnt bodies of three people, including a 7-year-old child, were found under the rubble of destroyed houses as a result of the shelling of Kostiantynivka village of Mykolayiv region.

On March 21, 2022, the occupiers fired on buses evacuating children from Mariupol. Four children were taken to hospital. Three children came under fire in Polohy district of Zaporizhzhia region, another child – in the village of Kamenske. Two children are in serious condition.

In addition, bombings and shelling damaged 548 educational institutions, 72 of which were completely destroyed, mostly in Donetsk, Kharkiv, Mykolayiv, Sumy, Kyiv, Kherson, Chernihiv regions and in the city of Kyiv. More than 40 children's institutions, including healthcare facilities, art schools, sports facilities, and libraries, were also destroyed.

The PGO notes that these data are not final, given the lack of opportunity to inspect the areas where active hostilities are taking place and in the temporarily occupied territories.

09:02 The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine on Facebook: "During the day (March 21) thanks to the heroic actions of our defenders, the national flag of Ukraine has been raised above Makariv, the enemy is pushed away". In the Mykolaiv direction, the Armed Forces of Ukraine started a counter-attack and pushed the Russians away.

08:50 Oleksandr Vilkul, Head of the Kryvyi Rih Military Administration: In the Kryvyi Rih region, Russian invaders fired suburbs of Zelenodolsk town and Mala Kostromka village from Gradiv.

"Kryvyi Rih. During the night of March 21-22, 2003, the suburbs of the Mala Kostromka village and Zelenodolsk city were fired upon twice from Gradiv. The last time was at 5:20 a.m. According to preliminary data, there were no casualties," Oleksandr Vilkul wrote on Facebook.

07:15 General Staff: operational information as of 24:00, 21.03.2022 regarding the Russian invasion. Key points:

• No significant changes in the position and nature of the actions of the defense forces during the last day have been noted;
• The Armed Forces of Ukraine and other components of the Defense Forces continued to strike at groups of enemy troops who tried to hold the captured frontiers and succeeded in certain areas;
• Over the past 24hrs, more than 9 enemy air targets have been hit by units of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Air Defense of the Land Forces. These are 1 plane, 6 UAVs and 2 helicopters, the number of missiles shot down is being specified;
• According to available information, the russian occupation forces operating in Ukraine have stockpiles of ammunition and food for no more than three days. The situation is similar with fuel, which is replenished by tank trucks. The occupiers were unable to organize a pipeline to meet the needs of the grouping of troops;
• russian aggressors continue to carry out aggressive propaganda work on the need to take part in the war with Ukraine with the personnel of the armed forces of the republic of belarus;
• In the Okhtyrka district of the Sumy oblast, the facts of disobedience of russian servicemen were recorded. About 300 occupiers refused to carry out the order to conduct hostilities, and, on 70 units of equipment, left the area of the operation;
• In the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk region, due to heavy losses of manpower, the enemy continues to mobilize citizens of the quasi-formation of the "LPR". A large part of the population does not support the policy of the occupiers, does not want to take up arms and hides from the representatives of the occupying power;
• In the Donetsk and Luhansk directions, the enemy continues to try to advance and gain a foothold, but to no avail. Ukrainian defenders repulsed 13 enemy attacks and destroyed 14 tanks, 8 infantry fighting vehicles, 2 multi-purpose towing vehicles light armored, 3 artillery systems and 4 vehicles. Air defense units hit 2 enemy air targets. The losses of enemy personnel amounted to about 300 people;
• The defenders of Mariupol destroyed the patrol boat "Raptor" and the electronic warfare complex "Leer-3".

06:36 Vladyslav Atroshenko, Chernihiv Mayor, in an interview with LB.ua: "A few weeks ago there were some breakthroughs by sabotage and reconnaissance groups, but they were all liquidated. Today, the Armed Forces and the Territorial Defense Forces are in full control of the city. Sabotage groups are operating in the area, I know that for sure. Spies have been arrested who were sporting our military uniform, had Ukrainian Army servicemen’s IDs, and were well-versed in the situation. One of them even tried to get to a meeting I chaired. It turned out that he was a Russian spy, an officer," the statement reads.

“It doesn’t take a great strategist to understand that the enemy troops coming from the direction of Synkivka-Horodnia-Novi Yarilovychi have no such a great choice of roads; given that in the area of Novi Yarilovychi and Ripky is pretty much swamps. Those areas are impassable: enemy armored vehicles can’t pass, wheeled vehicles – even more so. Their convoys drive along our roads, and Chernihiv is a major nuisance to them. They have to make a detour, which is inconvenient. Chernihiv cuts their lines, their convoys. This is one of the reasons," Atroshenko said.

05:15 Ukrainian Air Force Command, a statement released on Facebook: "On March 21, the Russian occupiers increased their air presence in Ukraine's airspace. In addition to using many unmanned aerial vehicles, the enemy also uses bomber, attack and fighter aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles in various directions," the statement said.

According to the statement, Ukrainian Air Force aircraft made dozens of sorties with air battles, interceptions and strikes on the military convoys of the Russian aggressors.

In general, on March 21, the air defense of the state destroyed one plane, two helicopters, six tactical UAVs, cruise missiles," the statement said.

01:00 General Staff: operational information as of 24:00, 21.03.2022 regarding the Russian invasion. Key points:

• Russia’s forces temporarily holds the land corridor with the occupied Crimea and blocks access to the Sea of Azov.
• In Polissya, during the day, the enemy tried to intensify offensive operations in several areas, suffered losses, but did not succeed.
• In the Northern direction, the enemy is not conducting active offensive operations, continues to restore offensive capabilities by introducing additional units on the territory of Ukraine, including a battalion tactical group from the 90th Tank Division.
• Units of the invader continue to shell Chernihiv and other settlements. The enemy do not abandon attempts to attack in the direction of Brovary but have no success in advancing due to havy losses.
• In the Slobozhansky direction the enemy does not carry out active offensive actions, continues to partially block the city of Sumy, carries out artillery shelling of the city of Kharkiv.
• Occupation forces are trying to rebuild the railway section from Valuyki to Kupyansk in order to improve the logistics of the group.
• In the Donetsk and Luhansk directions, the enemy continues to try to advance and gain a foothold, but was unsuccessful. Ukrainian defenders repulsed 13 enemy attacks and destroyed 14 tanks, 8 infantry fighting vehicles, 2 multi-purpose towing vehicle light armored, 3 artillery systems and 4 vehicles. Air defense units hit 2 enemy air targets. The losses of enemy personnel amounted to about 300 people (losses are being clarified). Defenders of Mariupol destroyed the patrol boat "Raptor" and the electronic warfare complex "Leer-3".
• In the South Buh direction, the occupiers have taken defensive actions.
• In the Mykolayiv direction, owing to counterattack of Armed Forces of Ukraine, the enemy is compelled to retreat to unfavorable borders.

• 

00:36 Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Iryna Vereshchuk: More than 100,000 citizens remain in Mariupol, the Donetsk region.

Iryna Vereshchuk said this on Radio NV, as Ukrinform reports.

"[We have managed to evacuate] 45,000 since the beginning of the occupation but I must say how many remain there. More than 100,000 people remain there," - Vereshchuk said.

00:30 The Joint Forces Operation: Ukrainian defenders kill about 300 russian invaders in JFO area.

Ukrainian defenders have successfully repulsed 13 enemy attacks and killed about 300 Russian invaders in the area of the Joint Forces Operation in the past 24 hours, - the press service of the Joint Forces Operation said this in a statement on Facebook.

"Thanks to the skillful actions of the Joint Forces servicemen, 13 enemy attacks have been successfully repulsed so far. Our soldiers have inflicted losses on the Russian occupiers," the statement said.

On March 21, Ukrainian defenders destroyed 14 tanks, eight infantry fighting vehicles, two floating armored personnel carriers, three artillery systems and four vehicles.

The enemy lost about 300 troops.

Air defense units shot down one enemy plane in eastern Ukraine and hit another one.

Defenders of Mariupol destroyed a Raptor-class patrol boat. The destruction of a Russian Leer-3 electronic warfare system was also confirmed.

00:10 Pentagon: Clear evidence that Russian forces are committing war crimes.

The US defense department held a news briefing and accused Russian forces of committing war crimes in Ukraine and said it would help gather evidence of them, as it accused the Kremlin of carrying out indiscriminate attacks as part of an intentional strategy in the conflict, - The Guardian reports citing Reuters.

At a press conference, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said there is an investigative process and the US will contribute to it to document the war crimes by helping gather evidence of them.

“We certainly see clear evidence that Russian forces are committing war crimes and we are helping with the collecting of evidence of that,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told a news briefing.

“But there’s investigative processes that are going to go on, and we’re going to let that happen. We’re going to contribute to that investigative process. As for what would come out of that, that’s not a decision that the Pentagon leadership would make.”

Background:

Read more: Day 26th of Ukraine's Defense Against Russian Invasion (Live Updates)