Stories from kyiv · Ukraine

Counter-intelligence, security services, and national police disrupted a planned contract killing of editor O. Two suspects were recruited via Telegram channels seeking easy income. Russian intelligence services reportedly provided the agents with test tasks during the recruitment process. Investigators established that both suspects are linked to at least two murders in Ukraine's northern region. Ukrainian law enforcement officials have disrupted a plot to assassinate a military editor. The operation involved anti-drone police groups patrolling settlements and escorting utility services. Authorities are investigating contacts between the perpetrators and Russian intelligence services regarding the preparation for the attack. Ukrainian drone system units, including those in the Third Army Corps and Seventh Airborne Corps, reported killing 1,180 Russian personnel in a single day.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) provided a grant of over 50 million euros to Ukrzaliznytsia. The agreement was signed by Ukrzaliznytsia Chairman Oleksandr Porcovskyi and EBRD President Elina Batrak. The funding is intended to improve passenger comfort and safety on the Ukrainian railway network. Ukrzaliznytsia board chairman Oleksandr Porcovskyi and EBRD President Serena Maragakis signed an agreement for a 50 million euro grant. The funds will support energy solutions to ensure train operations during potential blackouts. Plans include improving station accessibility in Kyiv and Lviv for persons with disabilities and passengers with heavy luggage.

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that a grain shipment allegedly stolen by Russia from occupied territory cannot be considered legitimate. President Volodymyr Zelensky escalated the matter this afternoon, stating the trade helps finance the Russian war effort.

The UN has requested a figure of over 10 regarding Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia. However, the European Union's foreign ministry and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense report 177 individuals. Viktoria Tsymbaliuk, a representative of the Ministry of Defense's coordination headquarters for the treatment of prisoners, discussed these assessment errors in an interview. She told Politika that Russia does not return all bodies of those who die in captivity. Estimates for the number of Ukrainian prisoners of war who died in Russian custody vary significantly. This lack of access for the Red Cross and other human rights monitors contributes to the uncertainty in the total count.

Russian prisoners of war have reportedly provided testimony stating they received orders to carry out executions. Pavlichenko noted that evidence includes numerous videos and social media reports of these crimes. The lack of accountability from Russian command is cited as a factor in these occurrences. These actions are allegedly linked to the emergence of the Storm-Z unit, composed of former convicts. Russian prisoner of war Vyacheslav Delyagin, from the Storm Z battalion, claims he received orders to shoot prisoners rather than take them. The incident reportedly occurred after the capture of the 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade. Delyagin stated that the command indicated there was no time to deal with prisoners. The claim follows video footage reportedly released on the Azov YouTube channel in October.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that new and effective tools are required to hold those responsible for war crimes accountable. This follows the release of videos in late January on pro-Russian Telegram channels allegedly showing the execution of Ukrainian soldiers who had surrendered on the battlefield. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the footage. Relatives and witnesses are confirming the identities and military affiliations of deceased Ukrainian service members in certain cases where military uniforms are visible. A video from March 6, 2023, appearing on pro-Russian Telegram channels, shows the execution of an unarmed Ukrainian soldier. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has identified the individual responsible for an execution video appearing on pro-Russian Telegram channels in 2023.

The UN human rights monitoring mission reports an increase in the killing of prisoners of war in Ukraine in recent months. Video evidence shows bodies with wounds from drone strikes and bloodstains on the ground. One video depicts an attempt to bury a seventh victim who was missing part of their head. Ukrainian sources noted improvements in the conditions of Russian prisoners and an active reaction from Ukrainian officials. The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine has notified the UN Human Rights Office regarding criminal cases opened following the deaths of Russian prisoners. Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that such incidents will be investigated. Yevhenii Zakharov reported that Moscow is actively attempting to silence and deny issues surrounding the deaths of Russian prisoners.

President Zelenskyy has instructed the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff to provide the military with 50,000 robotic complexes in 2026. The directive was published by the President on social media.

Sergeant Girardin was decorated posthumously for his actions during a mission in Ukraine. He died last week from injuries sustained while attempting to rescue a British adjutant under enemy fire. The report stated he died while attempting to assist his fallen superior.

The municipal enterprise Kyiv City Administration for Architecture and Urban Planning has posted a tender on the Prozorro platform for emergency restoration works on the Paton Bridge.