Victorious news of 727th day of war: 20 countries may join 'drone coalition', Ukrainian forces deliver powerful strikes in Donetsk region

Long-range missiles and other weapons from Germany 

The parties of the German government coalition have prepared an arms proposal for Ukraine, which, among other things, includes the provision of long-range systems. However, the initiative does not mention Taurus cruise missiles.

The coalition has prepared a non-public proposal that aims to deliver more ammunition, vehicles, and weapons systems to Kyiv. The Bundestag is to vote on it this week.

Taurus cruise missiles are not mentioned directly in the project. However, "the supply of additional necessary long-range weapons systems and ammunition to enable Ukraine (...) to carry out targeted strikes, in accordance with international law, against strategically important targets located far behind the Russian aggressor's lines" is cited.

It is not disclosed what kind of long-range weapons systems are being discussed. The Taurus can reach targets over 500 kilometers away.

Sweden's largest military aid package for Ukraine

On February 19, the Swedish government revealed a substantial military aid package for Ukraine, totaling EUR 630 million.The new package, worth a total of SEK 7.1 billion, is the 15th that Sweden has sent to Ukraine.

Notable items include 10 Stridsbåt 90-class amphibious assault boats, 20 additional amphibious assault boats, underwater weaponry like mines and torpedoes, anti-aircraft systems (Robot 70 type), TOW model anti-tank robots, grenade launchers with ammunition, artillery ammunition, hand grenades, Carl Gustaf grenade launchers, medical equipment, and ambulances.

Ukraine wants 20 countries to join its 'drone coalition'

The 'drone coalition', under which partners will provide drones to Ukraine, envisages the supply of not only FPV drones but also other types of UAVs, including those for use on water, said Kateryna Chernohorenko, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformation and Digitalization.

Currently, 8 partner countries have joined the Drone Coalition for the Ukrainian Defense Forces. However, Ukraine wants the coalition to expand to over 20 countries.

"We have presented our vision, and we hope that as a result of this advocacy work, we will be able to attract more partners to the coalition. Eight countries is just the beginning. Our goal is for at least 20 countries to join this drone coalition," said Chernohorenko.

Russian equipment and personnel destroyed in Donetsk region

The operators of the 8th separate regiment of the Ukrainian Special Forces are eliminating Russian forces in the Donetsk sector, including with the help of FPV drones. The UAV crew detected the movement of Russian vehicles. After conducting additional reconnaissance of the objects, the operators struck at them with FPV drones, the command of the Special Operations Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reports. As a result of fire damage, an armored personnel carrier, an infantry fighting vehicle and engineering equipment were destroyed. Two infantry fighting vehicles were also damaged. 

The UAV crew also targeted Russian personnel. Russian troops tried in vain to evade the attack drones of the Ukrainian Armed Forces: four of them were destroyed and another was wounded.

Border guards destroy Murom-P visual surveillance system

Border guards destroyed the Murom-P long-range visual surveillance system using kamikaze drones, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reports.

The complex, which is capable of conducting optical and thermal imaging surveillance at a distance of up to 10 km, was hidden in tree branches. The skill of the State Border Guard Service's aerial reconnaissance and 4 FPV drones deprived Russian troops of the opportunity to adjust artillery and track the movements of the Ukrainian Defense Forces at this location.

UAV attack on Russia’s Bryansk and Kaluga regions

On the morning of Tuesday, February 20, tensions escalated in two Russian regions. The Russian Defense Ministry said that air defense forces destroyed at least 5 drones over the territories of Bryansk and Kaluga regions.

It is noted that at night, Russian air defense systems shot down three unmanned aerial vehicles over the Bryansk region.

Later, at around 8:00 a.m. Moscow time, the Russians announced the downing of one UAV over the territory of the same region and another over the Kaluga region.

Traditionally, the Russian ministry blames Ukraine for the attack.