Victorious news of 394th day of war: Ukrainian marines destroy Russian munitions depot, mass production of drones begins in Ukraine

Espreso has compiled a selection of news that brings Ukraine's victory closer.

AFU destroy Russian soldiers, equipment and ammunition

Ukrainian marines continue to target Russian forces. On March 23, marines and artillery killed 35 enemy soldiers, 1 mortar and a munitions depot. The Ukrainian defender's success was reported by the Ukrainian Navy on Telegram.

According to the General Staff, Ukrainian aviation launched 16 strikes on the invading Russian forces' military positions over the day.

Ukrainian defenders shot down the enemy's Shahed-136 and Lancet unmanned aerial vehicles.

Ukrainian missile and artillery personnel hit 2 control points, 4 areas of concentration of enemy manpower, weapons and military equipment, 2 anti-aircraft missile systems, an ammunition depot, an artillery unit at a firing position and 2 electronic warfare stations.

Machine guns, engineering vehicles and anti-drone systems from Germany 

The German government has published an update on military support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The list includes engineering equipment, anti-drone systems, machine guns and other equipment.

Berlin has released details of a new military aid package for Ukraine, which has already been handed over to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Among other things, Ukrainian defenders received 70 German MG3 single machine guns of 7.62×51 mm caliber to be mounted on Leopard 2 tanks, Marder and Dachs armored personnel carriers; spare parts for Leopard 2 and Marder; 30 drone detection systems; and three Pionierpanzer 2 Dachs armored personnel carriers based on the German Leopard 1 tank.

Manufacturing and delivery of drones will become easier

On March 24, the government adopted a resolution that will accelerate the mass production of drones in Ukraine, their purchase and delivery to the frontline. Deputy Prime Minister for Innovations Mykhailo Fedorov called the resolution 'historic', as it will speed up the creation and delivery of Ukrainian drones to the frontline and promote the development of military technologies.

“It is important that the resolution fundamentally changes the government's approach to the small business itself. Previously, the profit margin on foreign components was 1%, and 30% on own goods and services. This regulation hindered the development of Ukrainian manufacturers, encouraging them to move abroad or manipulate documents. This had to be changed. In order to stimulate the development of UAVs in Ukraine and attract more companies to produce, scale, and increase the level of localization of components, the government raised the profit share to 25%,” Mykhailo Fedorov explained. 

Deported Ukrainian children return home

Seven children from the Kherson region, who were forcibly deported by the Russian forces in October 2022, have returned to Ukraine. This was made possible thanks to volunteers.

“Seven children from the Kherson region, who had been separated from their families for almost six months, have finally arrived on their land liberated from the enemy. Back in October last year, the invading forces forcibly sent the little Ukrainians to Yevpatoria, allegedly to a children's camp for 'rehabilitation'” the statement said.

The press service of the Kherson Regional Military Administration clarified that the children were returned thanks to the efforts of volunteers from the Save Ukraine Charity Fund. The regional administration also added that all children forcibly deported by Russia will eventually return home.