Victorious news of 414th day of war: numerous Russian losses near Bakhmut, seizure of oligarch Novynskyi's property

Russian losses in Bakhmut

Over the past two weeks, the Russian army and the Wagner PMC have lost about 4,500 soldiers killed and wounded near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. In some units, mobilized soldiers are refusing to participate in active combat in large numbers. And the command commits cruel, illegal reprisals against them. In particular, those who refuse to fight are put in pits for psychological and physical pressure. And for the most disobedient, a torture chamber is set up, according to Brigadier General Oleksii Hromov, Deputy Head of the Main Operational Directorate of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' General Staff.

In addition, according to the General Staff, Ukrainian aviation launched three strikes on the invading Russian forces' military positions over the day, and missile and artillery units hit 2 control points, 2 manpower concentration areas, as well as a radar station and an electronic warfare station.

One billion euros for ammunition and financial support 

The EU Council has approved the allocation of EUR 1 billion from the European Peace Facility to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including the provision of ammunition. The EU will reimburse member states for the costs of ammunition delivered to Ukraine from existing stocks or as a result of reprioritization of existing orders between February 9 and May 31, 2023. This decision put into effect the first part of the EU's promise to provide Ukraine with artillery ammunition worth EUR 1 billion.

At the same time, Switzerland will provide Ukraine with USD 1.7 billion in financial support until 2028. The aid will be disbursed over the next six years, officials said, emphasizing the intention to provide long-term assistance to Ukraine. Taking into account the more than USD 338 million already allocated by Bern for 2023 and 2024, the total assistance will reach more than USD 2 billion.

Sanctions against the Wagner PMC

The European Union has imposed sanctions against the Wagner private military company, which is actively involved in Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine.

"The Wagner Group spearheaded the attacks against the Ukrainian towns of Soledar and Bakhmut in January 2023 and it is actively participating in the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. The Wagner Group is therefore responsible for supporting actions which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine," the document says.

In addition, the sanctions list includes RIA FAN, a company owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the PMC.

"RIA FAN is part of the Patriot Media Group, a Russian media organisation whose Board of

Trustees is headed by Yevgeny Prigozhin. RIA FAN is involved in pro-government propaganda and disinformation on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine," the document says.

Russians must compensate for losses, a court in The Hague says

A court in The Hague has ordered Moscow to compensate for the losses incurred by Ukrainian Naftogaz after the loss of property in occupied Crimea. Since 2014, the amount has reached USD 5 billion.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration confirmed that Russia must fully compensate Naftogaz for the losses caused by the illegal seizure of Naftogaz Group's assets in Crimea.

“The Permanent Court of Arbitration ordered the Russian Federation to compensate Naftogaz for losses in the amount of USD 5 billion. This is about the consequences of Russia's seizure of our assets in Crimea in 2014. Now Russia has to comply with this decision in accordance with its obligations under international law,” Oleksiy Chernyshov, CEO of Naftogaz Group, said. 

This refers to the reimbursement of assets aimed at developing gas fields and strategically important infrastructure in the region, which became one of the main targets of the aggressor during the occupation of the Ukrainian peninsula nine years ago.

Novynskyi's property seized

The court seized property of sanctioned oligarch Vadym Novynskyi worth over UAH 3.5 billion, including corporate rights to 40 companies and 30 gas wells.

In order to avoid sanctions, he wanted to re-register his industrial facilities to several affiliated commercial entities. He engaged private notaries and state registrars under his control to carry out the transaction.

The Ministry of Justice has now canceled the registrars' illegal actions against a number of the pro-Russian oligarch's companies.