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Russian authorities is implementing a “reflexive control” campaign of threats to prevent the America from delivering long-range missiles to Ukrainian forces, based on analysis from defense experts. An influential legislator declared: “We understand these weapons completely, their operational characteristics, methods to intercept them, we tested against them in Syria, so this is not innovative. The providers and the deploying forces will encounter difficulties … We will find ways to hurt those who create problems for us.”

Ukrainian Military Push Progress

Ukrainian forces were imposing substantial damage in a counteroffensive in eastern Ukraine, the war's main theatre, Ukraine's leader reported on Wednesday. The Ukrainian president's account, based on a briefing from his chief of defense, differed from Vladimir Putin's speech before senior Russian officers a prior day in which he said Russian troops possessed the strategic initiative in all frontline sectors.

In an assessment from early October, conflict monitors said Russia was suffering significant losses, mainly because of Ukrainian drone attacks, in exchange for small operational progress. Defending units, Zelenskyy said, were “maintaining our defense along all other directions”, highlighting especially Kupiansk, a largely destroyed city in the northeastern front under sustained offensive operations for months.

Local Situations

The regional governor in southern Ukraine of Kherson said Russian attacks on Wednesday killed three people in and around the city of the same name. Local authorities of Sumy region, on the border area with neighboring Russia, said three individuals were killed in UAV assaults in multiple locations. Ukrainian aerial defense said it intercepted or jammed 154 out of 183 Russian strike and decoy drones overnight into Wednesday.

An offensive strike substantially impacted one of Ukraine's thermal power plants, officials reported on Wednesday. Two employees were injured in the attack, based on information from energy company officials. Sources gave no further information, about the plant's location, but national sources said Russia struck energy infrastructure in Ukraine's northern Chernihiv, southern Kherson and the Dnipropetrovsk area.

Humanitarian Impact

In the north-eastern Sumy town of Shostka, hit hard by the offensive operations against the electrical grid, officials have put up tents where people can seek warmth, receive warm beverages, charge their phones and obtain emotional assistance, based on information from regional head.

International Response

Ukraine's ambassador to the military alliance on midweek encouraged NATO members to accelerate procurement of American military equipment for Ukrainian forces. “This doesn't mean we prioritize US equipment rather than French or German or alternative military systems – the reality is that we require the America for weapons which European nations are unable to supply,” said the ambassador.

Germany's national police will shortly receive authorization to shoot down unmanned aerial vehicles, interior minister declared on Wednesday, in response to numerous UAV observations suspected as Russian efforts to conduct surveillance and threaten. Announcing legal changes, the minister said police would be authorized “to implement advanced technological measures against UAV risks, including electronic countermeasures, jamming, GPS interference, but also with direct interception”.

Regional Protection Challenges

European leader stated on midweek that Europe must strengthen its security measures to counter complex threat operations following air incursions, digital assaults and marine communications interference. “These aren't isolated incidents. It is a coherent and escalating campaign,” the official said in a presentation to the European parliament. “Two incidents are coincidence, but multiple, repeated, numerous – that represents a intentional and focused grey zone campaign against EU nations, and European countries should answer.”

Humanitarian Status

The Swiss authorities has continued its temporary shelter provided to people fleeing Ukraine to at least 4 March 2027. Protection status S, which enables individuals to travel abroad as well as work in Switzerland, is typically restricted to a single year but can be renewed. “The decision demonstrates the ongoing dangerous conditions and continuing offensive operations across large parts of Ukraine,” said a official communication. “Notwithstanding global diplomatic initiatives, a enduring resolution that would permit secure repatriation is not projected in the coming years.”