The Ukraine Daily Brief Newsletter – Monday, March 21, 2022
The Ukraine Daily Brief Podcast is now live. Please be sure to listen and review (we know you are receiving the podcast in the member feed, but reviews help with discoverability). Some notable links referenced in today’s podcast can be viewed here.
The War
The situation in Mariupol recalls the horrors of the Siege of Leningrad. An attack on a Ukrainian Marine base in Mykolaiv kills at least 40. Russia uses Kinzhal hypersonic missiles for the first time. One fifth of Russian generals in Ukraine are now reported dead. Wounded Russian soldiers are being taken to Belarus in a likely effort to downplay losses. Putin is transferring troops from Armenia and the Russian Far East.
Economics
An estimated $3 billion of Russian assets is in the Bahamas. Ukraine Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko says 30% of Ukraine’s government ‘isn’t functioning’ as the result of decreased tax revenue.
Technology
Kuna crypto exchange founder takes Binance to task on donation to Ukraine, ties to Russia.
Europe
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Bulgaria expel Russian Diplomats. EU bans Russian and Belarusian delegates. The co-head of Germany’s SPD party declares Putin a ‘war criminal.’ Protesters in Poland block trucks bound for Belarus. Belarusian railway workers sabotage Russian supply lines. Boris Johnson likens Ukraine to Brexit.
U.S. and the World
The Pentagon will send a covertly acquired Soviet air defense system to Ukraine. Germany strikes energy supply deals with Qatar and UAE, with the stated goal of ‘reducing reliance’ on Russia. Ukraine asks China to condemn ‘Russian barbarism.’ Getting ‘inside Putin’s head’ remains a challenge for Western intelligence. Lavrov praises Fox news for its ‘alternative points of view.’ The Commerce Department bans 99 Russian planes (and Abramovich’s is one).
DSR exclusives
Did a DSR member forward you this newsletter? Sign up now so you never miss another!
Tune in to tomorrow’s podcast for new and evolving stories.
The DSR Network Team (Chris Cotnoir, Grant Haver, and Katherine Hill)
