Page 14 - UKRRptSept22

which unites more than 90% of Ukrainians. It also raises the morale of the armed forces, which are fighting for Ukraine’s European future.
Zelensky explains why the government didn’t warn Ukrainians about the Russian invasion. In his interview with the Washington Post, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that if the authorities had warned Ukrainians about the Russian invasion in advance, Russia would have captured Ukraine in three days. According to Zelensky, chaos and panic without martial law would have led to a significant weakening of the economy and mass departure of people, which would have made the invasion easier.
Explosions were reported at a military air base in occupied Crimea. Several explosions were heard at a military air base in the village of Hvardiiske, not far from Simferopol, on Aug. 16, Russian media Kommersant reported. According to the media, the Russian military is currently “checking the version of an attack by a small unmanned aerial vehicle on an ammunition depot (at the base).” Earlier today explosions were also reported at another Russian ammunition depot in Crimea, located in the village of Maiske.
Russia uses up to 60,000 rounds of ammunition daily. Valery Zaluzhnyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces, said that the Russian forces carry out approximately 700-800 shillings each day. Russia’s main task is to occupy the entire Donetsk Oblast. The most intense situation is now near the settlements of Avdiivka, Pisky, and Mariinka, he added.
Russia has taken over $12.4T worth of natural resources in Ukraine.
According to the WP, out of 120 minerals and metals used in industry, 117 are in Ukraine. But 2,209 energy resource, metal, and mineral deposits are concentrated in the Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories, collectively valued at a minimum of $12.4T. Recently Russia seized 63% of Ukraine's coal deposits. Additionally, 11% of oil deposits and 20% of gas deposits are concentrated in the controlled territory. 42% of metals and 33% of rare earth metals are also under Russian control. The occupiers control fuel deposits, particularly 41 coal, 27 gas, 14 propane, and 9 oil fields. In addition, there are 6 deposits of iron ore, 2 deposits of titanium ore, 2 deposits of zirconium ore, and 1 deposit each of strontium, lithium, uranium, and gold. Experts note that Russian control of limestone deposits, which are needed for steel production, is of great importance.
The US is preparing a new $1B military aid package. The Biden administration is preparing a new $1B military aid package for Ukraine. Reuters writes that it will include ammunition for long-range weapons and armoured medical vehicles. The package should be announced on August 8. White House representatives added that Biden has not yet signed this aid package and that its contents may still change. It currently includes munitions for both HIMARS and the NASAMS anti-aircraft missile system and up to 50 M113 armoured medical vehicles.
Zelensky calls on the West to ban Russian travellers if Russia annexes more Ukrainian territory. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with the Washington Post that closing the borders for Russian travellers is "the most important sanction." “Don’t you want this isolation?” Zelensky said, addressing the Russians. “You’re telling the whole world that it must live by
14 UKRAINE Country Report September 2022 www.intellinews.com