This month, the most heated warzones in Ukraine were Bakhmut and Soledar. Despite Russian bombardments, Ukraine has shown an increased capacity for intercepting aerial attacks. Meanwhile, increased Russian military activity was reported in Belarus.
Vladimir Putin made new appointments, namely a new Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian War and a new Chief of Staff of the Russian ground Forces. Tensions have been registered between the Russian army and the Wagner Group, increased by the Soledar battle. After April 1st, 2023, the conscription age in Russia will range between 18 and 30 years, from the previous upper limit of 27. Furthermore, propaganda and crackdown on opposition media and human rights groups surges.
Ukraine benefited from an increasing wave of help from the Western countries: from tanks, Bastion armored vehicles to Bradley Fighting Vehicles. After extensive talks, Germany agreed to send Ukraine ”Leopard 2” tanks.
In the Balkans, while Bulgaria, Montenegro and Turkey prepare for elections, secessionist tensions within Bosnia and Herzegovina have been amplified by Republika Srpska’s decision to implement a new state-property law. In Serbia, President Vucic has shown his opposition towards Wagner recruitment attempts. This month also revealed Bulgaria’s secret efforts of supplying Ukraine with gas and weapons, during the tenure of the Kiril Petkov government.