GrayBook: March 4

Here's what's happening in and around Ukraine on Friday, March 4

Source: Institute for the Study of War

REACTOR IN RUSSIAN HANDS AFTER LIVESTREAMED BATTLE. Ukraine announced that Russian forces had taken control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant — the largest in Europe — following a fierce battle which, in a sign of the times, was live-streamed on Twitter. Although heavy shelling sparked a fire in one of the plant’s reactors, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed there was no release of radioactive material.

MEANWHILE, IN RUSSIA. Russia’s lower house of Parliament unanimously passed a law which would punish anyone who “discredits” the Russian armed forces with a 15-year prison sentence. In other news, widespread fears of conscription or martial law have forced many Russians to flee the country.

RUSSIA SENDING REINFORCEMENTS TO NORTHERN AXIS. The Ukrainian military believes Russia may be sending troops from its Southern and Eastern Military Districts to replenish its losses on the Belarus-Ukraine front.