Photo : AFP
Photo : AFP
War in Ukraine: Day 626 & 627
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 12 November, Iryna Vereshchuk, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister claimed that 4.9 million people have been recorded to be internally displaced due to the war. She said that 3.6 million had left their homes and due to continued fighting in Donbas totalling with Crimean annexation more than one million are expected to be internally displaced since 2014. Southern and eastern Ukraine remained to be unchanged.
On 11 November, Kyiv Mayor reported on two explosions in the city centre. According to the report the explosions were recorded in the left bank of the Dnipro River and confirmed to be countered by Ukraine’s air defences. In response air alert was issued asking the residents to take shelter.
On 11 November, Ukraine’s air defence reported on successfully countering of 19 drone attacks out of 31 that were targeted in the front-line. In a statement released by the air force: “Nineteen enemy Shahed-136/131 attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were destroyed. The Russian occupants sent most of the attack UAVs to the front-line areas.” On the same day, Ukraine claimed on downing two landing boats of Russia which belonged to its Black Sea Fleet. According to the report from Ukraine intelligence, two “small amphibious boats, an Akula class, and Serna class” were attacked.
On 11 November, Volodymyr Zelenskyy Ukraine’s President released a video marking the anniversary of the liberation of Kherson. He called it a “city of hope” as Ukraine forces recaptured Kherson after eight months of war.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 12 November, Russia criticised Ukraine for conducting attacks in the border areas of Belgorod and Bryansk. According to Belgorod governor, the strikes had damaged train carriages and injured a civilian in the border zone due to multiple drone attacks. In result of the attack, electricity supplies were cut and power lines were damaged. Russia’s defence ministry claimed on destroying two Ukraine’s drones.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 12 November, in an interview with the Associated Press Edgars Rinkevics, Latvia’s President warned that Russia’s strategy was to prolong the war as a message for the European countries that hesitate to support Ukraine. Rinkevics stressed on continuing the support to Ukraine and vouch for international peace, and peace in Europe. He highlighted the need to stop Russia and forbid the chances of challenge spreading to other European countries.
On 12 November, Boris Pistorius, Germany’s Defence Minister announced Germany’s decision to double its military aid to Ukraine in 2024. He said: “This is a strong signal to Ukraine, showing we are not giving up on it.” He added that there would be more support in 2024 in response to the 2023 experience and Bundestag’s budget committee would be approving additional expenditure soon. According to the report in Deutsche Welle, as Germany announced to increase military aid, it has reportedly been having trouble to speed up “recruitment and procurement.” Since February 2022, Germany has given EUR 22 billion as total aid to Ukraine.
References
Saskia O'Donoghue, “Ukraine war: Kherson liberation first anniversary marked as Russia investigates train derailment,” Euronews, 11 November 2023
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar, “Two Russian landing boats filled with armoured vehicles destroyed by Ukraine in ‘significant loss’ for Putin,” Independent.co.uk, 11 November 2023
“Russian missile strike targets Kyiv, Ukraine marks one year since Kherson city's liberation,” France24, 11 November 2023
“Ukraine latest: Zelenskyy warns of Russian attacks in winter,” Nikkei Asia, 13 November 2023
“Ukraine updates: Germany to double 2024 military aid to Kyiv,” Deutsche Welle, 12 Nove
“Moscow Accuses Kyiv of Attacks on Border Regions,” The Moscow Times, 12 November 2023
Edith M Lederer, “Latvia's president says West must arm Ukraine to keep Russia from future global adventures,” abcNews, 12 November 2023