Photo : AFP
Photo : AFP
War in Ukraine: Day 628
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 13 November, The Washington Post reported on involvement of Ukraine military officer in the attacks on Russia’s Nord Stream pipelines. Since the report of damage on September 2022 on blasts, no one claimed responsibility. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin’s spokesperson accused Ukraine for the sabotage and called it as terrorist act. He said: “If the Kyiv regime is no longer in control of the situation in its own country, then this is alarming and should also be taken into account.”
On 13 November, intense exchange of shelling was reported in the eastern area of Bakhmut. According to Ukraine’s Armed Forces general, Russia’s is attempting to recaptured the lost position in the district and has countered five attacks by the Ukraine forces.
On 13 November, delegation from Ukraine headed by Andriy Yermak spokesperson of Ukraine’s presidential office held meeting in the White House. The discussion and outcome of the meeting is yet to be revealed.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 13 November, TASS reported on Russia’s claim on destroying Ukraine’s “self-propelled howitzer” and its forces gathered in Kherson area. According to the report, Russia’s Dnepr battle group units had caused damage using firepower, resulting in killing 27 and injuring two Ukrainian soldiers. Through this it achieved eliminating Ukraine’s deployment site of army as per the report.
On 13 November, Russia’s defence ministry spokesperson claimed on the decrease in the number of attacks targeted to damage the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The same was confirmed by chief of the Russian Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) Protection Troops, on decreased attempts to cause infrastructural damage. The report also warned on the consequences of such attacks which may lead to radiation leaks and contamination of atmosphere and continued monitoring of Russia to share data to IAEA.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 13 November, in its intelligence update, UK Ministry of Defence reported on integration of Russia’s mercenary group, the Wagner into Russia’s Rosgvardiya national guard. This group is predicted to be led by the former Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin’s son Pavel Prigozhin. According to the report, Russia is observed to be having a direct control of the Wagner group activities.
On 13 November, Associated Press reported on France’s decision to train 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers under the EU’s military assistance to Ukraine framework. During the training the forces will also be trained in Poland in the France’s military base. The latest addition in EU military aid agenda to Ukraine is to train 35,000 soldiers by 2023, this includes, basic training, battlefield first aid and military know-how by Norway, the US (18,000), and Germany (1,000 more) providing training courses to Ukrainians.
On 13 November, Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Foreign Minister highlighted Hungary’s decision to continue the block on sending military aid to Ukraine under the European Peace Facility (EPF). According to the minister, it will maintain the stance until Ukraine gives guarantee of not blacklisting Hungary’s firms terming as “international sponsors of war.” The EPF was formed in 2021 with an aim to deter conflicts and build peace through finance, but Hungary has blocked over guarantees.
References
“Russian forces destroy Ukrainian howitzer, amassed troops in Kherson area in past day,” TASS, 13 November 2023
“Situation around Zaporozhye NPP quieting down — Russian Defense Ministry,” TASS, 13 November 2023
John Leicester, “Military training efforts for Ukraine hit major milestones even as attention shifts to Gaza,” Associated Press, 13 November 2023
Yohannes Lowe and Geneva Abdul, “Three people killed in Russian shelling of Kherson, says Ukraine – as it happened,” The Guardian, 13 November 2023