Photo : Alrosa
Photo : Alrosa
War in Ukraine: Day 630
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 15 November, on the intense fight in Avdiivka, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President claimed that it was Ukraine’s plan to defend as it forms part of its war agenda. He stated that Russia’s losses in the area will affect its larger operations in the conflict. Avdiivka has been the target since October as part Russia’s larger eastern Ukraine offensive. Zelenskyy added: “Withstanding their pressure is extremely difficult ... The more Russian forces that are destroyed near Avdiivka, the worse the overall situation will be for the enemy and the overall course of this war.”
On 15 November, Spike Brokers who keep track of Ukraine’s exports and publish stats reported on decrease in Ukraine’s food shipments. According to the report, the shipment fell by 2.7 per cent since November 2023 due to the border strikes by Poland drivers. It reported on increased traffic in the Romania, Hungary, and Moldova border crossing. The reason behind the Poland truckers to block is due to the loss of their businesses due to foreign competition. They have called for imposing of restrictions on the number of trucks that can enter Poland.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 15 November, Vladimir Saldo, Russia’s installed governor for Kherson area issued a statement confirming Ukraine’s advanced in the area between bridge and Krynki, left bank of Dnipro River, earlier occupied by Russia. According to Saldo: “The enemy has crossed the river by sending more personnel for some time than our firepower could destroy.” On the same Ukraine military stated that its forces had attempted to push Russia’s forces in the Dnipro River across the Southern Kherson under the operation “silence,” and succeeded in advancing from three to eight kilometres.
On 15 November, during the visit to North Korea, Russia’s natural resources minister announced progress in ballistic missile programme. According to one of the state media agencies of North Korea, the discussion focused on economy, science and technology and in developing a “substantial cooperation” in line with the earlier meeting held between leaders of Russia and North Korea.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 15 November, the European Commission proposed a new set of sanctions banning import of Russian diamonds and LPG. The latest sanction package is yet to get approval from all member states, but it aims to deter Russia from circumventing from “oil price cap.” On passing of the sanctions, Russia may face further cut in its diamond exports which now accounts for USD four billion. The sanctions target natural, synthetic diamonds and jewellery from 2024.
On 15 November, following Germany’s defence minister comments on the EU falling short of meeting its pledge to provide one million artillery shells to Ukraine, Baltic states raised a similar argument. Hanno Pevkur, Estonia’s Defence Minister highlighted the need for the EU to ensure more ammunition is given to Ukraine through help from third countries. Baltic states argue that the EU due to existing contracts sends ammunition to other countries rather than Ukraine, instead they recommend negotiating with those ammunition trading countries to redirect the supply to Ukraine.
On 15 November, during the talks with EU leaders, Hungary’s European Affairs Minister Janos Boka, raised concern over Ukraine’s EU membership process. The minister called for a review of the EU’s policy and put forward its differed stance against Germany, Lithuania, Finland, and Ireland in Ukraine’s accession into the EU. Boka said: “We need a period of reflection and a strategic discussion on the policy of the European Union towards Ukraine.”
References
“Ukraine establishes new counter-offensive foothold on eastern bank of Dnipro river,” telegraph.co.uk, 15 November 2023
“Ukraine’s military loses 2 battalions in Dnieper crossing — regional governor,” TASS, 15 November 2023
“Russia delegation arrives in North Korea for trade talks,” Anadolu Agency, 15 November 2023
“Hungary calls for a review of EU policy towards Ukraine,” BNN News, 15 November 2023
Jorge Liboreiro, “New round of EU sanctions against Russia targets diamond imports, addressing a glaring omission,” Euronews, 15 November 2023
“Ukraine updates: Russia admits Kyiv forces crossed Dnipro,” Deutsche Welle, 15 November 2023