Photo : Institute for the Study of War
Photo : Institute for the Study of War
War in Ukraine: Day 629
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on Ground
On 14 November, Volodymyr Zelenskyy Ukraine’s President reported on increasing attacks by Russia in the front line especially in Donetsk, Kupyansk, and Avdiivka. He warned over increased air strikes by Russia on Ukraine’s energy network like 2022 winter.
On 14 November, Ukraine’s military reported on the intensifying air and ground troop movements in eastern Ukraine. According to the report, Russia’s forces had increased “air bombardments,” in Avdiika while the Ukraine forces continue to counter Russia in front line (600 mile). Oleksandr Shtupun, Ukraine military spokesperson said: “Fighting is still going on. Over the last two days, the occupiers have increased the number of air strikes using guided bombs from Su-35 aircraft.”
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 14 November, Russia’s defence ministry claimed on countering four Ukraine’s UAVs which were found near Bryansk and Oryol in the west and Tambov central Russia. According to the report the drones had carried explosives and “targeted chemical factory.”
On 14 November, TASS reported on the decreased shelling by Ukraine in the “line of engagement,” due to reduced munition. According to the report, the Ukraine troops were observed to be attacking by uninterrupted fire whereas it has slowed to fewer shells. On the same day, Russia’s forces claimed on advancing 500-600 meters near Zaporizhzhia region.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 14 November, Boris Pistorius, Germany’s Defence Minister stated that there was higher possibility for the EU miss the deadline in delivering one million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine. According to Pistorius, the pledge to deliver the ammunition by March was “unrealistic” since only 300,000 has been sent so far. Till now, 155 mm artillery rounds play a key role in the war with daily usage coming to 6000 to 7000 shells. On the same EU’s industry minister remarked the increase in the production by European arms manufacturer from 20 to 30 per cent and assured that target will be met. In the upcoming EU meeting in the Brussels, long-term support to Ukraine will be the key agenda and Josep Borell, EU foreign policy chief is expected to present a security and military package for EUR 20 billion. This requires unanimous vote from the EU member states.
On 14 November, The Guardian reported on the upcoming Turkey’s step to ratify the bill approving Sweden’s accession to NATO. According to the report, Sweden’s case will be up for debate in Turkey’s parliament. The bill will be approved by parliament’s foreign affairs committee ahead of the vote in assembly, followed by Turkey’s president signing it into law.
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the War
On 14 November, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) released a report in Geneva on the increase in casualties due to landmine. According to the report, Russia’s landmines were 11 in number across 27 districts of Ukraine. This has to increase in deaths and injuries ten times and 608 Ukraine casualties recorded. Ukraine is part of the 1997 Ottawa Treaty which bans the use of landmines, whereas Russia, China and the US are not parties to the treaty. According to ICBL, Ukraine will be investigating the conditions of the its forces using antipersonnel mines and of those casualties 85 per cent were civilians.
References
Raf Casert, “The European Union is struggling to produce and send the ammunition it promised to Ukraine,” The Washington Post, 14 November 2023
Yohannes Lowe and Mabel Banfield-Nwachi, “Ukrainian troops secure foothold in south, says senior official – as it happened,” The Guardian, 14 November 2023
“Landmine report: Number of victims in Ukraine has increased tenfold,” ASB Zeitung, 14 November 2023
“Russia Says Downed 4 Drones Near Moscow,” The Moscow Times, 14 November 2023
“Russia stepping up attacks- Zelenskyy warns, Putin pardons Russian journalist's killer,” The Moscow Times, 14 November 2023
“Ukraine updates: Russian mines drive casualties in Ukraine,” Deutsche Welle, 14 November 2023
“Russian troops advance 600 meters in Zaporozhye direction,” TASS, 14 November 2023
“Intensity of Ukrainian shelling falls amid ammo shortage, says Russian commander,” TASS, 15 November 2023