Photo : Council of the European Union
Photo : Council of the European Union
War in Ukraine: Day 636
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on Ground
On 21 November, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President gave an address marking the “Day of Dignity and Freedom,” remembering the two pro-democracy protest movements. The Orange Revolution 2004 and Revolution of Dignity began with protests on November 2013 in Kyiv’s Maidan square against former Ukraine president Viktor Yanukovych. Protestors marched for revoking the agreement which was aimed to bring Ukraine close to the EU. In a statement he said: “Ten years ago, we started a new page in the struggle. 10 years ago, Ukrainians launched their first counteroffensive.” During the address, Zelenskyy highlighted the Maidan protests and the ongoing war, added: “..the defense of democratic values turns into the defense of sovereignty and territorial integrity.” European Council President Charles Michel visited Kyiv on the occasion to show support of the EU.
On 21 November, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned over risk pertaining on shut down of Black Sea export routes due to continued attacks. Due to damage to food infrastructure, the WFP warned that Ukraine might fail in meeting the wheat demand as the grain production and export facilities were subject to attacks since July 2023. According to WFP director, 28 attacks were reported in Odesa Oblast and warned that the agricultural production will impact in the long-term.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 21 November, Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s Defence Minister claimed that Ukraine had failed to succeed in its land operations in Kherson. According to the report, both Ukraine and Russia’s forces have been stationed in the opposite sides of the waterway of southern Kherson. A further step of Ukraine forces in the east bank of the Dnipro River can result in deeper offensive in the south and give more protection to Ukraine’s towns.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 21 November, the US State Department announced its ban on two Russians, Russian Colonel Azatbek Omurbekov and Russian Guard Corporal Daniil Frolkin, who were involved in human rights violation in Ukraine. The Russians are accused for extrajudicial killings of unarmed civilians in Ukraine, and one of them had led a troop that burned civilians in Bucha. According to the reports, Omurbekov and Frolkin had violated human rights as per the independent investigation.
On 21 November, Boris Pistorius, Germany’s Defence Minister during his visit to Kyiv expressed solidarity and appreciated Ukraine’s efforts in the war. Pistorius announced EUR 1.3 billion in military gear to Ukraine. This package includes IRIS T-SLM air defence systems and artillery ammunition. Germany being the second largest supported of military aid to Ukraine, the IRIS-T systems are in high demand by Ukraine to counter Russia. Till now three of the systems have been delivered and the second set is expected to be delivered in 2024.
On 21 November, UK Ministry of Defence in its intelligence update observed that during 18 and 19 November Russia had launched 50 Iran made Shahed drones. According to the report, Russia is likely targeting Ukraine’s air defences to balance the battlefield in the winter. In a statement: “Russia has now refrained from launching its premier air launched cruise missiles from its heavy bomber fleet for nearly two months, likely allowing it to build up a substantial stock of these weapons.”
References
Yohannes Lowe and Sammy Gecsoyler, “More than 10,000 civilians killed in Ukraine in war, UN says; Berlin unveils £1.1bn military aid package – as it happened,” The Guardian, 21 November 2023
Veronika Melkozerova, “German defense minister announces €1.3B weapons package during visit to Kyiv,” POLITICO, 21 November 2023
“Russia Says Thwarted Ukrainian Landings in Kherson,” The Moscow Times, 21 November 2023
Tom Balmforth and Olena Harmash, “EU's Michel, in Kyiv, warns of difficult meeting ahead on accession talks,” Swiss info, 21 November 2023
Constant Méheut, “Ukraine Remembers Popular Uprising That Foreshadowed War,” The New York Times, 21 November 2023
“Ukraine updates: Berlin pledges €1.3 billion in military aid,” Deutsche Welle, 21 November 2023