Photo : Mikhail Mordasov/AFP
Photo : Mikhail Mordasov/AFP
War in Ukraine: Day 642
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on Ground
On 27 November, a strong storm was reported in the Black Sea killing three. This led to the evacuation of hundreds and many million people without power. A state of emergency has been declared across Crimea and 1.9 million are expected to experience power shortage. According to Russia’s meteorologists, severe storms have been recorded in Crimea and claimed the sinking of 30 ships.
On 27 November, Ukraine ground forces claimed Russia’s attack using 24 drones in the south, west, and Azov Sea areas of Ukraine. According to the report, one was injured in Tula (South of Moscow) and a destroyed drone hit an apartment. They also claimed that Russia’s soldiers attempted to “reoccupy” Kupiansk in the Kharkiv area. On the same day, Ukraine’s air force claimed getting hit by kamikaze drones by Russia affecting 17,000 people in Kyiv without electricity.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 27 November, Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister announced his plans to visit North Macedonia for a meeting with the foreign ministers for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Lavrov who requires permission from Bulgaria and Greece airspace claimed to get a permit from Bulgaria to travel to the conference.
Russia’s armed forces claimed to block an attack by Ukraine’s army assault in the south Donetsk area. According to the group, Russia’s battlegroup East continues to succeed in South Donetsk through an “active defence.”
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 27 November, Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General stated that its member states foreign ministers plan to assure long-term support to Ukraine. During the press conference, Stoltenberg urged Turkey to approve Sweden’s membership. He added: “Sweden has delivered on what they promised and now the time has come for Turkiye to finalize the accession process.”
On 27 November, Petteri Orpo, Finland’s Prime Minister announced the decision to close the last border crossing which is yet to be closed with Russia. The move followed the criticism of Russia for sending migrants to its border. The last crossing point remains in the northern, Murmansk region and is expected to be closed. Orpo said: “Finland is protecting the European Union's external border and NATO's border. We will not let this phenomenon continue.”
On 27 November, Orpo, and Ulf Kristersson, Sweden’s Prime Minister in a meeting discussed bilateral relations, security of both, EU issues, and most importantly the Finland border issue with Russia. The talk focused on improving cooperation with NATO, reiterated joint support for Ukraine, and initiatives needed for Finland and Sweden for the EU Packaging Directive.
References
“Black Sea Storm Halts Oil and Grain Ports in Russia, Ukraine,” Bloomberg, 27 November 2023
“Secretary General: NATO to reaffirm long-term support to Ukraine as Foreign Ministers address urgent security issues,” Nato.int, 27 November 2023
“Russia’s Lavrov Plans to Join Security Conference in NATO Member State,” Bloomberg, 27 November 2023
Mattha Busby and Warren Murray, “Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 642,” The Guardian, 27 November 2023
“Russian army thwarts attack by Ukrainian assault team in South Donetsk area,” TASS, 27 November 2023
“Finland and Sweden hold historic joint security meeting in Helsinki,” valtioneuvosto.fi, 27 November 2023
“Ukraine updates: Black Sea storm batters Ukraine, Russia,” Deutsche Welle, 27 November 2023