Photo : AP Photo/Michel Euler
Photo : AP Photo/Michel Euler
War in Ukraine: Day 644
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on Ground
On 29 November, for the continuous second day, Ukraine reported on the bad weather conditions and how it has slowed Russia’s progress in capturing areas in the eastern Ukraine. According to the report from meterology agency, more rain is expected in the east of Ukraine resulting in blurring of the vision in a town in Donetsk. The harsh weather has forced Russia to adjust and slow down its advance as per the report.
On 29 November, Ukraine’s air force reported on countering Russia’s 21 drones, and three missiles. According to the report, the drones were targeted towards Khmelnitskyi region in western Ukraine. Oleksandr Shtupun, a spokesman for Ukraine's army said: “The enemy has doubled its artillery fire and airstrikes. It has also intensified ground infantry attacks and is using armored vehicles.” On the same, Russia’s defence military claimed on improved positions along the front line with support from aviation and artillery fire.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 29 November, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President signed the 2024 federal budget which will continue till 2026 with a higher spending towards defence. According to the report, RUB 36.6 trillion in state expense and RUB 1.6 trillion as deficit. Russia’s parliament spokeperson stated that the budget was moduled to fund military and cope with fallouts from the sanctions imposed by the West.
On 29 November, Russia’s air defence forces reported on destroying Ukraine’s drone launched towards Moscow. According to Sergei Sobyanin, Moscow’s governor the drone was taken down in the Podolsk district. There were no casualties nor damage reported.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 29 November, Anne-Claire Legendre, France’s foreign ministry spokesperson announced France’s decision to sign an bilateral security guarantee accord with Ukraine by 2024. According to Legendre: “On the security guarantees and the work we have been doing with our Ukrainian partners ... we are working towards a conclusion of this accord with the Ukrainian authorities by the end of the year, start of next year.” In Europe, France is one among the many which has continued its aid to Ukraine and through this accord it aims for “long-term humanitarian and military support” to Ukraine.
On 29 November, Slovakia’s government announced the extension of the ban on Ukraine’s import of grain especially agricultural products such as wheat, maize, rapeseed, and sunflower seeds. The latest rule will bring 10 more products, honey, cane, and beet sugar under regulation. This move follows Poland and Hungary’s imposing of restrictions. According to Slovakia’s Agriclutural Minister, loss of EUR 110 million was incurred due to import of Ukriane’s grain.
References
Olena Goncharova, “ISW: Putin signs Russia’s largest national budget,” The Kyiv Independent, 29 November 2023
“Ukraine war latest: Civilians trapped under rubble after Russian missile strikes; David Cameron says he discussed war with Kissinger,” Sky news, 30 November 2023
Natália Silenská, “Slovakia to extend ban on Ukrainian agricultural commodities,” Euractiv, 30 November 2023
Khrystyna Zanyk, “Russia ramping up attacks in eastern Ukraine,” japantoday, 30 November 2023
“France looks to finalize bilateral security accord with Ukraine by early 2024,” tvpworld, 30 November 2023
“Ukraine updates: Kuleba tells NATO 'there is no stalemate',” Deutsche Welle, 29 November 2023