Photo : Stringer/Reuters
Photo : Stringer/Reuters
War in Ukraine: Day 660
War on Ground
On 15 December, Ukraine’s councillor of Keretsky village was found in a video footage detonating a grenade. According to the report in Deutsche Welle, 26 people were injured and six seriously wounded as per statements from the police. The motive of the councillor remains ambiguous and the source of acquiring the grenades also seemed difficult to obtain amidst war.
The Moscow View
On 15 December, following Hungary’s block of EU’s financial aid, Dmitry Peskov Russia’s spokesperson praised the move. He said: “Hungary, in contrast to many European countries, firmly defends its interests, which impresses us.” On Ukraine’s membership to the EU, Peskov stated that the addition of new members to the EU can lead to more destability.
The West View
On 15 December, following the EU summit, Victor Orban, Hungary’s Prime Minister announced the block on EU’s aid to Ukraine worth EUR 50 billion. Orban said: “Summary of the nightshift: veto for the extra money to Ukraine.” The EU leaders in the summit aimed to break through Hungary’s block but Orban refused to agree to funding to Ukrainian government for the next four years as per the EU budget plan. In response, Charles Michel, President of European Council assured to bring back the discussion on Ukraine aid “early next year” after the failure to attain unanimity on the budget plan.
On 15 December, the UK's Ministry of Defence in its latest intelligence report observed intense fighting in Marinka. A town located in the eastern area of Donetsk oblast and south-eastern Ukraine holds the largest ethnic population of Russians. In a statement: “Russia has likely further reduced the small pockets of Ukrainian-controlled territory remaining within the town boundary.” According to the ministry, Russia’s operational objectives is expected to acquire control of 0015 and N15 highways to advance towards Kurakhove town.
On 15 December, truckers from Slovakia announced to removal of the blockade at the border crossing with Ukraine. According to a spokesperson from the truck drivers’ union, the protest was ended following the request from the police. The block which began three days before by the truckers had demanded the EU to reimpose restrictions on Ukraine’s drivers on entry. Whereas the EU waived the permit after the war. Similarly, the block has been suspended over the Poland-Ukraine border and is expected to restart after the court’s decision. The key concern behind the truckers is “unfair competition” triggered by Ukraine.
References
Jaroslav Lukiv, and Jessica Parker, “Hungary blocks €50bn of EU funding for Ukraine,” BBC, 16 December 2023
“Ukraine-Russia war latest: Moscow issues nuclear testing threat to US; warning Russia to confront NATO if Putin wins war,” Sky News, 15 December 2023
“Ukraine councilor detonates grenades at meeting, wounding 26, in attack captured on video,” CBS News, 15 December 2023
“EU leaders vow to overcome block by Hungary’s Orban on Ukraine aid,” The Strait Times, 16 December 2023
“Ukraine updates: EU approves accession talks, rejects funds,” Deutsche Welle, 15 December 2023