Photo : The Kyiv Independent
Photo : The Kyiv Independent
War in Ukraine: Day 663
By Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 17 December, Ukrinform reported on Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President interview. He outlined efforts to use frozen Russia’s assets for Ukraine. He focused on the crucial decisions surrounding frozen Russia’s assets and their potential benefits for Ukraine. He emphasized on ongoing negotiations with the US, on the G7’s role in directing assets from Russia and its support to Ukraine.
On 17 December, Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence verified the incursion of Freedom of Russia Legion fighters into Belgorod region’s Terebreno village. According to the Kyiv Post, the breach sparked clashes, leading to a shooting battle showcasing the border security challenge. The skirmish, affecting Terebreno residents near Ukraine’s border, initiated with no evacuations but residents taking shelter.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 17 December, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation reported intense clashes across Ukraine. According to the report, in Kupyansk, forces repelled ten attacks, causing Ukraine’s forces to lose equipment and over 60 servicemen. A Slovakia made artillery system was destroyed near Krasny Liman. In the battles in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia, 30 to 190 troops experienced lossalong with significant military hardware damage. Additionally, TASS reported on Russia’claims on strikes in Kherson hit a US-made howitzer and resulted in personnel losses. Air defence intercepted multiple drones and rockets.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 18 December, the EU imposed the 12th round of sanctions package targeting Russia’s imports and exports. Measures include Russia’s diamonds, bolstering the oil price cap enforcement, and tracing assets of listed individuals. Over 140 new entities faced asset freezes, including those involved in defence, IT, and disinformation around Ukraine’s occupied territories. The sanctions aimed to weaken Russia’s military, and to incorporate stricter export controls on advanced tech, metal goods, and enterprise software. Energy measures involved import bans on liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and vigilance on oil sales.
On 18 December, the Centre for Information Resilience, an independent, non-profit social enterprise of UK highlighted extensive destruction in Avdiivka. According to the report, severe damage was observed on educational institutions, medical facilities, churches, and supermarkets due to targeted strikes. Residential areas faced relentless shelling, with 25 of 26 apartment towers hit, obstructing Ukraine’s army observation points. The city, pivotal since Russia’s invasion in 2014, witnessed 154 casualties, with around 1200 residents enduring the ongoing conflict. Despite Russia’s forces gaining some territory, Ukraine’s troops retain control over main urban centre and chemical factory to the north-west, as well as a crucial supply road in Avdiivka amid ongoing fierce battles.
On 18 December, the truckers from Poland restarted the border blockade with Ukraine’s farmers, challenging the transit of Ukraine’s trucks. The protest at Dorohusk-Jagodzin resumed despite a court order and ongoing blockades since November. Protest leaders have demanded the scrapping of the EU-Ukraine trade pact of 2022, alleging economic damage and violating transport rules by Ukraine’s hauliers. The blockade at the busiest crossing, Dorohusk-Jagodzin, led to an 80 kilometer truck queue. The standoff persisted despite talks between Tusk and Zelenskyy. Arkadiusz Klimczak, Poland’s new Infrastructure Minister has sought to plan multi-level actions. On 20 December, ministers from both countries planned to meet for crisis talks amid concerns over cheap Ukraine’s goods flooding Poland’s markets.
References
“Solutions for donating frozen Russian assets to Ukraine currently being outlined - Zelensky,” Ukrinform, 17 December 2023
“Bug Found in Office of Ukraine Army Command: Security Services,” Kyiv Post, 18 December 2023
Maryna Shashkova, “Pro-Ukrainian Fighters Infiltrate Belgorod Region, Ukraine's Intel Confirms to Kyiv Post,” Kyiv Post, 17 December 2023
“Russian forces repel 10 Ukrainian attacks near Kupyansk,” TASS, 18 December 2023
“EU adopts 12th package of sanctions against Russia for its continued illegal war against Ukraine,” European Commission, 18 December 2023
“Elections and further mobilization back on the agenda says DW's Nick Connolly,” Deutsche Welle, 18 December 2023
Luke Harding, “Russia has damaged or destroyed almost every building in Avdiivka – report,” The Guardian, 18 December 2023
“Devastation in Avdiivka: Mapping damage to civilian infrastructure since the full-scale invasion,” Centre of Information Resilience, 18 December 2023
Wojciech Kosc, “Polish truckers to resume Ukraine border blockade,” POLITICO, 18 December 2023
“Ukrainian military scale back some operations due to shortfall in foreign assistance - Tarnavskyi,” Ukrinform, 18 December 2023