Photo : Sputnik/Sergey Guneev
Photo : Sputnik/Sergey Guneev
War in Ukraine: Day 664
Rishika Yadav and Padmashree Anandhan
War on Ground
On 19 December, Ukraine’s Boryspil International Airport confirmed a “technical flight” departure of an empty Boeing 777-300, complying with martial law safety rules. The plane, previously part of Russia’s Azur Air fleet and later under Ukraine’s Skyline Express, departed for Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées in France. The airliner, capable of seating 531 passengers, is known for its unique layout. This marked the fourth aircraft departing since the airport’s closure due to Russia’s invasion.
On 19 December, Ukrinform reported on Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President year-end remarks. He added that he is waiting for the specifics on offensive and defensive operations from military command. Zelenskyy emphasized joint responsibility with the General Staff for battlefield outcomes, expressing concerns and uncertainties regarding ongoing actions and their outcomes.
On 19 December, Oleksandr Kubrakov, Ukraine’s Minister for Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure, informed about the export of over 10 million tonnes of cargo. It was exported through the Ukraine’s Black Sea corridor. According to the report, agricultural exports rose from 278,000 to nearly five million tonnes, despite ongoing attacks on port infrastructure the temporary routes facilitated transit of civilian vessels at Chornomorsk, Odesa, and Pivdennyi ports.
On 19 December, Oleksandr Syrsky, Ukraine’s ground forces head, cited the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces amidst Russia’s attempt to seize Kupiansk. The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation claimed repelling eight Ukraine’s attacks in Kupiansk with artillery support. According to the Institute for the Study of War highlighted Ukraine’s ammo rationing due to shortages, potentially delaying future counter offensives.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 19 December, in a defence minister’s board meeting conducted by Sergey Shoigu, Russia’s Defence Minister, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President discussed the results of the military operation in Ukraine, Russia’s goals and its challenges. According to the report in RT, Shoigu claimed that close to 400,000 troops of Ukraine had been killed, 14,000 tanks along with armoured vehicles had been lost. Putin said: “The West is not abandoning its strategy of containing Russia and its aggressive goals in Ukraine. Well, we are not going to give up our goals for the special military operation either.” On Russia’s strategic initiative he added that the commander took “active defence” when needed and improved their positions. However on the challenges, Putin highlighted the difficulty faced by Russia’s military and it required higher production and supply of munitions and drones. He also noted on restructuring the communication systems, modern reconnaissance, and increased capabilities of satellite constellation.
On 19 December, TASS reported on Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson confirmation on Russia’s plans to circumvent EU sanctions on diamonds. He assured that measures were in place to protect Russia’s interests. Peskov downplayed concerns over freezing defence enterprises’ assets, stating there were minimal assets for the EU to freeze. He highlighted EU sanctions on Russia’s Society Znanie as noteworthy in the 12th package, emphasizing the perceived depletion in areas for imposing sanctions.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 19 December, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) confirmed it would maintain substantial investment for Ukraine. It informed that it will secure a rare capital increase of EUR four billion. The extra funding is aimed to bolster Ukraine’s economy during and post-war, with an annual investment of EUR 1.5 billion throughout the conflict and a potential increase to EUR three billion for reconstruction. Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, the EBRD has invested over EUR three billion in Ukraine.
On 19 December, Notes from Poland reported on 14 foreign nationals involved in a Russia’s spy network in Poland received prison sentences ranging from one to six years, by a district court in Lublin. The group monitored transports to Ukraine and planned a train derailment. Arrests since March totaled 16 individuals, mostly Ukrainians, two Belarus’s students, and a Russia’s ice hockey player. Targets included airports, train stations, and border crossings. Two withdrew guilty pleas. Tasks included arson and distributing anti-Ukrainian leaflets.
On 19 December, The Telegraph reported on UKs plan for a ten-year security deal with Ukraine. The UK emphasized on naval aid, intelligence sharing, and post-war security commitments against potential Russia’s threats. The pact has sought to include weapon deliveries and sanctions if attacks resume. UK’s naval aid is aimed to reinforce Kyiv’s maritime capabilities, building upon prior support involving mine-hunting ships. Whereas the EU offers Ukraine a EUR 20 billion long-term security package, emphasising weapon support, defence industry collaboration, and intelligence sharing.
On 19 December, the UK’s Ministry of Defence in its intelligence update reported on Russia’s recent attack on air base near Kyiv using a killjoy hypersonic missile. Ukraine’s air force claimed to have downed one of three missiles fired. According to the report, it would be the first attack since August raising concerns over a winter-long missile assault in Ukraine.
References
“Ukrainian Airliner Takes Off from Kyiv’s Boryspil Airport,” Kyiv Post, 19 December 2023
“Zelensky says he has a 'working relationship' with Zaluzhnyi,” Ukrinform, 19 December 2023
“More than 10M tonnes of cargo exported through Ukrainian temporary maritime corridor,” Ukrinform, 19 December 2023
“Ukraine Says Fight in Eastern Kharkiv Region ‘Complicated',” The Moscow Times, 19 December 2023
“Russian leadership assesses Ukraine conflict: Key takeaways,” RT, 19 December 2023
“Russia has options to circumvent EU sanctions on diamonds — Kremlin,” TASS, 19 December 2023
“Russian air defenses prevent attack on Moscow – mayor,” RT, 19 December 2023
“Donor support for Ukraine,” European Bank, 19 December 2023
“European Development Bank Pledges Extra Ukraine Help,” Barron’s, 19 December 2023
“Fourteen members of Russian spy ring who planned to derail Ukraine aid train sentenced in Poland,” Notes from Poland, 19 December 2023
Joe Barnes, “Britain ramps up naval support for Ukraine to ‘keep Kyiv in the fight’,” The Telegraph, 18 December 2023
“What are Killjoy hypersonic missiles and how powerful are Putin’s weapons?,” Independent.co.uk, 20 December 2023