Photo : President.gov.ua
Photo : President.gov.ua
War in Ukraine: Day 666
By Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 21 December, President of Ukraine reported on Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President everyday address. He said: “Maximum attention to defense. Maximum efforts for the sake of the state. Maximum energy for Ukraine to be able to achieve its goals..” he discussed on the continuity of financial support with EU officials for next four years and highlighted efforts to ensure stability and resilience across state systems. Pointing the maritime security concerns in the Black Sea and advancing peace discussions, Zelenskyy invited a UN representative to the next Peace Formula meeting. He also reported on the Main Intelligence Directorate statement on the slowdown in Russia’s defence efforts.
On 21 December, Deutsche Welle reported on Vitali Klitschko, Kyiv’s Mayor statement on drone strike in Kyiv. According to the him, fallen debris from Russia’s drone strike ignited a Solomianskyi District building. Additional debris fell in Darnytskyi and Holosiivskyi districts. Active air defence in the area was prompted by the officials.
On 21 December, Ukrainian air force reported downing 34 out of 35 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia. The drones were reportedly originated from Russia’s occupied Crimea, Krasnodar Krai, and Kursk Oblast, directed towards various Ukraine’s regions. The air force engaged tactical aviation and anti-aircraft units in repelling the assault, and shot down across 12 oblasts, including Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 21 December, RT reported on Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President criticism against the West. During the Presidential Council meeting, Putin highlighted Russia’s robust ties with non-western countries and urged leaders from the West to advocate for cooperation instead of anticipating for a downfall. Putin highlighted how Russia’s economic pivot toward non-sanctioning countries like China and India helped withstand western pressure. He also reported on Russia’s diversification in trade and reduced dependence on western financial systems.
On 21 December, RT reported on Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s Chief of General Staff highlighted the US’s role in destabilizing global security, citing actions undermining arms control agreements. He criticized NATO expansion, stating it fosters confrontation and escalates tensions in Europe. Gerasimov underscored Russia’s military response, on the creation of new military districts and augmenting troop targets. Putin’s recent directive on increase the defence budget raises Russia’s standing on army target to 1.32 million troops.
On 21 December, RT reported on Vladimir Saldo, Kherson Region Governor confirmation on destroying a US-made ATACMS missile. According to the report, the missile was directed towards the Crimean Bridge by Ukraine’s forces. Saldo stated that the missile interception over the Sea of Azov.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 21 December, Deutsche Welle reported on Viktor Orban, Hungary’s Prime Minister statement. Orban stated that Hungary disagreed with granting Ukraine EUR 50 billion from the EU budget over five years. Despite Orban’s absence during the unanimous decision to start Ukraine’s accession talks, he opposed revamping the EU budget for Kyiv and other tasks. The impasse could lead to resolving aid outside the budget. Orban highlighted Hungary’s stance, preferring funding to be granted outside the budget.
On 21 December, Deutsche Welle reported on Germany’s pledge to support Ukraine energy grid. According to the report, Germany pledged EUR 88.5 million to fortify the vulnerable Ukraine’s energy system, a prime target for Russia’s attacks. Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, channelled EUR 54.3 million through the state-owned bank Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW).
On 21 December, Deutsche Welle reported on Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission’s President, confirmation on disbursement of the final EUR 1.5 billion financial aid. This aid will be part of 2023’s EUR 18 billion macro-financial aid to Ukraine. The aid will help Ukraine in recovery, reform, and rebuilding.
On 21 December, Reuters reported on Russia allocated over USD 12 billion in state aid to sustain its aviation sector. The move comes post-Western sanctions due to the Ukraine conflict which stalled key parts and services supplies. Airbus and Boeing ceased support in March 2022, prompting Russia’s self-reliance push. Putin aims to manufacture 1,000 domestic aircraft by 2030 as currently, only 133 super jets operate domestically. The industry planned to maintain aircraft manufacturing, focusing on sales and enhancing production. These investments are aimed to sustain the aviation industry amid sanctions’ repercussions. Challenges persist in reclaiming western markets due to safety record complexities.
References
“EU disburses this year's last tranche of EUR 1.5B in financial aid to Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 21 December 2023
Dmytro Basmat, “Air Force: Ukraine downs 34 of 35 drones launched by Russia overnight,” The Kyiv Independent, 21 December 2023
“On the eve of Christmas, there should be maximum attention to defense, maximum energy for Ukraine to achieve its goals – address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” President of Ukraine, 21 December 2023
“Russian military shoots down ATACMS missile – governor,” RT, 21 December 2023
“Western leaders should ‘stop playing the fool’ – Putin,” RT, 21 December 2023
“NATO expansion destabilizing Europe – Moscow,” RT, 21 December 2023
Gergely Szakacs and Krisztina Than, “Hungary's Orban says funds to Ukraine must not come from EU budget,” Reuters, 21 December 2023
“Germany pledges more aid to bolster energy system,” Deutsche Welle, 21 December 2023
Gleb Stolyarov, “Russia splashes $12 billion to keep aviation sector in the air,” Reuters, 21 December 2023