Photo : AP Photo/Artem Perfilov
Photo : AP Photo/Artem Perfilov
War in Ukraine: Day 674
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on Ground
On 29 December, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President accused Russia for launching a biggest air attack killing 30 people and injuring more than 160. According to him, more than 160 missiles and drones were targeted in Lviv, Kharkiv, Odessa, and Kyiv.100 houses, and a 45-story residential building was also reported as destroyed across Ukraine.
On 29 December, the UNSC held a meeting to discuss on the situation in Ukraine. Khales Khiari, UNSC Assistant Secretary-General called it: “Tragically, 2023 is ending as it began — with devastating violence against the people of Ukraine.” On the same, council members of the US, France, and the UK criticised the attacks on Ukraine and condemned Russia as sole responsible actor of the war.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 29 December, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed on staging the largest “air assault” since the start of war. According to the report, 32 Ukraine drones were claimed to be destroyed and many intercepted over Bryansk, Oryol, and Kursk areas located near the border. On the same day, it also reported on drone attacks by Kyiv in Bryansk and Belgorod which are the border areas between Russia and Ukraine. Vyacheslav Gladkov, Belgorod Governor confirmed on death of one person and injury of a child. The ministry confirmed on destroying 13 projectiles of the launched attacks.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 29 December, following the breach of a cruise missile in Poland’s airspace, Andrei Ordash, Russian charge d’ affairs was asked to explain by the Poland government. In a statement, Poland’s Foreign Ministry called for an immediate action to halt such activities. According to the report, the missile breached into 40 kilometers and went back into Ukraine. In response, Russia’s spokesperson citied of no proof presented by Poland government on the breach.
On 29 December, ERR news reported on Estonia being home to 50,592 refugees since the start of war in Ukraine. According to the report, of the total, 35,963 Ukrainians hold temporary protection and 6,366 have been provided international protections by Estonia.
References
“Ukraine attacks Russian border regions – officials,” RT, 29 December 2023
“Russia confirms ‘massive barrage’ on targets in Ukraine,” RT, 29 December 2023
“Nearly 60,000 Ukraine refugees granted temporary protection in Estonia since war began,” ERR News, 29 December 2023
Wojciech Zylm, “Poland Summons Russian Diplomat Over Missile Airspace Breach: A Challenge to Sovereignty,” BNN, 29 December 2023
Constant Méheut and Daria Mitiuk, “Russia Pounds Ukrainian Cities in One of the Largest Air Attacks of the War,” The New York Times, 29 December 2023
“Ukraine updates: Zelenskyy urges response to Russian terror,” Deutsche Welle, 29 December 2023