Photo : BBC
Photo : BBC
War in Ukraine: Day 675 & 676
By Rishika Yadav
War on the Ground
On 31 December 2023, BBC reported on contininuing airstrikes in Kharkiv by Russia. According to the report, the strike was seen as retaliation to Ukraine’s strikes in Belgorod, which killed 24. The attack resulted in damage of civilian infrastructure in Kharkiv and Kherson, Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia. According to Ukraine’s forces 21 of 49 Russia’s drones, engaged around Kyiv were destroyed.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 31 December 2023, RT reported on Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister statement on the US’s reluctance to avoid breakdown in relations with Russia. He emphasised on how Russia seeks to acknowledge its national interests, for peaceful coexistence. He stated how the US remains persistant to recognize a multipolar world. Regardless of the 2024 US election outcome, Lavrov asserted that the US views Russia as an adversary.
On 31 December 2023, in a year end speech, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President emphasised on collective achievements, national interests, values, and the homeland’s security. Putin stressed unity as pivotal, highlighting solidarity, perseverance, and appreciated the military personnel for their support. He designated 2024 as the “Year of the Family,” urging care and love within households to fortify devotion to the country. Putin expressed optimism, uniting the diverse people of Russia toward national development and prosperity.
On 30 December 2023, The Moscow Times reported on Vasily Nebenzya, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN criticism against Ukraine on the attacks in Belgorod. Nebenzya accused Ukraine of the attack in Belgorod, which killed 21 due to cluster munitions. Nebenzya, at a UNSC meeting, reported on civilian targets hit by Kyiv, whereas Ukraine reported 39 deaths due to Russia’s missile strikes in Kharkiv. The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation warned of consequences and vowed retaliation.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 30 December 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Poland initiated a search in Lublin Voivodeship for possible remnants of a suspected Russia’s rocket. On 29 December, a Russian missile was reported to have breached Poland’s airspace. The operation aimed to confirm the absence of any debris within Poland’s territory. Following radar confirmations of the object leaving Poland’s territory, ended by 1900 GMT.
On 31 December 2023, UK’s Ministry of Defence reported on Russia’s Vozdushno-desantnye voyska (VDV) airborne forces defence in sustaining heavy casualties. In a widespread offensive, the forces were reported to have suffered personnel losses. The ministry reported a rise in Russia’s casualties, projecting over half a million losses by 2024. Citing the US Intel, 315,000 Russia’s casualties have been recorded since the invasion..
On 30 December 2023, ERR News reported on Henri Laupmaa Estonia’s entrepreneur pay back of EUR 139,000 out of EUR 225,000 suspected as embezzled. Laupmaa was declared as suspect in October, for misusing Ukraine donations and transferring funds “piecemeal to Threod Systems.” Laupmaa, obligated to return the full sum by 23 October 2023, declined to comment. 21 drones with anti-GPS devices are reported to be pending upon full reimbursement.
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the War
On 31 December 2023, Xi Jinping, China’s President, emphasised the vital importance of enhancing China-Russia ties, during New Year’s greetings to Putin. He stated that it serves both countries’ fundamental interests and meets global expectations. He praised the robust development and consensus achieved in 2023. The leaders’ joint efforts bolstered trust, strategic alignment, and successful economic cooperation, with plans for upcoming cultural exchanges and diplomatic anniversaries. Xi expressed readiness to sustain contact with Putin for advancing mutual trust and expanding collaboration between the countries.
References
George Wright & Adam Durbin, “Ukraine war: Russia hits back after Kyiv attack on border city,” BBC, 31 December 2023
“US wary of completely ruining relations with Russia – Lavrov,” RT, 31 December 2023
“New Year's address to Russian citizens,” President of Russia, 31 December 2023
“Russia Accuses Ukraine of ‘Terrorist’ Attack on Belgorod, Vows Revenge,” The Moscow Times, 31 December 2023
“Poland resumes ground search after Friday airspace breach -army,” The Star, 30 December 2023
“RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, DECEMBER 31, 2023,” ISW, 31 December 2023
“Henri Laupmaa returns close to two-thirds of toeta.me Ukraine funds,” ERR News, 30 December 2023
“Xi says to continuously consolidate, develop China-Russia ties serves fundamental interests of both countries,” Xinhua, 31 December 2023