Photo : Government of Poland (Serwis Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej)
Photo : Government of Poland (Serwis Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej)
War in Ukraine: Days 682 & 683
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 06 January, Ukraine’s air force reported on destroying Russia’s command center at the Saki airfield in Crimea. On the same, Russia’s defence ministry claimed on shooting down four Ukraine’s missiles, but there is no clear evidence over the exact number of missiles launched.
On 06 January, Vadym Filashkin, Pokrovsk Governor reported on Russian missile strike killing 11, including five children in Pokrovsk, a city in eastern Donetsk. On 07 January, Ukraine’s air force reported on drones attacks across Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia, and Cherkasy areas. According to the report, 21 out of 28 drones were destroyed by Ukraine and no casualties were observed.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 07 January, Russia’s forces claimed on striking two warplanes of Ukraine. The same was confirmed by Russia’s defence ministry, identified as Su-25 was observed to flown close to air support plan near Dnepropetrovsk. The Russian military also claimed on intercepting 14 missiles launched from the US made HIMARS, and anti-ship Neptune rockets.
On 07 January, RT reported on Russia’s latest implementation of its law on providing residence permit to the “skilled foreign workers,” but only for a limited time period. The permit allows the individual to work in Russia for two years, and by default grants the family members permit to live in Russia. The amendment was adopted in the Russian State of Duma after the sign of Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 06 January, Denmark’s defence ministry announced the delay in delivering the F-16 jets to Ukraine. Earlier Denmark had pledged to send 19 US-made fighter jets to Ukraine, but due to .as the US approval not being met led to the delay. In a statement, the ministry said: “Based on the current timetable, the donation should take place in the second quarter of 2024," it said in a statement.”
On 06 January, after continued blockade by Polish farmers, the block was withdrawn after signing of the agreement between the government and farmers. The agreement confirms the acceptance of the government to provide subsidy (EUR 230 million) to produce corn, reduce agricultural tax and preferential liquidity loans. According to one of the protestors: “We have signed an agreement with the government and we are waiting for its implementation. The blockade has been suspended until our demands are met.”
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the war
On 07 January, Yoko Kamikawa, Japan’s Foreign Minister during her visit to Ukraine held meeting with Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. She reiterated Japan’s support to Ukraine and highlighted its policy to stand united for Ukraine. The meeting also confirmed Japan’s decision to organised conference to help boost Ukraine’s economic reconstruction in Tokyo. In a statement, Japan’s Foreign Ministry said: “The handover ceremony of large-scale power-related equipment for winterisation assistance.’
References
“Russian strike in eastern Ukraine kills at least 11 people,” Le Monde, 06 January 2024
“Russia shoots down two Ukrainian jets – MOD,” RT, 07 January 2024
“Major immigration changes come into force in Russia,” RT, 07 January 2024
“Polish farmers suspend their blockade at the Ukrainian border after a deal with the government,” Associated Press, 07 January 2024
Paula Andrés, “Danish F-16 jets to Ukraine will be delayed by several months: Report,” Politico, 07 January 2024
“Ukraine updates: Kyiv says Russian airfield hit in Crimea,” Deutsche Welle, 06 January 2024
Yohannes Lowe, “Russia-Ukraine war: ‘Even Russia can be brought back within the framework of international law’, Zelenskiy says – as it happened,” The Guardian, 07 January 2024