Photo : Sputnik/Aleksey Kudenko
Photo : Sputnik/Aleksey Kudenko
War in Ukraine: Days 689 & 690
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 14 January, in the Davos conference held by Switzerland to discuss on Ukraine’s path towards peace, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President is expected to present the peace plan. The 10-point plan which was first presented in 2022, will again be discussed by national security advisors of 81 countries including international organisations. Russia has so far rejected the plan, but the plan insists on “restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, withdrawal of Russian troops, the protection of food and energy supplies, nuclear safety, and the release of all prisoners,”
On 14 January, Deutsche Welle reported on Oleg Gumenyuk a former mayor of Vladivostok, Russia joining Russian forces in the war. He was earlier sentenced to 12 years of prison under corruption charges and was observed to have joined the volunteer group to fight in the front lines. According to the report, Russia had promised to set volunteered prisoners free if survived the war.
On 13 January, The Guardian reported on Ukraine’s air defence counter against Russia’s missile. According to the report, five areas in Ukraine were targeted by Russia using Kinzhal missiles considered the hardest conventional missile. No details were reported on the casualty, damage, and number of missiles countered.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 13 January, Russia’s defence ministry claimed on launching a major air strike on Ukraine’s military industry facilities. According to the claim, long-range high-precision weapons including Kinzhal hypersonic and drones were used in the attack. It claimed on attacking the Ukrainian facilities which produced 155mm, 152mm, and 125mm shells used in tanks and artillery. The ministry claimed successful of the strike and no exact number of targets were disclosed.
On 13 January, RT reported on Russia’s continued progress in maintaining its foreign currency reserves. According to the report, as of 05 January, the reserve stood at USD 598.5 billion and Russia’s international reserves were observed to be “highly liquid foreign assets.” These include, “foreign currencies, special drawing rights with the IMF and monetary gold.” Russia claims on half of its reserve frozen by the western central banks and continues to warn against the move.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 14 January, the UK Ministry of Defence reported on the war impact on healthcare of the Russians. In its latest intelligence report, the ministry referred to the Russian media on shortage in medical products, antibiotics, and challenges in accessing hospital services. In the update: “The government is also being forced to reduce the civilian health estate nationwide due to a lack of clinical staff and financial pressures.”
On 14 January, following the Davos conference, Ignazio Cassis, Swiss Federal Councillor called China’s role to be crucial in ending the war in Ukraine. He said: “We must find ways to work with China on this.” Although China did not attend the meeting in Davos, Cassis stressed on the participation of the BRICS alliance to create a “collective movement” to influence China and Russia’s role. On the same, Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian president's chief of staff called the meeting as “good sign” indicating the growing support for the proposed peace plan of Zelenskyy. Yermak said: “Countries from the Global South are increasingly getting involved in our work. It shows understanding that this European conflict is, in fact, a challenge for all humanity.”
On 14 January, in a meeting between Germany and France’s Foreign ministers, Annalena Baerbock and Stephane Sejourne long term support for Ukraine and assertion of Franco-Germany relations was discussed. Sejourne highlighted the presence of a full agreement to support Ukraine and importance of the relations in the current times. He also acknowledged the differences existed in the relations of both countries but added he assured the ties to be stronger to discuss and find solutions.
References
“Russia piling up forex reserves,” RT, 13 January 2024
“Russia launches hypersonic missiles at Ukrainian targets – MOD,” RT, 13 January 2024
Caroline Davies, “Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 690,” The Guardian, 14 January 2024
“Ukraine updates: Kyiv pushes Ukraine peace plan in Davos,” Deutsche Welle, 14 January 2024
“UK Intelligence says Russians feel impact of war on healthcare,” Ukrainska Pravda, 14 January 2024
Victoria Waldersee, “Ukraine says China needed for peace process after Davos meeting,” Swiss info, 14 January 2024