Photo : Yoruk Isik/Reuters/CNN
Photo : Yoruk Isik/Reuters/CNN
By Rosemary Kurian
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 14 February, Financial Times reported on Ukraine military claims on destroying a Russian Ropucha-class landing vessel in the Black Sea. According to the report, the Cesar Kunikov, a 113 m long vessel housing a crew of 90, was struck by Ukraine’s V5 sea attack drones in the south coast of Crimea, a region occupied by Russia since 2014. It marks the latest effort by Ukraine in destroying the Russian blockade of the Black Sea. Ukrainian exports have resumed especially from the southern ports of the Black Sea, despite attacks on port facilities via Russian attack drones.
On 14 February, The Kyiv Independent reported on Oleh Syniehubov, the Governor of Kharkiv Oblast, report on Russian forces missile attack in the Velykyi Burluk village. According to the report, around 80 kilometres east of Kharkiv, injuring at least seven people. The Governor stated that S-300 anti-air missiles were most likely used to carry out the attack that hit two residential buildings. Several people remain trapped under the building rubble.
On 14 February, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s commander-in-chief and Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s Defence Minister, visited the front-line positions near Avdiivka and Kupiansk to meet with the units defending the areas. Syrskyi noted the numerical advantage of the Russians along with their use of aerial bombs and heavy mortar and artillery firing against Ukrainian targets, suggesting the operation to be “extremely complex and stressful.” Umerov assessed the resources with the military in order to strengthen Ukrainian capabilities and prepare “a coordinated repulse of the enemy.”
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 14 February, RT reported on Dmitry Peskov, Press Secretary for the Russian President Vladimir Putin refute over the reports by Reuters claiming the proposition by Putin towards a ceasefire with Ukraine via the US. in his interview with Tucker Carlson, Putin had earlier stated that Russia had continued contacts “through various (American) agencies.” He further stated that an end to war can only be brought once weapon supply to Ukraine is halted. The report highlighted Putin’s claims on Russia is willing to negotiate with Ukraine provided Zelensky cancels the anti-negotiation decree with Russia.
On 14 February, Novaya Gazeta reported on a new legislation allowing the government to confiscate “money, valuables, and other assets” belonging to individuals who get convicted for “spreading false information about the Russian army.” This is an extension of a previous law used to imprison critics of the war, imposed after the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. On 22 January, the Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, passed the bill against “scoundrels and criminals” for the “safety of the Russian Federation.”
On 14 February, Novaya Gazeta reported on St Petersburg court sentence to Zhumagul Kurbanova, a 66-year-old woman, to 10 years in prison for setting fire to a military enlistment office. It was one of 28 incidents in Russia where pensioners were blackmailed into the deed by unknown individuals. Kurbanova was sentenced to serve in a ‘penal colony’ with payment of damages worth EUR 929 (RUB 91,965). The unknown scammers stole her savings and offered her RUB 50,000 in return for setting fire to the establishment. The Russian government accused the Ukrainian intelligence for the attacks.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 14 February, Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO Secretary General, announced NATO’s defence spending, noting an “unprecedented rise” in the defence contribution of its allies in Europe and Canada. He stated that the allies have added more than USD 600 billion since the 2014 Defence Investment Pledge, with an 11 per cent increase in defence spending in 2023. Stoltenberg expects NATO’s 18 allies to spend at least two per cent of their GDP towards defence in 2024, which have been met only by three.
On 14 February, Ministers of the NATO countries are set to discuss in the US-led Ukraine Defence Contact Group on increasing the production of ammunition (NATO has already set contracts worth USD 10 billion) and boosting NATO’s new defence plans. Ahead of the meet Stoltenberg welcomed the EU package aid for Ukraine. Defence ministers are expected to discuss on strengthening NATO’s deterrence, defence and Ukraine’s on ground needs.
References
Ben Hall, “Ukraine says it has destroyed Russian ship in Black Sea,” Financial Times, 14 February 2024
Martin Fornusek, “Russia launches missile attack against Kharkiv Oblast village, injures 7 civilians,” The Kyiv Independent, 14 February 2024
Burc Eruygur, “Ukraine’s military leadership visits front-line positions,” Anadolu Agency, 14 February 2024
“Kremlin responds to report Putin offered to freeze Ukraine conflict,” RT, 14 February 2024
“Putin signs law allowing seizure of property for ‘spreading false information’ about military,” Novaya Gazeta, 14 January 2024
“St. Petersburg pensioner sentenced to 10 years in jail for arson attack on military recruitment office,” Novaya Gazeta, 14 February 2024
“Secretary General welcomes unprecedented rise in NATO defence spending,” NATO, 14 February 2024
“NATO Defence Ministers to address defence spending, ammunition production, support to Ukraine,” NATO, 14 February 2024