Photo : REUTERS/Marton Monus
Photo : REUTERS/Marton Monus
War in Ukraine: Day 733
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 26 February, Ukraine’s Armed Forces confirmed on full withdrawal from Lastochkyne, a village five kilometres from Avdiivka. The move is observed as a proactive step to form defence over Orlivka-Tonenke-Berdychi axis and deter Russia from advancing in the west direction.
On 26 February, Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights reported on killing of seven Ukrainians by Russian troops. Those who surrendered as prisoners near Bakhmut were killed on 24 February and he also added on establishment of a Russian military unit which is suspected to have carried out the killing.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 26 February, Denis Pushlin, Russia appointed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) head declared complete occupation of the Avdiivka in Donbas. He confirmed on withdrawal of Ukrainian troops and assured of no danger in the town. Russia’s defence ministry officers claim on capturing close to 200 Ukrainians during the clearance process. On the same, Russia’s defence ministry announced the capture of Lastochkyne after an intense combat. It also reported on increasing efforts of Ukraine to defend its frontline and launch counterattacks. According to the report in RT, capture of the village is intended to establish a defence line between Orlovka, Tonenkoye and Berdychi villages.
On 26 February, Anton Siluanov, Russia’s Finance Minister issued statement on changing economic landscape of developing countries. Indicating the superseding growth of developing economies over G7 countries, he stated that “The world is undergoing a global economic shift.” On the same, he added Russia’s growth in GDP (3.6 per cent), industrial production (3.5 per cent) and household incomes (5.4 per cent).
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 26 February, Hungary’s parliament passed vote in favour of Sweden to join NATO with a ratio of 188:6. One of the last members to give clearance, making it the 32nd member of NATO. The addition would mean stronger NATO in the Nordic, and Baltic Sea. Following the vote, Ulf Kristersson, Sweden’s Prime Minister said: “The parliaments of all NATO member states have now voted in favour of Swedish accession to NATO.” On the same, Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General said: “Sweden’s membership will make us all stronger and safer.” The deal between Hungary and Sweden on providing of Swedish-built fighter jets was an addition to convince Hungary.
On 26 February, following the conference in Elysee palace, Emmanuel Macron, France’s President reflected on growing aggressiveness of Russia and its position on ground. While the aid from the US delays, “no consensus” was reached in sending western troops to Ukraine. He called for full support to prevent Russia from winning. He announced for formation of a coalition to support Ukraine with missiles and bombs from medium to long range. During the meeting, Zelenskyy called the West to not let Putin expand his aggression. He also criticised the EU for supplying only 30 per cent of the shells of the total pledged.
On 26 February, Olaf Scholz, Germany’s Chancellor commented on sending of the Taurus missiles to Ukraine. Scholz ruled out the chances of long-range Taurus sent to Ukraine as it requires German personnel. Ukraine has long-demanded for the missiles to strike with precision but Germany continues to resist. This has led to a tussle between the eastern and western European countries on ensuring military support to Ukraine risking the regional integration.
References
“Ombudsman: Russian troops executed at least 7 Ukrainian POWs near Bakhmut,” The Kyiv Independent, 25 February 2024
Burc Eruygur, “Ukrainian troops completely withdraw from village in Donetsk region,’ Anadolu Agency, 26 February 2024
“Major shifts happening in global economy – Russia’s finance minister,” RT, 26 February 2024
“Avdeevka is cleared – DPR head,” RT, 26 February 2024
“Russian military makes new gains in Donbass,” RT, 26 February 2024
Emily Rauhala, “Hungary approves Sweden’s NATO bid, unblocking historic expansion, The Washington Post, 26 February 2024
“Macron not ruling out Western troops on the ground in Ukraine,” France24, 26 February 2024
Arne Delfs, “Scholz Closes Door on Sending Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine,” Bloomberg, 26 February 2024