Photo : Brendan Hoffman for The New York Times
Photo : Brendan Hoffman for The New York Times
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 11 November, military experts in Ukraine warned of probable disaster in Donetsk as Ukrainian forces face the threat of being taken over by Russian troops after causing severe damage to the Kurakhove Dam. Regional Governor Vadym Filashkin said: “We continue to monitor the water level in the river and are prepared for any developments.” In June 2023, on the Kakhovka Dam destruction, several were killed despite intense fighting in southern Ukraine.
On 11 November, Ukrainian military commander General Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on Russian troops making advances in Kursk Oblast in the areas controlled by Ukraine. He confirmed the accumulation of thousands of Russian soldiers in Ukraine’s borders and their attempts to take control.
On 11 November, the Ukrainian Air Force announced a high alert following the reports of a bomber sorties launched from a Russian territory. According to the report in Deutsche Welle this was the first time such a large number was targeted on parts of Kyiv resulting in power cuts, and residential buildings damaged. According to the Air Force: “The air alert is related to the launch of cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers.”
On 11 November, governors of the Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia reported on Russian air strikes. Following the strikes, five were reported dead and 19 injured. Apart from the casualty, residential buildings were destroyed. Both oblasts witnessed drone and air attacks resulting in the announcement of air raids.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 11 November, RT reported on Ukraine’s choice of directing its military sources into Kursk rather than strengthening its positions in Donetsk. According to the report, the servicemen fighting in Kursk Oblast mentioned that there were a few shortages in weapons and equipment however no issues at the personnel level. Ukraine has two “regiments” till now in Kursk Oblast and holds assault brigades and equipment such as German Leopard and American Abrams tanks. It has come under criticism on usage of elite forces in Kursk battle by military experts.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 11 November, in an address, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned Russia to not take advantage of change in the US's political atmosphere. Donald Trump’s re-election as president has added pressure across the EU member states to pledge continued support for Ukraine. She highlighted increasing the long-term defence funding and stated the two per cent benchmark of NATO would “no longer enough.” She stressed quick transition as spring nears as Trump’s support to Ukraine remains “ominous.” She added: “We now need, in addition to the measures at the European level, more financial resources in the [German] budget.” Baerbock also cited the recent drone attacks as “deliberate attacks” and the “new dimension” in the war making it a mandate to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences.
On 11 November, Donald Trump who recently won the US elections, held a call with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on ending the war in Ukraine. The report was published in the Washington Post, indicating Trump’s willingness to have more conversations on the “resolution” of the war. However, Russia denied reports of the phone call.
References
“Ukraine updates: Russian strikes kill 5 in southern regions,” Deutsche Welle, 11 November 2024
“Russia hits Ukraine: Damaged dam, rising casualties spark alarm,” Daily Sabah, 11 November 2024
Tom Balmforth and Yuliia Dysa, “Ukraine rushes to reinforce east as pressure mounts in south and Russia’s Kursk,” Swissinfo, 12 November 2024
“Ukraine prioritizes holding Russian land over its own defense – media,” RT, 11 November 2024
“Ukraine issues air alerts after Russian strikes kill six,” Jordan Times, 11 November 2024
RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Dmytro Sheremet, “Russian Strikes On Ukraine's Mykolayiv, Kryviy Rih Leave At Least 5 Dead (Video),” RFERL, 11 November 2024
Kathryn Armstrong, “Russia denies Trump call with Putin urging restraint in Ukraine,” BBC, 11 November 2024