Photo : RTT News
Photo : RTT News
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 12 November, in his daily address, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on Russia sending 50,000 troops to Kursk Oblast. According to the report in Deutsche Welle, only 11,000 troops were observed to be in the border region. Zelenskyy claimed continued defence by Ukrainian forces against the 50,000. Another report in the New York Times stated that Russia was not in a position to draw its troops into Kursk instead has used North Korean soldiers into Kursk.
On 12 November, the Ukrainian Defence Ministry reported that 700 Ukrainians residing in Europe plan to join the Ukrainian Legion. In early September, Ukraine announced the opening a “first recruitment office” in Poland to encourage Ukrainians living to join the legion. According to the ministry, the Ukrainian consulate held signing of the contracts to make citizens living abroad to serve in the legion. However, no details have been given on how many volunteered to undergo military training in the Polish army base.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 12 November, Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported on a Ukrainian drone attack in Oskol City located in Belgorod Oblast. According to him, the rescue workers were able to control the fire which resulted from the drone attack. The Russian military reported close to 13 drone attacks near the border zones with nine, especially in Belgorod.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 12 November, former Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas was questioned by EU’s parliamentarians ahead of the appointment to the European Commission. She called for “European unity” at the front of “global turmoil.” She indicated the necessity of the EU to support Ukraine as it continues to fight Russia. She also stated that Europe and the US could not be idle while Russia, North Korea and Iran cooperate over munitions. Kallas said: “We have to make the decisions now, when we are in peace times, to be ready when the situation comes.”
On 12 November, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced his visit to Brussels to meet leaders from NATO and the EU to discuss continuing support to Ukraine. He is expected to talk on ways to boost support for Ukraine. This comes as Donald Trump made earlier statements on curtailing US military assistance.
On 12 November, the EU Parliament announced hosting Zelenskyy marking 1,000 days of war in Ukraine. The plenary session will be held on 19 November which will include a special address by Zelenskyy. On the same EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “Proud to announce a European Parliament extraordinary Plenary Session on Tuesday 19 November, to mark 1000 days of the bravery and courage of the people of Ukraine.”
On the same day, NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte called on the Western allies to increase their support to Ukraine in the Russian invasion. On North Korean troops joining, he stressed raising more support for Ukraine to balance the authoritarian help received by Russia. He also vowed to promote Europe, North America and global partners' unity to keep the alliance strong. He raised concern over Russia working with Iran, North Korea and China which has created a threat to Europe’s peace and security. This comes as he held a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. On the same, Macron said: “Nothing should be decided about Ukraine without the Ukrainians nor about Europe without the Europeans.”