Photo : Atlantic Council
Photo : Atlantic Council
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 13 November, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on discussing the bilateral defence with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. During the talks, Scholz assured the delivery of IRIS-T air defence systems by 2024. Zelenskyy said: “We agreed on the importance of maintaining the 'Ramstein' format and holding the next meeting of the coordination group.” Scholz affirmed on “unwavering solidarity” of Germany for Ukraine as it nears “1000 days” of war. However, his stance on not providing Taurus missiles stands the same. He refused to send Taurus cruise missiles fearing escalation.
On 13 November, Ukrainian forces reported on countering Russian troops near Kupiansk city in the northeast. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, Russian forces were observed to have struck in four waves and had deployed 15 pieces of equipment. This includes tanks, armoured vehicles and a mine-clearing system. Ukrainian forces claim to have destroyed all armoured vehicles and killed a mass number of personnel. They also observed Russian forces wearing similar uniforms of the Ukraine military which was seen as a war crime. On the same day, the Ukrainian forces also reported on renewed missile attacks by Russia on Kyiv. This involved cruise missiles and ballistic missiles from strategic aircraft.
On 13 November, the Ukrainian Air Defence Force claimed to counter two cruise missiles, two ballistic missiles, 37 drones and 90 which were targeted across Ukraine. According to the report, 47 additional drones were not traceable while two remained in space going towards Russia and Belarus. No casualties were reported in Kyiv however the increased and combined drone and missile attacks are observed to have continued for 70 days till now.
On 13 November, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), claimed to launch an attack on a Russian naval officer in Crimea. A bomb blast was reported earlier by Russia which killed a serviceman in Sevastopol city of Crimea. Russia's Investigative Committee claimed on explosive device being detonated. Whereas Ukraine claimed on killed official to be a “war criminal” responsible for launching missiles from the Black Sea at residents in Ukraine.
On 13 November, South Korea’s spy agency confirmed on the presence of North Koreas troops deployed by Russia in Kursk. According to the agency: “The National Intelligence Service estimates that North Korean troops dispatched to Russia have moved to the Kursk region over the past two weeks.” This comes after the statement by the US State Department. It confirmed also the part of Russian troops deployed in the far west of Russia in the borders with Ukraine to disrupt the incursion by Ukraine.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 13 November, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova warned the West on allowing Ukraine to target deep inside Russia using west-supplied missiles. According to earlier reports, the UK and France are currently in the process of getting permission from the US to allow Ukraine to use storm shadow and scalp cruise missiles. Zakharova said: “If the Kiev regime gets permission for the aforementioned strikes, we will treat it as NATO de-facto entering a direct conflict with Russia.”
On 13 November, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks over the phone. Both discussed issues relating to common interest and Saudi Prince expressed willingness to mediate between Moscow and Kyiv.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 13 November, US President Joe Biden during his meeting with Donald Trump stressed ensuring critical support of the US continued for Ukraine. According to the US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Biden had reinforced the US’s stance for Ukraine as it was also based on its national security interest.
On 13 November, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for a “firm response” following the confirmation of the North Korean troops being deployed in Ukraine. He also highlighted his talks with NATO’s Secretary General on the North Korean forces and the need for a response against the rising geopolitical questions. He also added: “President Biden fully intends to drive through the tape and use every day to continue to do what we have done these last four years, which is strengthen this alliance.”