Photo : Russian defence ministry press service handout/EPA
Photo : Russian defence ministry press service handout/EPA
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 21 November, Ukraine’s military reported on an intercontinental ballistic missile attack by Russia. The missiles were observed to be launched from Russia’s southern Astrakhan region as per the report from the Ukrainian air force. However, Ukraine is yet to reveal the impact of the missile attack.
On 21 November, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack by Russia using a hypersonic missile. He called it a “clear and severe escalation.” Highlighting the attack, he said that Russia had “no interest in peace…Putin is not only prolonging the war, he is spitting in the face of those in the world who genuinely want peace to be restored.” He recalled for worldwide condemnation of Russia’s action.
On 21 November, Deutsche Welle reported on Ukrainian forces coming under pressure as Russia was observed to be making steady gains.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 21 November, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia had used a new type of hypersonic missile called “Oreshnik.” He mentioned that the attack was in response to the US and the UK’s long-range weapons grant to Ukraine. He also detailed the testing of a new ballistic missile and highlighted it being launched from a “nuclear-free hypersonic equipment.” On the same day, Russian President Press Secretary, Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia's National Center for the Reduction of Nuclear Danger had sent a message to the US 30 minutes ahead of the launch. The same was also confirmed by Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh.
On 21 November, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed that Russian forces intercepted two UK-made Storm Shadow missiles. In a statement: "The air defence forces shot down two British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles, six US-made HIMARS reactive missiles and 67 drones."
On 21 November, Russia’s Foreign Ministry called the opening of the US ballistic missile base in Poland to be a “provocative step,” triggering a nuclear threat for Moscow. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova said: “This is another frankly provocative step in a series of deeply destabilizing actions by the Americans and their allies in the North Atlantic Alliance in the strategic sphere.” She warned over increasing nuclear danger and “undermining of strategic stability.” In response, the Poland government said that there were no nuclear weapons present at the base and it was only for defence. According to Poland’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pawel Wronski: “Such threats will certainly serve as an argument to strengthen Poland's and NATO's air defenses, and should also be considered by the United States.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 21 November, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced sanctions on Russia’s third-largest bank. The Gazprombank along with six foreign subsidiaries were imposed sanctions in an attempt to reduce Russian military efforts. According to Yellen: “…will make it harder for the Kremlin to evade US sanctions and fund and equip its military.” On the same, the US Treasury Department said that more than 50 internationally connected Russian banks, 40 Russian security registrars and 15 Russian finance officials will also be subject to sanctions.
References
Ralph Martin, “Ukraine losing ground to relentless Russian attacks,” Deutsche Welle, 21 November 2024
“Ukraine updates: Putin says 'medium-range' missile tested,” Deutsche Welle, 21 November 2024
“Putin says Russia launched a new missile in Ukraine. Here’s what we know,” CNN World, 21 November 2024
Kevin Shalvey, Patrick Reevell, Luis Martinez, and Molly Nagle, “Russia launches new IRBM at Ukraine, Zelenskyy says Putin is 'terrified',” ABCNews, 21 November 2024
Evelyn Ann-Marie Dom, “Russia says it shot down two British-made long-range missiles fired from Ukraine,” 21 November 2024
“Treasury Sanctions Gazprombank and Takes Additional Steps to Curtail Russia’s Use of the International Financial System,” US Departmentnt of Treasury, 21 November 2024