Photo : twz.com
Photo : twz.com
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 20 November, Bloomberg reported on Ukraine using UK-made Storm Shadow missiles into Russia. As of 2023, the UK had allowed the usage of those missiles only within Ukrainian territory. The UK has followed a pursuit after the US President Joe Biden's approval. The Storm Shadow missiles have a range of 250 kilometres and would aid Ukraine in targeting deep into Russia. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had warned on UK’s supply of Storm Shadow missiles to be considered a direct engagement of NATO.
On 20 November, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the US announcement to send antipersonnel mines to counter Russian attacks. He claimed the landmines to be “very important” to improve Ukraine’s defences and would also mean strengthening the Ukrainian troops. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) condemned the decision highlighting the human loss and injuries such landmines could cause. According to ICBL, in 2023, more than 5,700 were killed or injured from landmines.
On 20 November, South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed North Korea’s shipment of 170-millimetre of self-propelled artillery and long-range 240-millimetre rocket launchers to Russia. It also confirmed on active engagement of 10,900 North Korean troops in Kursk as part of Russian airborne units.
On 20 November, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry in response to the closure of many foreign embassies was reported to be underplaying the Russian attack in Kyiv. In a statement: “We remind you that the threat of strikes by the aggressor state has unfortunately been a daily reality for Ukrainians for over 1,000 days.” On the same say, Ukraine’s military intelligence criticised Russia for its “psychological operation” against citizens over fake bomb warnings in social media.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 20 November, Russian President Press Secretary, Dmitry Peskov denied the claims of destroying the two telecommunications in the Baltic Sea. He said: “It's quite absurd to keep blaming Russia for everything without any grounds.” This comes after European officials reported on the possibility of the cables being sabotaged.
On 20 November, the Russian Defence Ministry reported on Russian forces capturing the village of Illika in Donetsk. The village is located near the Kurakhove reservoir and in recent months, Russia has made gains in eastern Ukraine (Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts).
On 20 November, Russia's foreign intelligence service Head, Sergei Naryshkin warned that the role played by the NATO countries in missile attacks inside Russia would not go “unpunished.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 20 November, a US official reported on the supply of antipersonnel mines to Kyiv to boost its defence. This follows a discussion on US President Joe Biden asking for a commitment from Ukraine to use mines only in areas with sparse populations.
On 20 November, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico released a joint statement to “avoid actions” to deter an arms race in war. The statement comes at the end of the G20 summit in Brazil and the US's approval of Ukraine to fire long-range missiles into Russia. They said: “All parties involved to fulfil their international commitments and to prioritize dialogue and the search for peace in that region.”
On 20 November, UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy announced the UK-Moldova defence and security partnership as Russian aggression intensified. According to Lammy: “Moldova is a vital security partner for the UK, which is why to reinforce their resilience against Russian aggression and to keep British streets safe, I am deepening cooperation on irregular migration and launching a new defense and security partnership.” The pact will aim to boost cooperation and swift deport of illegal migrants staying in the UK.
On 20 November, the US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed the reopening of the US Embassy in Kyiv. According to him, it was closed considering the “safety and security” of the personnel and will open again by 21 November.
References
Hyung-Jin Kim And Kim Tong-Hyung,“North Korea sent more conventional weapons to Russia, South Korea says,” The Associated Press, 20 November 2024
Jaroslav Lukiv and David Willis “Biden agrees to give Ukraine anti-personnel mines,” BBC, 20 November 2024
“Ukraine: Kyiv reportedly fires UK-made missiles into Russia,” Deutsche Welle, , 20 November 2024
“UK signs new agreements on migration, defence & security with Moldova,” GOV.UK, 20 November 2024
“Russia rejects claims of sabotage on undersea cables in Europe as Danish military monitors Chinese ship,” AbcNews, 20 November 2024
“Russia says captured frontline village in east Ukraine,” english.alarabiya.net, 20 November 2024