Photo : Russian Foreign Ministry via EPA-EFE
Photo : Russian Foreign Ministry via EPA-EFE
By Neha Tresa George
WAR ON GROUND
On 05 December, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the UN and Red Cross for not providing sufficient aid for Ukrainian captives in Russia which includes children. Ukraine claims that there were thousands of captured Ukrainian civilians in Russia. According to Zelenskyy, around six mayors and community leaders were held captive in Russia. He said that the world was not paying much attention to the Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia. This comes as the Human Rights conference is held in Ukraine. Recently, the death of the mayor of the southern Ukrainian town of Dniprorudne, Yevgen Matveyev and Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna were held captive in Russia. In 2023, the ICC also launched an arrest warrant against Putin and his children’s rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova on allegations of illegally deporting Ukrainian children.
MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 06 December, the South China Morning Post reported on the statements of Sergei Lavrov in an interview broadcast. He said that Russia would go to any end to prevent their “strategic defeat.” This was on the Oreshnik hypersonic missile used by Russia against Ukraine. He said: “The US and the allies of the US, who also provide these long-range weapons to the Kyiv regime – they must understand that we would be ready to use any means not to allow them to succeed in what they call a strategic defeat of Russia.” He added that unlike the West, Russia fought for their security interests. He referred to Zelenskyy’s peace and victory plan as “pointless.” He also said that Ukraine had lost its chance to maintain its territorial integrity as it failed to accept Russia’s peace proposals.
On 05 December, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation reported on the phone call held between Russia’s Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov and Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Q Brown Jr. According to the ministry, the conversation revolved around the missile exercises in the Mediterranean Sea. In a joint statement: “During the conversation, the US side was informed about the exercises in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea by the Russian Navy and Aerospace Forces groupings, involving live-fire drills and launches of high-precision missiles.”
On 05 December, Anadolu Agency reported on the statements of Sergei Lavrov on Russia’s future relations with the West. He said that if the proposals from the West resonated with Moscow’s interests, they would consider normalising relations with them. He condemned the US for indirectly targeting Russia through Ukraine, citing Washington’s unkept promises of not promoting NATO. He also warned against the remarks made by European countries on sending their troops to Ukraine. He accused them of not paying attention to the warnings made by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin over the dangerous consequences. This was because there were speculations on any deployment of Western troops in Ukraine. Recently, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that there were no “red lines” on France’s support for Ukraine.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and the Europe
On 05 December, The Kyiv Independent reported on the statements of Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Russia’s presence in the Baltic Sea. According to him, Russia has increased its naval and civilian presence in the Baltic Sea. These comments came after the alleged Russian firing at a German military helicopter. Pistorius also pointed out the presence of the Chinese fleet in the Sea. He said: “This demonstrates the strategic importance of the Baltic Sea for many, especially for Russia and China, including circumventing sanctions.”
On 05 December, France24 reported that Russia has called for the closure of the Polish consulate in St Petersburg. This move was in retaliation to Poland’s closure of the Russian consulate in Poznan in October 2024 over claims of “sabotage attempts” in the country and its allies. In a statement by Russia’s Foreign Ministry: “Guided by the principle of reciprocity, three diplomatic staff members of the consulate general of the Republic of Poland in Saint Petersburg have been declared persona non grata.” It ordered for the consulate to be closed on 10 January 2025. In response, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski warned to close all the Russian consulates in his country. He also referred to Russia’s acts as “Terrorism.”
References
“Russia increasing presence, provocations in Baltic Sea, German minister says,” The Kyiv Independent, 06 December 2024
“Russia’s top general speaks with US counterpart – MOD,” RT, 05 December 2024
“Russia says normalization with West to be considered if Moscow's interests taken into account,” Anadolu Agency, 05 December 2024
“Russia’s Lavrov clashes with Blinken at OSCE meeting,” Al Jazeera, 05 December 2024
“Lavrov signals Russia’s readiness to use ‘any means’ in Ukraine conflict,” SCMP, 06 December 2024
“Zelensky chides lack of Red Cross, UN help for captive Ukrainians,” The Straits Times, 05 December 2024
“Russia says West ignoring warnings over sending troops to Ukraine,” The News, 06 December 2024