Photo : Site of explosion in Taganrog in 2023 Source: Rostov-on-Don region Governor Vsiliy Golubev/AP
Photo : Site of explosion in Taganrog in 2023 Source: Rostov-on-Don region Governor Vsiliy Golubev/AP
By Neha Tresa George
WAR ON GROUND
On 09 December, the BBC reported on Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s estimates on the number of Ukrainian soldiers killed in the war. According to him, around 43000 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, and another 370,000 injuries were recorded since 2022. For the Russian side, he claimed that 198,000 Russian soldiers had been killed and a further 550,000 injured. None of the estimates could be verified. The new estimate points out the increase in the number of deaths in Ukraine, compared to Zelenskyy’s last estimate of 31,000. This number was similar to the calculation provided by the Western Officials who claimed that Russia suffered almost 800000 casualties.
On 09 December, the Independent.co.uk reported on Zelenskyy welcoming Western troops in Ukraine to ensure security. He said: “A troop contingent from one country or another could be present in Ukraine for as long as it isn’t part of NATO.” He added that there should be a clear understanding of when Ukraine would be accepted into the EU and NATO. The statement comes against a meeting with Germany’s opposition leader, Friedrich Merz, in Kyiv. Responding to Merz’s emphasis on making Ukraine stronger and capable of negotiating, Zelenskyy said that Putin chose not to end the war.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 11 December, RT reported on the Ukrainian attack in the southern Russian port city of Taganrog. According to the Rostov regional governor Yuri Slyusar, the missile attack destroyed an industrial site. Initial reports indicated that none were harmed. Taganrog, with a population of 242,000, is on the coast of the Sea of Azov and belongs to the Rostov region. The region has been frequently affected by missiles and drones.
On 10 December, RT reported on the statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin on the new Oreshnik missiles. Putin said that the new Oreshnik missile system would reduce the need to use nuclear weapons. He aimed to improve the new missile system rather than Russia’s nuclear doctrine. He said: “What we need now is not to improve the nuclear doctrine, but the Oreshnik, because, if you look at it, a sufficient number of these modern systems… simply put us on the brink of virtually no need to use nuclear weapons.” Putin has also argued that the Western supplied long-range weapons could escalate and “change the nature” of the war.
On 10 December, RT reported on the details by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on the Oreshnik missiles deployed in Belarus. He said that the missiles would have Russian-supplied missiles with locally made launchers. He further said the plan will be executed in the second half 2025. His statements came after Belarus and Russia signed a security treaty that proposed the deployment of Russia’s Oreshnik missiles in Belarus. Lukashenko argues that these missiles would provide the country with additional security. He said that the missile system is mighty. Further, numerous sites were considered in Belarus for stationing the missiles. Minsk remained responsible for identifying the potential targets for the strikes.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and the Europe
On 09 December, Kyiv Independent reported on the visit of Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal to Ukraine. After replacing Kaja Kallas, this was his first visit to Ukraine as the Prime Minister of Estonia. He said: “Supporting Ukraine to victory will remain Estonia’s priority, we will not make concessions.” He added that Ukraine’s victory would mean a win for the EU, the US, and all the democratic countries.
On 10 December, a joint press conference was held between Zelenskyy and Merz in Kyiv. Zelenskyy said: “Ukraine wants this war to end more than anyone else. No doubt, a diplomatic resolution would save more lives. We do seek it.” Later, his spokesperson Serhiy Nikiforov announced holding a meeting with European partners and the US who would be capable of ensuring Ukraine’s security. The primary aim of this is to formulate a joint agreement on both negotiations and security. Zelenskyy also said that he discussed a “freezing of the lines” in the war when he met Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron. Citing, Macron’s statement on sending European troops to Ukraine, he welcomed it and called for further discussions.
On 09 December, France24 reported the meeting between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Germany’s Opposition leader Friedrich Merz. Zelenskyy urged for more support to Ukraine from the German side, citing its attempts to join NATO and the usage of long-range weapons. He said: “We are counting on stronger, more decisive actions from Germany, from you personally. We are counting on it very much.” Merz, being the leader of the conservative Christian Democratic Union, constantly pressured German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to transfer Taurus missiles to Ukraine. He said that his position on delivering Taurus missiles remained the same. He also said: “The war in Ukraine must end as soon as possible. Only if Ukraine can defend itself will Putin enter into negotiations.”
References
“Ukraine fires missiles at southern Russian city – governor,” RT, 11 December 2024
“Russia has a possible replacement for nuclear weapons – Putin,” RT, 10 December 2024
“Lukashenko reveals details about Oreshniks in Belarus,” RT, 10 December 2024
“Estonian PM arrives in Kyiv to meet Zelensky,” The Kyiv Independent, 09 December 2024
“Zelensky urges ‘stronger' aid from German chancellor candidate Merz,” France24, 09 December 2024
“Zelensky open to idea of Western troops in Ukraine,” Independent, 09 December 2024
“Zelenskyy seeks diplomatic end to Russia’s war, floats role for foreign troops,” Euractiv, 10 December 2024
“43,000 troops killed in war with Russia, Zelensky says,” BBC, 09 December 2024