Photo : Gabriel Bouys/AFP
Photo : Gabriel Bouys/AFP
By Neha Tresa George and Padmashree Anandhan
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 18 December, RT reported on the “counter-sabotage operation” carried out by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) in a government quarter in Ukraine. In collaboration with other law enforcement agencies such as the civilian National Police and military police the operation was carried out. According to SBU, the operation aimed to “Check the counter-sabotage protection of the area and the safety of people eligible to state-level security.” The officers checked the building for restricted items. The SBU asked citizens to be cooperative, prepare themselves for any inconveniences and to carry identification documents with them. However, it was not evident whether the operation resulted in any practical results. The operation which came a day after the assassination of the Russian General aimed to strengthen the security of Ukraine’s primary leaders.
On 18 December, RT reported on starting of a criminal investigation by Investigative Committee of Russia on Brazilian national Lucas Ribeiro de Jesus for fighting as a mercenary along with the Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region. In a statement: “He is suspected of being a mercenary and carrying out a terrorist attack in Kursk Region.” He was also condemned for torturing and killing two Russian Prisoners of War (POWs). The Investigative Committee said that De Jesus illegally crossed the Russian border along with Ukrainian troops. They are taking further steps to monitor and locate his accomplices.
On 18 December, RT reported on the statements of the Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov on the peace talks brokered by the upcoming US President Donald Trump. He said that the Kremlin has not received any information from the team of Trump on possible negotiations with Ukraine. Trump had promised to negotiate a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia during his campaigns. According to Western media sources like Reuters, retired Lt Gen Keith Kellogg, named by Trump as the special envoy for Ukraine and Russia would visit Europe and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Bloomberg said that Kellogg would be travelling to Russia after he visits Ukraine. However, his plan was not finalised yet. His agency also commented that he had no plans to visit Moscow yet. Several media reports informed that the main aim of the visit was “fact-finding” and not “active negotiations.” Kellogg is expected to be one of the key figures in formulating peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 18 December, in a press conference, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte ahead of the meeting with European leaders and Zelenskyy in Brussels provided remarks on what the discussion would focus on. According to him, the meeting will focus on all aspects and to ensure that the maximum is given to strengthen Ukraine on the ground. The second would be on Ukraine’s economy and what a peace deal can contain. However, the aim would be deter Russia from winning. On the question of membership, Rutte said that Ukraine was decided to become a NATO member in 2008 and under former leader Jens Stoltenberg it became an irreversible path. He added that such discussions helped increase the bilateral security agreements between Lithuania and Ukraine. He also cited the example of a joint agency in Poland which traces lessons to be learnt from Ukraine and highlighted the pledge of EUR 40 billion as military support to Ukraine. On the ground, Rutte observed that there was movement in the front line from east to west which is not seen as positive but stated that Russia can do with the heavy cost of the death of soldiers. He assured that NATO working on everything to help strengthen Ukraine’s position and that would be the priority.
On the NATO countries taking 10 years to reach two per cent of defence spending target, a question was posed how the NATO members would reach the latest target at this slow pace. Rutte responded stating two per cent pledge and maintaining the same would be safe at present but in the next five years it would be difficult and that demands for a quick decision and discussion on identifying what is needed. He stressed on ramping up the defence production.
On 18 December, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola addressed the EU and Western Balkans leaders in Brussels emphasising the importance of EU enlargement. He called for the members for an active and faster enlargement of the EU by integrating members, especially the Balkan regions. She noted the increasing geopolitical tensions in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine and urged for “real progress.” She highlighted that enlargement based on a merit-based approach had been the strongest tool for the EU. She urged the EU members to invest in the Balkan states and thus help them in opening a European Parliament representation in the region. She also encouraged the implementation of reforms in the Balkan states. He asked the countries to make use of the Growth Plan to revamp their economies and resolve bilateral disputes.
On 18 December, The New York Times reported on the meeting held between Mark Rutte, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders in Brussels to discuss the present situation of war. Rutte talked about convincing Russia’s President Vladimir Putin that he has nothing to gain in Ukraine and called for increased support for Ukraine. He called for strengthening air defences and increased weapons delivery for Ukraine and noted Zelenskyy’s request for 19 air defence systems for protection. Along with Rutte, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Poland’s President Andrzej Duda were also set to attend the meeting. The meeting would also focus on Europe’s aid to Ukraine and prepare it for a ceasefire in the future.
References
“Ukrainian security services raid government quarter,” RT, 18 December 2024
“Russia launches criminal probe into Brazilian mercenary fighting for Ukraine – media,” RT, 18 December 2024
“Kremlin comments on possible Ukraine ceasefire talks with Trump,” RT, 18 December 2024
“Press conference by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte with Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania,” NATO, 18 December 2024
“Zelensky Meets With European Leaders to Discuss Ukraine’s Future,” The New York Times, 18 December 2024
“Metsola at the EU-Western Balkans summit: “It is time to grow,” Europarl, 18 December 2024
“Peacekeeping forces deployment in Ukraine unlikely in the near future, official says,” RBC UKRAINE, 18 December 2024