Photo : New Year address by President of Ukraine. Source: President.gov.in
Photo : New Year address by President of Ukraine. Source: President.gov.in
By Neha Tresa George
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 31 December, Zelenskyy delivered his New Year’s address by motivating the Ukrainians. He highlighted the army's achievements in the battlefield and how much it has advanced over the years. He talked about the prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine and promised to get back more people. Looking back, he pointed out the Okhmatdyt attack that happened in July and condemned Russia for its attacks on civilians. He further praised the defence industry for strengthening Ukraine's position on the battlefield. He also thanked Ukraine’s Western allies and partners who supported it with military aid and recovery packages. Finally, he promised that all measures would be taken to end the war and establish peace.
On 31 January, The Moscow Times reported on the Ukrainian drone attack, targeting the Yartsevskaya oil depot in western Russia’s Smolensk region. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the explosion led to fire in the fuel storage tanks. Smolensk region Governor Vasily Anokin said that parts of dismantled UAVs caused an oil spill in the depot, causing the fire. He added that emergency services were working on site and there were no dangers to the residential buildings. He also informed that the Russian air defence systems had countered a Ukrainian drone attack in the Yartsevo district. Besides, the Russian Defence Ministry reported on intercepting 68 drones that were fired in an overnight attack.
On 31 December, Anadolu Agency reported on the statements of Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal highlighting the country’s defence spending. According to him, more than half of Ukraine’s state budget was spent on defence. He said: “This year, more than half of state budget expenditures were directed towards defence. Literally, every hryvnia collected within the country.” He further emphasised that both state and private investment had increased Ukraine’s defence capability six-fold. Now, the defence industry equips more than 800 state and private companies. On weapons production, he informed that more than 1000 types of weapons had been approved with 96 per cent output expected from the drone sector. He added that the primary expenditures of Ukraine were funded and USD 41.7 billion in foreign aid was received from partners.
On 31 December, France24 reported on the Russian aerial attack in Kyiv. Ukraine’s air force detected a ballistic missile threat which was followed by explosions in Kyiv. The resulting debris fell in the Darnytskyi district of Kyiv. However, there were no reports of any damage or casualties. Shostka in the northeastern Sumy region also saw attacks that led to the damage of 12 residential buildings along with two educational facilities. According to the region’s mayor Mykola Noha, there was damage to “social infrastructure objects.” However, no further details were provided.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 31 December, Russia’s Defence Ministry reported on the attacks targeting a Ukrainian military airfield and an arms production facility. Its statement read: “Russian forces conducted a group strike using high-precision weapons and combat drones on the infrastructure of a military airfield and a defense industry facility producing propellant charges.” The ministry further said that its goals were achieved in the attack. While Russia did not mention the exact location of the attacks, Ukrainian media and Russian telegram channels claimed that the targeted areas were Vasilkov airfield near Kyiv and a military production facility in the city of Shostka in the Sumy Region. However, the extent of the damage caused was unclear.
On 31 December, RT reported on the statements of the Russian embassy in the US, condemning President Joe Biden’s announcement of the new military package to Ukraine. The embassy referred to the package as a “bloodstained gift” and accused Ukraine of prolonging the conflict. The statement read: “Washington hopes that this bloodstained gift to Zelensky will symbolize a chance for the Kyiv junta to provide ‘worthy’ resistance to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.” The embassy also urged Ukrainians and Americans to understand the dangerous consequences of western involvement in the war. The new package was worth USD 2.5 billion. It was one of the last packages from Biden as his term is bound to end by January 2025.
On 31 January, The Moscow Times reported on Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s New Year’s address. The upcoming marks 25 years of Putin in power in Russia. He acclaimed the country’s achievements and developments so far. He also praised Russian soldiers who were fighting the war with Ukraine. He said: “On this New Year's Eve, the thoughts, hopes of relatives and friends, millions of people across Russia are together with our fighters and commanders.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 30 December, CBS NEWS reported on the investigation carried out in connection to the Baltic Sea power cable sabotage. According to the Finnish investigators, an anchor drag mark was found on the seabed. The mark was alleged to be from a Russian vessel Eagle 2, supposedly a part of Russia’s shadow fleet. Finnish police chief investigator, Sami Paila said that the trail went on for “almost a hundred kilometres.” He said: “Our current understanding is that the drag mark in question is that of the anchor of the Eagle S vessel. We have been able to clarify this matter through underwater research.” He added that they got preliminary data on what happened and that the intent of the attack would only be clear as the investigation would proceed. No further details were provided.
On 01 January, Euronews reported on the expired Russia-Ukraine transit deal that barred the inflow of Russian fuel to the EU. Ukraine’s gas transit operator said that Russia had not proposed any gas flows through Ukraine for 01 January. The decision came after Zelenskyy disapproved of the continuation of the bill. He said that the move aimed to end the “additional billions” earned by Russia on “Ukrainian blood.” It marks the end of the deal which was signed in 2019. Although the EU is pushing for more measures to reduce oil exports from Russia, energy costs have risen. It has also decreased their industrial competitiveness in comparison to the US and China. Austria, Slovakia and Moldova were the top countries likely to be affected the most. Moreover, the Russian fuel supplier Gazprom recorded a USD seven billion loss for the first time in two and a half decades. Ukraine is also set to lose the annual transit fees which was around USD one billion in annual fees. As alternative methods, Brussels had laid out some suggestions like filling the gap through supplies from Greece, Turkey and Romania through the Trans-Balkan route. They were also considering fuel imports from Germany via Poland. However, these plans needed additional infrastructure and logistics.
References
Russia strikes Ukrainian military airfield – MOD,” RT, 31 December 2024
“Moscow slams Biden’s ‘bloodstained gift’ to Zelensky,” RT, 31 December 2024
“Vladimir Putin Hails Achievements in New Year’s Speech Marking 25 Years in Power,” The Moscow Times, 31 December 2024
“Ukrainian Drone Attack Sparks Oil Depot Fire in Smolensk Region, Governor Says,” The Moscow Times, 31 December 2024
“Ukrainian premier says ‘more than half’ of 2024 state budget spent on defense,” Anadolu Agency, 31 December 2024
“New Year's Greetings from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 31 December 2024
“Russia to end gas supply to Europe via Ukraine as five-year transit deal expires,” Euronews, 01 January 2025
“Barrage of Russian missiles and drones hits targets in Kyiv and across Ukraine,” France24, 31 December 2024
“Finland police say Russia-linked ship held in severed cables probe may have dragged anchor for 60 miles,” CBS NEWS, 30 December 2024