Photo : Macron in an address in western France on 20 January 2025. STEPHANE MAHE/AFP
Photo : Macron in an address in western France on 20 January 2025. STEPHANE MAHE/AFP
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 20 January, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wished US President Donald Trump and called it an opportunity to win a just peace for Ukraine. He said that Trump’s decisiveness and “policy through-strength policy” approach would help in achieving long-term peace. He stressed on stronger cooperation with the US.
On the same day, one of the North Korean soldiers captured revealed the troops suffering massive losses in Kursk Oblast. According to him, the soldier was transferred from North Korea to Russia with 100 others in a sleeper train and has been conscripted since the age of 17.
On 20 January, Ukraine’s state investigation bureau the DBR reported on detaining two generals and a colonel for being negligent to defend against the offensive in Kharkiv in 2024. This includes, former chief commander, former commander of a brigade and former commander of an infantry battalion. According to the bureau, Russia’s assault in May 2024 into Kharkiv and advancing several kilometres and Ukraine was able to halt only after Russia had advanced 25 kilometres on the edge of Kharkiv.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 20 January, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin sent wishes for Trump and stated his intention for a dialogue. He said: “I want to emphasise that its goal should not be a brief truce … but a lasting peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people.”
On 20 January, Russia’s Finance Ministry reported on a budget deficit which was more than RUB three trillion in 2024. According to the ministry, both spending and revenue are on the rise as it spends high into war in Ukraine. This means a narrow fall in the GDP per cent to 1.7 per cent from 1.9 per cent in 2023 and was massively broader than Russia’s initial plans for a deficit of 0.9 per cent. Although this excludes revenues from oil and gas with a widened deficit to 7.3 per cent from 7 per cent in 2023.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 20 January, Trump after his inauguration criticised Putin for “Destroying Russia” by not proposing a deal to end the war. He said: “He should make a deal … I think Russia’s going to be in big trouble.”
On the same day, France’s President, Emmanuel Macron warned over the war between Russia and Ukraine not ending any sooner. This comes as Trump’s exaggerated statement on ending the war within 24 hours of his presidency which has now changed to giving a larger time frame to end the war. Macron also mentioned the change in US leadership as a “wake up call” for Europe to increase its defence spending and reduce dependency on the US. He mentioned scenarios such as US withdrawal of warships from the Mediterranean and shifting of fighter jets from the Atlantic to the Pacific indicating the urge for Europe to become independent of US’s military support. He also stressed on Europe playing a critical role in continuing aid for Ukraine.
References:
Warren Murray, “Ukraine war briefing: Putin ‘destroying Russia’ and has to make a deal, says Trump,” The Guardian, 21 January 2025
Veronika Melkozerova, “Trump: Putin is ‘destroying’ Russia,” Politico, 21 January 2025
“World leaders react to Trump's return as US president,” France24, 21 January 2025
“Macron calls on Europe to 'wake up' and spend more on defense as Trump takes office,” Le Monde, 20 January 2025
“North Korean POW Tells Ukrainian Interrogators About Major Troop Losses,” The Moscow Times, 20 January 2025
Darya Korsunskaya and Alexander Marrow, “Russia's budget deficit widens to $34.4 bln after late spending spree,” Reuters, 21 January 2025