2023-11-27 13:16:08
The war in ukraine turns 642 days old this Monday. The most recent ISW report reports on Shahed drone strikes by Russian forces in Ukraineand highlights that attacks persist along several lines, such as Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna and areas near Bajmut, Avdiivkaand the border between the oblasts of Donetsk-Zaporiyiawhere he points out Russian advances in the areas.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Olga Stefanishina warns kyiv partners about the risk of war fatiguenoting that Russia could turn its attention towards other European borders.
The Parliament of Moldova approves ending seven agreements with the Interparliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)a post-Soviet alliance led by Russia.
On February 24, 2022, President of Russia Vladimir Putinordered the Russian offensive in the country in what he called a “special military operation.”
Since then, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that More than 29 million people have fled Ukraine, since the beginning of the Russian military offensive, which considers that it is already the Fastest exodus in Europe since World War II. That is, more than 70.8% of the population –estimated at almost 41 million in 2021– would have left Ukrainian territory.
The latest report of Institute Study of War (ISW) (1), ensures that “Russian forces have carried out a series of Shahed drone strikes in Ukraine on the night of November 25-26“.
The ISW also highlights that Russian forces continue “the attacks along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, near Bakhmut and Avdiivka, west and southwest of the city of Donetsk, in the border area of the Donetsk-Zaporijia Oblast and in the Western Zaporizhia Oblast and that They have made progress in some areas“.
Ukraine denounces the massive attack with more than 75 Russian drones that attacked various points, including the capital, kyiv, on Saturday. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have shot down 71 of these drones, mainly of the Iranian Shahed model. At least five people were injured, including an 11-year-old boy, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko..
A drone has caused a fire in a children’s school, damaging nearby homes. Two women were trapped on the fifth floor, but were rescued. Klitschko denounced the attack as the largest, with a 6-hour air alert. President Zelensky has accused Russia of carrying out this offensive on the eve of Holodomor Memorial Day..
On his Telegram channel, Zelensky has expressed determination to strengthen air defense and unite the world against “Russian terrorism.” Klitschko recalled the tragic date of the Holodomor, accusing Russia of trying to destroy Ukrainians with missiles and drones, comparing it to a new genocide against its people.
Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishina warns kyiv’s partners about the risk of war fatigue, noting that Russia could turn its attention towards other European borders. During an official visit to Berlin this Friday, Stefanishina underlines Ukraine’s constant “determination” to emerge victorious from the conflict, highlighting the importance of closely monitoring the evolution of the situation instead of counting the days.
In response to reports suggesting the exhaustion of kyiv’s partners in maintaining economic and military support, Stefanishina highlights having heard reproaches about the duration of the war during her travels through Europe. He warns that abandoning Ukraine would not only lead to its defeat, but would also trigger a “domino effect” affecting other European countries, since Russia’s claims are not limited to the Ukrainian border.
Stefanishina highlights Ukrainian Army’s progress in meeting NATO standards since July meeting in Vilnius. He also expresses confidence that the upcoming EU summit in December will make crucial decisions on the start of Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union.
Moldova’s Parliament approves ending seven agreements with the Interparliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a post-Soviet alliance led by Russia. The decision, made this Friday, reflects Chisinau’s continued distancing from this entity, marking a strategic change in its international relations.
“The provisions of these agreements are irrelevant, inopportune and do not provide benefits to citizens”, states the Chamber in a statement, highlighting that the exit from the pacts “will not produce a negative impact” in the country. Among the terminated agreements was one that provided for cooperation between the Information and Security Service (ISS) of Moldova, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB).
This move by Moldova towards breaking agreements with the CIS coincides with his growing interest in strengthening ties with the European Union, a trend that has come under criticism from Russia. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova calls the decision “such a destructive procedure on the part of Moldova’s leaders” and questions its alignment with European sanctions against Moscow.
The CIS, established in 1991, has brought together countries that have maintained close ties with Moscow, and Moldova joined in 1994.. However, the Russian military offensive in Ukraine has led to a “de facto” breakdown in collaboration between both nations, marking a significant change in regional dynamics.
Flow of refugees from Ukraine to other countries as of November 7, 2023 / Map: EA
UNHCR estimates that more than 29 million people have fled Ukraine since the start of the Russian military offensive, which it considers to be the fastest exodus in Europe since World War II.
He High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that More than 29 million people have fled Ukraine, since the beginning of the Russian military offensive, which considers that it is already the Fastest exodus in Europe since World War II. That is, more than 70.8% of the population –estimated at almost 41 million in 2021– would have left Ukrainian territory.
According to the latest data from UNHCR (2), 29,064,115 people have left Ukrainian territory as of November 7, 2023. By countries, 16.092.340 Ukrainian refugees have already arrived Poland (October 20), 2.852.395 a Russia (December 31, 2022), 3,807,995 a Hungary (November 5th), 3.552.595 a Romania (October 29th), 1.772.990 a Slovakia (October 15th), 969.130 a Moldavia (November 5) and 16.705 a Belarus (August 1st).
The High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that More than 5.8 million Ukrainian refugees have already been registered in European territory, while worldwide the number of people from Ukraine in the same situation reaches 6.2 million, due to the Russian invasion of his country.
On the other hand, UNHCR estimates up to 18,944,820 movements (and not of people) back to Ukraine who have recurrently crossed the border without establishing permanent residence back to Ukraine from February 28, 2022.
These border movements towards Ukrainian territory are highly volatile and unpredictable, and related to temporary return decisions. to visit their families or carry out procedures, among many others without being considered sustainable returns due to the war situation in the country.
References (1) Institute Study of War (ISW).
(2) United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
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