The war between <a href="http://www.time.news/mega-storm-hits-southern-russia-and-ukraine/" title="“Mega storm” hits southern Russia and Ukraine“>Russia and Ukraine comes to your day 995 since its beginning on February 24, 2022, when the Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered a “special military operation” to free the pro-Russian population from the Donbas region of Ukraine.
Hoy Thursday November 14, 2024, Russia willing to negotiate after current situation on the ground.
On the other hand, as a Ukrainian Army spokeswoman warned this week, Russia ha displayed in the south of the region Zaporizhia of the southeastern Ukraine a well-trained assault units to activate an offensive operation there which could start in days.
Furthermore, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Wednesday that the Russians seek to expand their offensive actions on the Kupiansk frontin the northeastern region of Kharkiv.
According to the Ukrainian war analysis platform DeepState, Russian forces have made progress towards the city of Kupiansk, a railway junction coveted by both sides since the beginning of the conflict.
While, Russia does not let up on the Kurákhove and Pokrovsk axesin the center of the region of Donetskwhere it concentrates its greatest efforts and launches around a hundred attacks every day.
On the front opened by Ukraine in the Russian region of Kursklas kyiv troops try to contain the attacks of the 50 thousand Russian soldiers who are trying to expel them from that region partially occupied by Ukraine. Some of the 11 thousand North Korean soldiers incorporated into the Russian Army, who have entered combat and have also suffered the first casualties.
Diplomacy Ukraine asks for more weapons before Donald Trump arrives
Given the imminent arrival of Donald Trump, the Ukrainian diplomacy has redoubled its efforts to receive of its European partners and the administration of President Joe Biden in the United States military and economic support that improves your position on the battlefield.
The Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Andrí Sibiga, traveled this week to Brussels, where he met with representatives of the EU and with the defense ministers of NATO countries with the aim of securing more weapons and financing.
They still hope that Joe Biden’s administration can donate the last 6 billion dollars available to Ukraine.
Ukrainian tanks in the Sumy region, border with Russia (Roman PILIPEY / AFP)
Russia willing to negotiate after current situation on the ground
Russia this open to peace negotiations with Ukraine based on the “current reality on the ground” and to the extent that the latter “stop being a tool in the hands of other countries”, said this Thursday the Russian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Gennady Gatilov.
The diplomat and former deputy foreign minister of Russia commented on eventual use by Ukraine of long-range missiles -in case they are provided by member countries of the I’LL TAKE– and noted that this would represent a “open confrontation” between the Western military alliance and his country.
“In the face of aggressive action by NATO or one of its member states, Russia will respond accordingly,” he stressed in a press conference for media accredited to the UN in Geneva.
About him long-range weapons that Ukraine He has been demanding his Western allies for months, Gatilov commented that this shows that Zelensky’s intention is to expand the conflict and go further inside Russia.
He added that the Ukrainian armed forces do not have the capacity “To manage these weapons autonomously, this is impossible without help from the West, its specialists, its data and its intelligence.”
From Russia’s point of view, the Peace with Ukraine is only possible if this country assumes a policy of neutrality and demilitarizes.which -he clarified- does not mean that a demand is that he dismantle his army.
“We are not saying that it does not have an army, the problem is that this country has a hostile attitude towards Russia and what we seek is to have friendly relations.
Our objective is to have a demilitarized country on our border, which does not threaten our national interest or our security.”
Gennady Gatilov, Russian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva
Gatilov warned that Russia will not agree to a ceasefire “for half an hour or six months, with the sole idea that more ammunition arrives in Ukraine. The objective must be to establish favorable conditions for the reestablishment of cooperative relations in the future (….) no matter how complicated things seem now.
Vladimir Putin (ALEXANDER NEMENOV / EFE)
What role does military aid from Western countries play in Ukraine’s conflict strategy against Russia?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Military Analyst Dr. Elena Petrov
Time.news Editor (E): Welcome, Dr. Petrov! Today marks day 995 of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Let’s dive right in. What are your thoughts on Russia’s recent willingness to negotiate? What do you think is driving this shift?
Dr. Elena Petrov (P): Thank you for having me. Russia’s openness to negotiations stems from several factors. The situation on the battlefield has been unpredictable, with Ukrainian forces making significant strategic gains. It’s possible that Moscow recognizes the high costs of continuing the war without a clear path to success. Additionally, the diplomatic pressure from NATO and Western countries may be pushing Russia towards dialogue, albeit on their terms.
E: Speaking of battlefield gains, reports indicate that Russian forces are concentrating efforts around Kupiansk and are preparing for offensives in Zaporizhia. How does this impact military strategy on both sides?
P: The focus on Kupiansk, a critical railway junction, shows Russia’s intent to regain control over key transport routes, which are vital for supply lines. For Ukraine, this is a significant challenge, as defending against a coordinated Russian assault while trying to maintain their own offensives presents a complex strategic dilemma. The recent movements in Zaporizhia are troubling, indicating Russia’s strategy to stretch Ukrainian defenses thin.
E: President Zelensky has been vocal about the need for more military support from allies. How crucial is this assistance for Ukraine’s current operations?
P: It is absolutely vital. Ukrainian forces are adapting their tactics and need advanced weaponry to match Russia’s capabilities. The plea for additional support, especially in the face of Russia’s mobilization of North Korean troops and new offensive operations, underlines the urgency. If Ukraine is to maintain the momentum they’ve had, increased military aid from the West is essential.
E: With the backdrop of Donald Trump’s anticipated arrival and the potential changes in U.S. foreign policy, how do you see Ukrainian diplomacy shaping up in this context?
P: Ukraine is in a precarious position. They understand that the political landscape can shift dramatically with different U.S. administrations. Therefore, they are actively seeking to fortify relationships with European allies before any changes might occur with Trump. Strengthening military and economic support is crucial for them—especially now when every bit of assistance can change battlefield dynamics.
E: Russia’s ambassador has pointed out that peace with Ukraine is only achievable if Ukraine follows a policy of neutrality and demilitarization. How realistic is this?
P: This proposition appears rather unrealistic given Ukraine’s current stance and the ongoing conflict. Demilitarization would be perceived as capitulation to Russian demands, which is contrary to the will of the Ukrainian people. Moreover, the idea of neutrality is contentious, especially after the aggression shown by Russia. For a meaningful peace to occur, negotiations need to involve substantive dialogues that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, rather than dictate terms from Moscow.
E: as we look ahead, what are the potential outcomes if negotiations do proceed?
P: If negotiations occur, we might see a temporary ceasefire, but the terms would likely need to satisfy both sides significantly. The challenge will be finding a common ground that does not compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity. It’s also essential for the international community to hold both parties accountable to avoid further escalations down the line. It’s a delicate balance of power and interests that will require careful diplomatic navigation.
E: Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for shedding light on this complex situation. Your insights are invaluable as we continue to follow the developments in this critical conflict.
P: Thank you! It’s crucial that we keep the dialogue open and informed as events unfold.