Ukraine Monitor Articles
Biden’s Kyiv Visit Sends Strong Message to Moscow and West
U.S. President Joe Biden made a surprise trip to Kyiv on February 20, ahead of the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The visit carried huge symbolism as while in Kyiv, the U.S. president promised new military aid to Ukraine. Biden’s trip to war-stricken Ukraine was a clear sign of strong support for Ukraine from the United States sent to both Russia and some Western states unwilling to provide assistance to Kyiv. Perhaps the Kremlin considered Biden’s trip to Kyiv was no longer just an effort to save Ukraine but to smash Russia militarily.
Russian Offensive in Donbas Did Not Scare off Ukrainians
Instead of a lightning thrust, Moscow has dialed up offensives in a handful of spots, resulting in fighting that is slow and extremely tiring to both sides. Russia has commenced its long-awaited offensive as six months passed since Moscow’s last gains in Ukraine’s Donbas. This is where Russian forces are now advancing while seeking to control the southern front spanning from Dnipro to Melitopol in case of a Ukrainian counter-offensive effort.
Ukraine Imports Gas via Moldova
In early February, Ukraine launched virtual reverse operations to supply gas to neighboring Moldova. Thus Ukraine has access to the Balkan gas grid while Moldova has strengthened its energy posture to the detriment of Gazprom.
Marking One Year of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine
As Russian leader Vladimir Putin gave orders for a military assault on February 24, 2022, Russian troops mounted attacks in multiple cities throughout Ukraine. The idea was to seize Kyiv and install a Moscow-loyal puppet government in Ukraine. A Russian blitzkrieg operation actually succeeded in the south where Russian forces advanced from Crimea to capture territory equal to the area of Switzerland. No sooner than in March did they have to withdraw from northern Ukraine while Ukrainian forces made gradual efforts to recapture more swathes of territory. That has been possible through Western military aid to Ukraine.
War In Ukraine Dominates Munich Security Conference
The Russian invasion of Ukraine topped the agenda of the Munich Security Conference this year. The summit gathered top leaders including Polish President Andrzej Duda, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the conference via a video link.
Israel Makes Slight Shift In Ukraine Policy
Ukraine Monitor presents the latest news concerning internal and external matters of Ukraine – a unique country where the interests of the East and the West clash almost every day. Date: Author: Grzegorz Kuczyński Israel Makes Slight Shift In Ukraine...
Russian Forces Destroyed Near Ukraine’s Vuhledar
Russia made a failed attempt to encircle and capture the strategically located town of Vuhledar in the south of Donetsk province. Russian forces have sustained their biggest defeat so far near the eastern Ukrainian town, according to sources in Russia.
Ukraine’s Reznikov Not to Be Dismissed Despite Rumors
Another head would allegedly roll in Ukraine’s government purge amid recent corruption scandals. Rumors of a possible Reznikov resignation appeared on February 5. For the defense minister, there was reputational damage in relation to the inflated catering contracts.
Zelensky Announces Personnel Changes Within Law Enforcement Agencies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a new series of personnel reshuffles. The Ukrainian leader learned a lesson from earlier mishaps while seeking to tackle corruption – as fighting corruption is one condition set by Ukraine’s Western allies. In addition, Ukrainian media outlets seemingly ended a grace period for authorities after the country had been invaded by Russia.
Russia Races Against Clock Before Much-Awaited Offensive
In January, Western officials and military analysts believed a new Russian ground offensive to begin in March if not later. A renewed Russian offensive in the east of Ukraine is underway in February. Why did Russia’s much-awaited offensive begin now and where a renewed push could be observed? Does it hint at any breakthrough in Moscow’s war with Ukraine?
Poland Ready to Deploy More Tanks to Ukraine
Poland will send an additional 60 tanks to Ukraine on top of the 14 German-made Leopard 2 tanks it has already pledged, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki was quoted as saying. Poland is ready to send other tanks that are Polish-made battle tanks developed from the Soviet-era T-72 range. Western battle tanks could be a game changer, but only if there is proper six-week training and if they arrive soon.
Ukraine Sweeps Out Officials Amid Corruption Scandal
A slew of high-level officials resigned or were dismissed from their posts amid a number of allegations of government corruption in Ukraine’s biggest internal shake-up since it was invaded by Russia last year. The shake-up came as Ukraine is lobbying hard for Western countries to provide the military equipment, necessary to fight the Russians.
Russian Crackdown on Crimean Tatars
Russia is stepping up a campaign of repression against Crimean Tatars, undoubtedly fearing Ukraine’s effort to reclaim the peninsula forcibly annexed back in 2014. A small ethnic group has spoken out against Moscow’s takeover of the peninsula. In addition, Turkey is an official guarantor of their rights. Russian crackdown on Crimean Tatars could sour ties between Russia and Turkey.
Ukrainian Government Official Arrested on Suspicion of Bribery
The Cabinet of Ministers on January 22 dismissed Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Development Vasyl Lozynskiy, who has been detained and accused of receiving a bribe. He was arrested on allegations of corruption in a bid to purchase generators that are now in high demand in Ukraine.
Warsaw Institute
