Ukraine Monitor Articles
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.
Situation at Front Line in Ukraine Reaches Deadlock
For two months, the frontline between occupying Russian troops and Ukrainian soldiers has not advanced much. Indeed, the city of Soledar fell to the Russians, but it is not going to have a strategic impact on the war itself, albeit being part of the effort to capture Bakhmut. The situation on the frontline in Ukraine is generally in a state of stalemate. No major advancements in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia while in Luhansk, fierce fighting is taking place along the Svatove-Kreminna line. Chances are that the situation will remain in a deadlock until a new major offensive is launched by either side, perhaps this spring.
Russian Airstrikes Did Not Dampen Ukrainian Spirit
Russia has openly acknowledged targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with waves of missile and drone strikes since the start of last October. Moscow’s strategy seeks no military breakthrough, instead hoping to inflict damage and pain to Ukraine’s economy and civilians amid harsh winter.
Ukraine Revokes Citizenship of Four Pro-Russian Lawmakers
Top Russian-leaning Ukrainian politicians have had their citizenship and deputy powers revoked in a government crackdown on lawmakers and other notable figures suspected of treason.
Personnel Changes in Naftogaz Management
The government has appointed a new member of the executive board of Naftogaz and some new managers to a couple of companies linked to Ukraine’s oil and gas company. A series of personnel reshuffles has taken place in Ukraine’s energy company following a change in CEO back in November when the government appointed Oleksiy Chernyshov, former Minister for communities and territories development, as the new Chairman of the Board of Naftogaz to replace former CEO Yuri Vitrenko.
Ukraine Continues Crackdown on Russian-Linked Orthodox Church
Ukraine is now clamping down on Orthodox Church linked to Moscow. Kyiv refused the Russian-controlled church’s lease on the part of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine held a Christmas service at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. This could be another step towards curbing the influence of churches affiliated to Moscow.
Belarus Could Be Used As Staging Post by Moscow for New Offensive
Additional Russian troops arrive in Belarus while signs are that Lukashenko’s regime could enter the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Officials in Kyiv have warned for months that neighboring Belarus could join Russian forces and serve again as a launching pad for a new attack.
Where Will Ukraine Launch New Offensive: Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, or Both?
For two months now, all eyes have been on Ukraine, where a new offensive campaign is widely expected. It seems that it should occur in late December and early January at the latest. Most intriguingly, where will it happen? Russian forces have rushed to secure a section of the front line between Dnieper and Donbas. Nonetheless, the Ukrainians have not made any active movements there since the southern city of Kherson was occupied. Ukraine’s Donbas has become the epicenter of a full-scale invasion. Where will Ukraine launch a new offensive? Ukraine seems to follow two crucial goals, reclaiming as much of the country’s territory as possible and thwarting Russian military plans. The question remains what should prevail.
Zelensky Delivers State of Union Address to Ukraine’s Parliament
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech to Ukraine’s parliament seemed hugely optimistic. The president is confident about Ukraine’s victory, depicting his country as a critical link to a united Europe. In his speech, the Ukrainian leader focused mostly on the future.
Warsaw Institute
