Nine years after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, the plight of the Muslim minority in the region is highlighting a crackdown by the Kremlin. Rights groups are raising the alarm about Moscow's persecution campaign against the Crimean Tatars, and Ukraine is carrying out attacks in the region to make Russia's occupation as uncomfortable as possible. The Crimean Tatars' struggle to reclaim their homeland is ongoing, with the international community watching closely.
Posts tagged as “Donbas”
This article discusses the recent intelligence briefing from the British Ministry of Defense which revealed that Russian reservist soldiers were ordered to attack a Ukrainian position with firearms and shovels. This is a sign of the increased close-quarter fighting which has characterized much of the war, and is a reminder of the long-standing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Western countries are responding by increasing the supply of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine, as well as expanding training programs for the personnel of the Ukrainian army.
U.S. officials have reported that China is considering sending lethal military aid to Russia, which could be a crucial boost for the Kremlin's hopes of battlefield success in the coming months. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has stated that the suspension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) is due to the U.S.'s "hostile course towards Russia". Analysts suggest that the ammunition and artillery from China could be a crucial factor in the conflict, though it remains to be seen if it will be enough to give the Kremlin the desired outcome.
President Joe Biden made a historic visit to Kyiv, Ukraine on Sunday to show support for the country and sustain momentum for efforts to keep the Western alliance together. He was welcomed at St. Michael's Cathedral by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discussed a range of topics with him, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and other government officials. Biden and Zelenskyy reaffirmed the strong relationship between the United States and Ukraine, and Biden's team is now looking ahead to the next steps in the process.
Ukraine's forces have achieved a rare victory in the Donbas region, with the retreat from the town of Soledar on Wednesday. Vadym Skibitsky, deputy chief of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, said the Russians have begun dispersing military supplies across the Russian Federation, while Serhii Cherevatyi, a spokesperson for Ukraine's forces in the east, said the retreat was to "preserve the lives of the personnel". Military analysts believe the appointment of Gen. Valery Gerasimov as the commander of Russia’s offensive in Ukraine is a last throw of the dice by the Kremlin, and the Russians are adapting to the Ukrainian forces' tactics. This retreat is a modest victory for Ukraine, but the conflict is far from over.
Key takeaways: Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has indicated that the German government will not object if Poland decides to send Leopard 2 battle tanks…
Key takeaways: The capture of Soledar is a major victory for Moscow in its invasion of Ukraine, and a symbolic PR win for Yevgeny Prigozhin.…
The Russian Defense Ministry has announced the appointment of Army General Valery Gerasimov as the new Commander of the Joint Grouping of Troops (Forces) in…