As the Russo-Ukrainian war enters its 345th day, let’s take a look at the main developments.
Here is the current situation as of Friday, February 3, 2023:
- CIA Director William Burns said the intelligence agency assessed that the next six months would be “critical” for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion.
- Russia, determined to make progress before Ukraine receives the promised new Western battle tanks and armored vehicles, has picked up momentum on the eastern front and announced an advance north and south of Bakhmut, where was subjected to persistent Russian bombardment for many months.
- Ukrainian military analyst Yevhen Dikiy said Russian forces are pushing from both the north and south to encircle Bakhmut, using their superior numbers to try to cut off supply lines and force the Ukrainians to retreat. .
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russian forces would respond to the West’s transfer of long-range weapons to Kiev by trying to push Ukrainian forces away from its borders to create a safe buffer zone.
- Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said Russia’s arms suppliers would “significantly” increase deliveries by 2023 to help inflict a “major defeat” on Ukraine.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin has recalled the famous World War II victory over Nazi Germany to rally his nation while predicting Russia will win in Ukraine.
diplomatic
- The German government has approved the delivery of Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine from industrial warehouses and is negotiating the acquisition of 15 Gepard tanks from Qatar to be sent to Kiev, Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported on Friday.
- European Union leaders will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev on Friday, delivering on the promise of new sanctions against Russia but potentially dashing hopes of fast EU membership of Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attend an EU summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 2, 2023 as Russia’s assault on Ukraine continues [Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via Reuters] - Diplomats said EU countries will seek an agreement on Friday on the European Commission’s proposal to fix a price ceiling on Russian oil products amid divisions among the nations. member.
- Poland believes it is possible to build an alliance of about 40 countries, including the United States, Great Britain and Canada, by February 10, supporting calls to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in the World 2024 Paris Games, a Polish minister said.
