War in Ukraine. American defense systems, clearing the area of mines … Night point
On February 24, 2022, after the start of the Russian invasion, the day breaks in Europe and the 293rd day of the armed conflict in Ukraine opens. This Tuesday, December 13, 2022, a conference in support of Ukraine was held in Paris. the head of French diplomacy, Catherine Colonna, announced that it had collected more than a billion in aid.
In his daily address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked France for organizing the conference and said he wanted help in clearing mines from the territory of Ukraine. “contaminated by mines or other unexploded ordnance”.
It is reported that the United States has finalized the delivery of anti-aircraft defense systems to Ukraine.
We analyze the events that happened in the last few hours.
MAP. War in Ukraine. Conference in Paris, IAEA missions… update on day 293
US air defense systems soon in Ukraine
The American media reported on December 13, citing unknown officials, that after a long hesitation, the United States will finally be ready to respond positively to Kiev’s urgent appeal and provide the Ukrainian army with a battery of Patriot missiles.
A final deal could be announced as early as this week, the channel specifically said. CNN, after US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved it and sent it to the White House for the final green light. Press agency ReutersThe three American representatives confirm that the United States will indeed finalize the delivery project.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called on Western capitals for modern air defense systems as his country has been strained by Moscow’s intensified strikes in recent weeks.
However, many details about the delivery of these missiles to Kiev remain unknown, which, given the complexity of the missiles, will result in an increased commitment from the Pentagon, and Washington clearly fears an escalation by more direct involvement against Russia. In particular, it is unclear how many missiles will be supplied, where they will be deployed in Ukraine and where their Ukrainian users will be trained.
Zelensky called for help to clear Ukraine of mines
In his daily update published on social networks and the website of the presidency, Vladimir Zelensky thanked the European Union and France for the new assistance and the two conferences organized in Paris on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.
Second, he appealed to the New Zealand parliament to help clear Ukrainian territory of mines. “Until now, 174,000 square kilometers of Ukraine are covered with mines or other unexploded devices.” Vladimir Zelensky claimed in front of the parliament and insisted that it cannot be “True peace for every child who could die from Russia’s hidden anti-personnel mine”. Ukraine’s president asked the New Zealand military, which has experience in this field, to take the opportunity to lead efforts to clear mines and mitigate the environmental consequences of the conflict, accusing Russia of committing crimes. “ecocide” in his own country.
“I have heard your pleas for more support, especially regarding the long-term effects of war on the environment, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern responded. We are with you when you seek peace, but we will be with you when you rebuild.”
Bridge damaged by the Ukrainian army in Melitopol
Several sources seem to confirm that the Ukrainian military has caused extensive damage to the main bridge in the occupied southern Ukrainian city of Melitopol. The American Institute for the Study of War reports in its latest report that the Russian occupation authorities claim that “saboteurs” Ukrainians exploded “15-20 kg of explosives to destroy the bridge”.
British daily Guardian In the video shared by Ivan Federov, the ousted mayor of Melitopol, Ukraine, on the Telegram channel, we can see that two supports of the bridge were damaged as a result of the attack, probably repairing the bridge. “unsuitable for heavy military transport”.
A sneak peek at the Belarusian troops
This Tuesday, December 13, 2022, the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko ordered a quick check of the readiness of the country’s army. British daily Guardian The exercises organized by Belarus are held “mainly in the north-west of the country”, and the ISW notes in its latest report that “The training does not appear to be a cover for the concentration of Belarusian and/or Russian forces near the starting positions of the intervention in Ukraine.”
A think tank specializing in the study of conflicts writes that “it is extremely unlikely that Belarus will invade Ukraine in the near future.”
In turn, the Ukrainian authorities believe that it is unlikely that Belarus will attack Ukraine from December 13.
