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The UN voted overwhelmingly to condemn the annexation of the four regions shortly afterwards. The resolution on October 13 "condemns the organisation by the Russian Federation of so-called referendums within the internationally recognised borders of Ukraine" and "the attempted illegal annexation" of Ukraine’s territory. The motion also demanded that Moscow "immediately and unconditionally reverse" its annexation decisions.
"I agree with your conclusions and proposals,” Shoigu told Surovikin. “For us, the life and health of Russian servicemen is always a priority. We must also take into account the threats to the civilian population. Proceed with the withdrawal of troops and take all measures to ensure the safe transfer of personnel, weapons and equipment across the Dnipro river."
Russia’s military forces have suffered heavy losses at the hands of the Ukrainian army and Russia’s high command is increasingly worried about a possible political backlash at home if too many soldiers are killed.
Russia recently threw an extra 300,000 conscripts into the fray after Putin launched a “partial mobilisation” in the middle of September. That caused an estimated million Russian men to flee the country to avoid the draft. Putin has since announced the mobilisation is over.
The decision comes as the Kremlin has begun to signal that it is open to talks with Kyiv on the possibility of ending the war.
The US has been in secret talks with the Kremlin, US National Security advisor Jake Sullivan admitted recently, and has advised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to soften his line on refusing to negotiate with Putin. Bankova repeated that it was willing to talk to Russia if it was prepared to negotiate in “good faith” on November 10, but notably dropped the refusal to talk with Putin in what many see as a concession to US pressure.
The improved prospects for peace talks and Russia’s strategic withdrawal from Kherson come at a time when “Ukraine fatigue” has noticeably increased as the economic cost of the Ukrainian war weighs on the rest of the world.
2.2 Ukraine may nationalise more companies
Kyiv has warned it would take more companies under state control if they did not fully back the war effort, after the government invoked the conflict against Russia to commandeer five industrial groups.
The companies Kyiv has taken over include Ukraine’s largest oil producer Ukrnafta and the largest oil refiner Ukrtatnafta, which are both controlled by oligarch Igor Kolomoisky. The billionaire backed Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 2019 presidential bid before becoming embroiled in an investigation into the bankruptcy of PrivatBank, which he previously owned.
Also under state control are aeroplane turbine and helicopter engine maker Motor Sich, truck manufacturer AvtoKraz, and Zaporizhtransformator, which produces parts for the electricity grid. All were at some point owned by Ukrainian oligarchs.
7 UKRAINE Country Report December 2022 www.intellinews.com