Page 31 - UKRRptDec23

Stoltenberg has a similar opinion. He stated that he expects the Armed Forces of Ukraine to make progress but warned that progress will be difficult. "We need to be ready for a long journey," Stoltenberg noted. Meanwhile, American Republican Senator Pete Ricketts said that the US and its allies should help Ukraine stop the Russian president because alternate scenarios would cost the US much more. "If Putin succeeds in Ukraine and then decides to invade the Baltic states, it will be World War III. We must convey to Americans that we are helping Ukraine to make sure that our boys and girls do not fight another war in Europe. We're trying to avoid that," Ricketts summed up. The President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevičs, has similar thoughts. He stated that Russia is planning a long war and insists on continuing military support for Kyiv to preserve peace in Europe.
Ukraine is threatening to attack Russia’s money-making oil and gas assets if Russia repeats last year’s winter strategy of trying to destroy Ukraine’s power and heating facilities. Ukraine's Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, said in an interview that Ukraine is contemplating potential retaliatory actions against Russia's oil and gas infrastructure as a response to potential strikes on Ukraine's electric system during the upcoming winter. Galushchenko said "It’s only fair" in the interview with Politico on November 10 during his visit to Washington, D.C., where he engaged with US lawmakers and White House officials.
Zelenskiy: Ukraine already has a plan and will try to show results on the battlefield this year. “We will try to deliver results this year despite the difficulties during the counteroffensive,” said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an online Reuters conference. At the same time, Zelenskyy pointed to delays in the supply of weapons from Ukraine’s partners as a factor in the slow counteroffensive progress demonstrated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In addition, the President expressed concern about certain voices in the US Republican Party, which call for a reduction in support for Ukraine, and emphasized the uncertainty regarding support for Ukraine if Donald Trump becomes the next president of the United States. Also, Zelenskyy urged the world not to shift its attention from Ukraine to the Middle East. "I don't want to compare it. A great tragedy in the Middle East, of course, but it cannot be compared to a full-scale war. A full-scale war is another matter," he said. To end the war, Russia must withdraw from the territory of Ukraine, summarized the Ukrainian leader.
Energy minister: Ukraine may target Russian oil in response to attacks on power grid. Ukraine will consider attacking Russia's oil and gas infrastructure in retaliation for strikes against Ukraine's electric system during winter, Energy Minister German Galushchenko told Politico in an interview Nov. 10.
Russian ship Askold possibly beyond repair following Ukraine's strike. The Russian Askold cruise missile carrier has suffered significant damage following Ukraine's strike on Crimea on Nov 4., possibly rendering it beyond repair, the Ukrainian military's Office of Strategic Communications (StratCom) said on November 6.
The Russians have hit the Odesa port infrastructure, damaging warehouses and railcars with grain. On the night of November 6, enemy troops attacked Odessa with various types of missiles and attack drones. The Russians directed Shahed-131/136 drones in an attack on the city's port
31 UKRAINE Country Report December 2023 www.intellinews.com