Makiivka

In occupied Donetsk, HIMARS took out a Russian outpost

News of the war in Ukraine has become scarce with those who update on Twitter having their posts censored due to new management, or have had their accounts suspended.

The main news for the past 48 hours is the destruction of a school that was being used as a base in Makiivka, killing either 63 Russians (according to the Russians) or 400 Russians (according to Ukraine). The Ukrainians used HIMARS supplied by the allies, and tracked the new conscripts by using their cellphones. Apparently, the incident occurred as they were all gathered to listen to a speech from Putin.

Otherwise, there are the usual stories of blackouts, Ukraine requesting more weapons, the EU offering support and funds, and politicians pledging their support for Ukraine. I’m not being flippant, but reading the same stories each day seem to be promotional tools rather than active tools.

Day 313 (2 January 2023)

• There was another massive drone attack across Ukraine, where Shahed -131/136 kamikaze drones were used. The air defence systems took down all 39-40 according to Ukraine. However, it meant more emergency blackouts across the country, in and around Kyiv.

  

• Kyiv was the main target, and debris showed drones with ‘Happy New Year’ on them written in Russian.

  

• Ukraine reports it has killed 400 Russian conscripted soldiers in Makiivka. The Russians acknowledge the incident but do not confirm the number of deaths. Reports claim the soldiers were from Saratov and were supposed to moved to the front line.

  

  

• The base was also a storage area for weapons and equipment which were also destroyed.

  

• A new Israeli Foreign Minister is due to speak to Russian counterpart Lavrov. Claims that Eli Cohen, the new FM may have a different take on the war in Ukraine than his predecessor Yair Lapid by saying they will not say less in public on their policies regarding Russia and Ukraine. It remains to be seen what those policies will be, but by choosing to speak to Lavrov before Kuleba (Ukraine) may indicate bias towards Russia.

Day 314 (3 January)

• Anger over the incident in Makiivka intensifies, as widows demand explanations, and Putin assures them that those who lost their loved ones will receive a lump sum. of 5 million roubles ($69,000, or £57,00) The Russian authorities are being blamed for incompetence, as the buildings were not disguised

• The next Ukraine-EU Summit will be held in Kyiv on 3 February 2023 according to the Ukrainian Presidential Office.

  

• Six Ukroboronprom executives have been charged with embezzlement and abuse of power, for supplying the army with low grade equipment.

• Zelenskyy has been speaking to a number of allied leaders including those from Norway, the UK, and Canada to discuss defence and the peace formula as well as the issues of escalation.