Because the Russia-Ukraine struggle enters its 353rd day, we check out the principle developments.
Right here is the state of affairs because it stands on Saturday, February 11, 2023:
Combating
- Ukrainian officers stated Moscow had began a brand new offensive forward of the February 24 anniversary of its invasion. Britain stated Russian forces had been making positive aspects north of town of Bakhmut which they’re attempting to encompass, however are having a tougher time attacking Vuhledar additional south, the place they deserted greater than 30 armoured automobiles in a failed assault.
- Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, stated Russian forces should seize Bakhmut to proceed with their marketing campaign however confronted fierce resistance from Ukrainian defenders.
- Reuters couldn’t confirm the battlefield accounts.
Diplomacy
- Moody’s downgraded Ukraine’s sovereign debt to “Ca” from “Caa3”, which means it’s “extremely speculative and … seemingly in, or very close to, default, with some prospect of restoration of principal and curiosity”. The agency stated the struggle will seemingly create long-lasting challenges for the nation.
- US President Joe Biden will journey to Poland from February 20 to 22 to satisfy allies and discuss Ukraine, the White Home stated.
- French President Emmanuel Macron didn’t rule out sending fighter jets to Ukraine in some unspecified time in the future however stated Kyiv wanted extra speedy army firepower.
- Thirty-five nations backed calls by Ukraine for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be barred from taking part in the summertime Olympics subsequent yr. The Worldwide Olympic Committee desires to permit them to compete below a impartial flag.
Different
- Russia put common singer Zemfira on an inventory of overseas brokers on grounds that she supported Ukraine and criticised Russia’s “particular army operation” there.
- Russia stated it might minimize oil manufacturing by about 5 % in March, a call that the White Home stated confirmed Russian President Vladimir Putin was prepared to weaponise power.
- Putin stated Russia’s financial system had overcome the worst results of sanctions and was anticipated to point out modest development this yr.