How Ukraine is Fighting Back Against Russia’s Invasion
As of January 1, 2024, the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has entered a critical phase with significant developments on both the military and diplomatic fronts.
Military Escalations and Tactical Shifts
In recent days, Ukraine has faced escalated drone and missile attacks from Russia. Notably, Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, was struck by six missiles, resulting in injuries to at least 28 people. This attack was described by Russia as a retaliatory action. Ukrainian air defense systems have been actively engaging and were able to destroy a considerable number of Iranian-made Shahed drones used by Russia. Moreover, in the southern city of Kherson, Russian shelling tragically resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy and critically injured a 9-year-old boy.
Ukraine’s strategy in this period appears to be one of defense, as indicated by the shift in focus following the lack of notable results from the summer counteroffensive. This strategic shift is underscored by the realization that the Ukrainian military needs to adapt to the evolving nature of the war, recalibrate expectations, and strategize accordingly. The defense strategy aims to hold the front line, which traverses eastern and southern Ukraine, and to maintain the operational status of Black Sea ports.
The Ukrainian counteroffensive that began in June faced numerous challenges. The territories targeted were heavily mined, complicating movement and leading to significant losses of military equipment. Despite initial optimism, the counteroffensive did not yield the expected territorial gains. These developments highlight the complexities of the conflict and the need for Ukraine to reassess its military strategies.
Political and Diplomatic Developments
On the political front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains optimistic and committed to resisting Russian aggression. In his New Year address, he emphasized the strength and unity of the Ukrainian people and vowed to bring “wrath” upon Russian forces in 2024. Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, made only a brief mention of the invasion in his address, focusing instead on the valor of Russian soldiers and the need for unity among Russians.
Public opinion in Ukraine shows a slight shift, with a decreasing number of Ukrainians advocating for continued war until the regaining of all lost territories. A Gallup poll revealed that 60% of Ukrainians believe in an imminent military victory, down from 70% last year. Additionally, there is a growing sentiment for peace talks with Russia, especially in regions most affected by the hostilities.
The economic implications of the war are also significant. Ukraine’s economy showed signs of recovery in 2023, with a 2% growth in GDP, and is expected to grow by 3.2% in 2024. The International Monetary Fund acknowledges this growth as stronger than expected, reflecting the nation’s adaptation to the invasion. A crucial factor for economic stability will be continued international aid, which has been essential since the beginning of the conflict.
Escalating Attacks and Civilian Casualties
The conflict has also seen escalating attacks by both sides. On New Year’s Day, attacks in Donetsk and Odesa resulted in at least five deaths, marking a continued wave of violence. Both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of these attacks, highlighting the ongoing and intense nature of the conflict. Air attacks have escalated since late December, with significant casualties and injuries reported.
In conclusion, as 2024 begins, Ukraine continues to navigate a complex and challenging conflict with Russia. The nation’s strategy involves a mix of military defense, political resilience, and pursuit of diplomatic support, amid ongoing economic challenges and the heavy toll of civilian casualties. The situation remains fluid, with both military and diplomatic efforts continuing to evolve in response to the unfolding developments on the ground.
