Guerrillas strike Russian boats in occupied territory & EU agrees to prosecute Putin's generals
Feb 5, 2025
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The British Foreign Secretary's visit to Kyiv marks a pivotal moment in international support for Ukraine, as efforts for a special tribunal to hold Russian leaders accountable progress. The Finnish perspective reveals how sanctions are squeezing Russia's economy, highlighting emerging cracks in its financial system. Meanwhile, significant Ukrainian guerrilla strikes on Russian boats near occupied territories signal a robust resistance. Conversations also reflect on the destruction of cultural heritage and the resilience of Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.
A coalition of 38 countries is advancing a special tribunal to hold Russian leadership accountable for aggression against Ukraine.
Sanctions against Russia are reportedly revealing serious economic cracks, necessitating enhanced international cooperation to target the shadow fleet.
The UK is pledging additional humanitarian aid and military support to Ukraine while condemning Russia's aggressive negotiation tactics.
Deep dives
Progress Towards a Special Tribunal
A coalition of 38 countries is working towards establishing a special tribunal to prosecute Russian leadership for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. This initiative represents significant progress, as all EU members are involved, and is expected to operate under the Council of Europe, which comprises 46 nations. Notably, the tribunal will focus exclusively on the top leadership of Russia rather than lower-ranking military personnel. Leading legal experts are currently drafting the necessary statutes, with the aim of signing the jurisdiction by April 2024.
Finland's Insight on Sanctions Against Russia
Finland's foreign minister recently highlighted that sanctions against Russia are beginning to take effect, revealing serious cracks in its economy. She emphasized that while the Russian military can still procure funds and equipment over the short term, the underlying economic structure is under severe strain. The minister specifically called for heightened sanctions against the 'shadow fleet'—vessels often used to transport Russian oil discreetly. Her comments underscore the need for continued international cooperation in maintaining effective sanctions to further undermine Russia's economic capacity to sustain the war.
UK's Commitment to Ukraine
Britain's Foreign Secretary has reiterated the UK’s ongoing support for Ukraine amid deepening tensions with Russia. During talks in Kyiv, he expressed gratitude for the UK's role in providing military capability and announced additional humanitarian aid of nearly £70 million. His statement included a strong condemnation of Russia’s negotiation tactics, which demand more than what they currently possess and aim to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty. The UK’s involvement reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that any post-conflict landscape does not see the resurgence of Russian aggression.
Drones and Decoys: Russia's Tactical Challenges
Recent reports indicate ongoing long-range attacks by Ukraine on Russian energy infrastructure, highlighting a critical aspect of the current military strategy. A total of 104 drones were launched by Russia, with a significant number being intercepted, indicating challenges in their strike capability. The use of drones as decoys, while seemingly tactical, points to potential issues within Russia's supply chains, particularly concerning warhead production. This shift towards less effective tactics may suggest a diversion of resources and a struggle to maintain the intensity of their operational efforts in Ukraine.
Challenges in US Aid to Ukraine
The recent actions from the Trump administration have caused significant disruptions in US aid to Ukraine, posing a severe risk to ongoing humanitarian operations. Staff from USAID have faced administrative leave and a freeze on foreign aid funding, which could critically impair delivery of essential services and support in Ukraine. Notably, programs aimed at delivering emergency supplies and humanitarian relief are either halted or significantly compromised. The uncertainty surrounding aid raises concerns about the continuity of support for Ukraine amidst ongoing military conflict with Russia.
Today, as British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrives for talks in Kyiv we hear how a special tribunal to prosecute Russia’s leadership for the crime of aggression against Ukraine gets a step closer, and we hear from Finland’s Foreign Minister who says that sanctions against the Kremlin are working and ‘serious cracks’ are starting to appear in Russia’s economy.
Contributors:
Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.
Memphis Barker (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @MemphisBarker on X.
Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor, Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.
With special thanks to our friends at PEN Ukraine.@PENUkraine on X.
Episode from November 20th, where Francis Dearnley and Hanna Ustynova talk about David's memorial plaque in PEN Ukraine's offices and exhibition space, in Kyiv