Zelensky confronts Orban ahead of crucial US visit & Russia advances across entire front
Dec 11, 2023
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Ukraine President confronts Hungarian Prime Minister in Argentina. Topics include missile strike on Kyiv, Russian bombing campaign, advances made by Russia, improved air defense capabilities of Ukraine, ongoing enemy offensives, support for Ukraine's navy and EU accession, Russia's actions in Ukraine, UK providing mind-hunter ships, interconnectedness of world politics, and update on blockade at Polish border.
The Russian military has launched a major offensive in Ukraine, using human wave tactics and resulting in high casualties.
Ukrainian President Zelensky confronted Hungarian Prime Minister Orban over Ukraine's EU accession, a point of contention for Orban opposing it.
Deep dives
Russian military continues major offensive in Ukraine
The Russian military has launched a major offensive in Ukraine, with missile strikes targeting several districts in Kyiv. Despite Ukraine's air force shooting down eight missiles and 18 drones, the Russian offensive has seen advances, particularly in the east of the country. The city of Avdivka has experienced the most intense fighting, with up to 40% of recent combat engagements occurring in this area. The Russian offensive is being characterized by dismounted infantry assaults, relying on human waves rather than armored vehicles. Casualties are high, with up to 1,000 per day being reported.
Volodymyr Zelensky confronts Viktor Orban over Ukraine's EU accession
During his visit to Argentina, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confronted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban over Ukraine's EU accession. Zelensky and Orban engaged in an animated conversation, and although details are unclear, it is believed to be regarding Ukraine's European affairs. With an EU summit approaching, where the bloc will decide on Ukraine's membership talks and additional aid, Orban's position opposing Ukraine's EU accession is a point of contention. Ukraine's Foreign Minister warns that a failure to start accession talks would have devastating consequences.
Russia attempting to replicate Ukraine's naval drone program
Both British and Ukrainian military intelligence have reported that Russia is attempting to replicate Ukraine's successful naval drone program. Ukraine's naval drones have posed a significant threat to Russia's Black Sea fleet. Russia has been trying to gather intelligence on Ukraine's program, including purchasing naval drones from its own arms manufacturers. This indicates Russia's growing interest in naval capabilities and potentially anticipating a future confrontation in the Black Sea.
Rising egg prices highlight inflation and economic struggles in Russia
Russia is facing rising egg prices, with a 30% increase in the last two months. This increase highlights the issue of inflation in the country, as food and living costs rise significantly. Russian authorities have blamed hoarders and capitalist supermarkets for the price surge, and have launched investigations and ordered shops to refrain from raising prices any further. The inflation problem in Russia is driven by factors such as the collapse of the ruble, Western sanctions, labor costs, and the reallocation of resources towards military endeavors. Economists believe that inflation will continue to impact ordinary Russians, leading to growing frustration and anger.
Today, we bring you the latest news from Ukraine, discuss a packed round of international diplomacy as Volodymyr Zelensky confronts Victor Orban in Argentina and hear why rising egg prices heralds domestic problems in Russia.
Contributors:
David Knowles (Head of Audio Development). @DJKnowles22 on Twitter.
James Kilner (Editor, Central Asia & South Caucasus Bulletin). @JKJourno on Twitter.
Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor, Defence). @DomNicholls on Twitter.
Tony Diver (US Editor). @Tony_Diver on Twitter.
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