Ukrainian troops expand footholds on the left bank of the Dnipro in Kherson region. The EU extends sanctions on Russia for another six months. Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó meets with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba.
Ukrainian troops expand footholds on left bank of Dnipro in Kherson region
Ukrainian troops are expanding footholds on the eastern (left) bank of the Dnipro river in Kherson region, spokesperson for Ukraine’s southern military command, Colonel Natalia Humenyuk told a press briefing on Monday, January 29.
“Our work has yielded results. [We’ve] expanded the footholds,” she said.
The front line is very fluid and under enemy pressure, she added. Russian forces vastly outnumber Ukrainian troops on the eastern bank of the river. They have better fortified positions and there’s land in the rear, while Ukrainian forces have the Dnipro behind their backs.
“We have to report news very carefully, and [the general public] has to be satisfied with what can be made public now,” Humenyuk said.
Yevhen Dykyi, a former company commander of the Aidar battalion earlier told Radio NV that Ukrainian troops had expanded a foothold on the left bank of the Dnipro in Kherson region.
EU extends sanctions on Russia for another six months
The EU Council extended sanctions on Russia by six months on Monday, maintaining all restrictions imposed on Russia over its aggression against Ukraine until July 31, 2024.
Sanctions were initially imposed by the EU in July 2014 in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
“As long as the illegal actions by the Russian Federation continue to violate the prohibition on the use of force, which is a serious breach of obligations under international law, it is appropriate to maintain in force all the measures imposed by the EU and to take additional measures, if necessary,” the EU Council said in a statement.
EU’s latest, 12th package of sanctions against Russia imposed an import ban on Russian diamonds.
The European Union is considering sanctions on Russian aluminum ahead of the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó meets with Ukraine’s Kuleba
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak in the western city of Uzhhorod on Monday.
“An important visit of the Hungarian delegation has started. Together with Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba we are meeting with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó and his team. We are working to improve our relations. A frank and constructive dialogue is what’s needed. We are ready,” Yermak said on Telegram.
In December, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán vetoed EUR 50 billion in EU aid to Ukraine at a European Union summit. EU leaders are struggling to force a change in his position before a summit in Brussels on Thursday when they will try again to approve the funding.
All eyes are on Szijjártó’s visit to Ukraine as EU leaders are hopeful that it will help unlock the Ukraine aid.
European security issues among Russian aggression and US challenges. Ukraine in Flames #565
In this episode of Ukraine in Flames we discuss EU security in a period of turbulence and instability, considering the backdrop of Russian aggression and the ongoing election year. The experts agree that EU countries have become more aware of the potential threat, acknowledging the subpar state of their military preparedness for a possible conflict in 2025. Additionally, they underscore the importance for the EU to recognize the strategic value of the Ukrainian army, particularly in light of potential shifts in military policies and the contemplation of an EU-wide military. Take a watch of UIF #565 to find out more.
Guests:
- Yevhen Magda, Director of the Institute of World Policy
- Archil Tsintsadze, security policy expert, security policy expert
- Ihor Seletskyi, Director of the NGO Euro-Atlantic Course