Explaining complex things in simple words: Winter results, EP resolution, dictator’s promises

The Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security pursues efforts to provide a brief explanation to foreign audiences on the current topics of particular interest as regards Ukraine.   

1. RESULTS OF WINTER 2023/24

▪ Ukraine went through the third winter of a full-scale war. During this time, we experienced painful losses, but also had brilliant achievements.

▪ The enemy failed to plunge Ukrainians into cold and darkness. Winter in Ukraine passed without blackouts. Instead, in Russia, even the capital's quarters suffered from freezing cold.

▪ Air defence forces repelled the largest ever combined missile attack, carried out with the use of hypersonic weapons. Ukrainians successfully knock down enemy know-how: Kinzhal and Zircon missiles.

▪ In winter, three Russian ships were sunk: Novocherkassk, Ivanovets, Tsezar Kunikov.

▪ In February alone, 13 enemy aircraft, mainly modern Su-34 fighter-bombers, were destroyed. Throughout the winter, Russia lost two A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft. The enemy only has a few of them.

▪ Prisoner exchanges, previously blocked by Moscow, have been restored. 537 defenders of Ukraine returned home from Russian captivity.

▪ Security assurance agreements have been signed with the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, and Italy.

▪ The provision of significant international assistance continues: the EU has approved the allocation of EUR 50 billion to Ukraine. Gradually, the allocation of USD 60 billion in assistance to Ukraine by the U.S. Congress is progressing.

▪ The International Court of Justice adopted positive decisions in cases on Ukraine's claims against the Russian Federation.

2. RESOLUTIONS OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

On February 29, the European Parliament adopted resolutions in support of Ukraine and condemning political repression in Russia against the opposition.

▪ The European Parliament confirmed by an absolute majority that the purpose of its support for Ukraine is the military victory of our state and restoration of Ukraine's control over all temporarily occupied territories.

▪ MEPs recognized that the efforts of international partners in support of Ukraine are insufficient to repel the Russian aggressor.

▪ The resolution calls on EU Member States to take all necessary measures to fulfil their commitments to supply Ukraine with one million rounds of ammunition as soon as possible.

▪ The European Parliament called for tougher sanctions, new restrictions, and strict enforcement.

▪ In fact, for the first time, the European Parliament officially stated that the necessaryconditions for the introduction of democracy in Russia are its de-imperialization, decolonization, and re-federalization. Only Ukraine's victory will make this possible.

3. THE DICTATOR'S PROMISES

On February 29, Putin delivered his annual address to the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

▪ The dictator once again lied about the causes and nature of the Russian-Ukrainian war. All his statements are aimed at avoiding responsibility for criminal aggression.

▪ The purpose of the speech is to assure Russians on the eve of the elections that the country is “doing well,” that Putin is leading Russia on the right course and protecting it from the aggressive West, and therefore his candidacy must be supported in the presidential election.

▪ Putin brought Russia to a miserable state, but this did not prevent him from openly lying about “achievements” in domestic politics. The faces of those listening to the speech said all about their attitude.

▪ The dictator gave promises he won't keep, and the total number of pre-election promises of allocations for national programmes and social benefits was 13 times higher than the revenue side of the Russian budget for 2024.

▪ Very little attention in the speech devoted to the Russian-Ukrainian war is an indication that the Russians are tired and do not want to hear more about “military victories.” This is more revealing than the pseudo-data of Russian sociology