As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its 361st day, the situation remains tense and volatile. On Sunday, February 19, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that most of Ukraine has electricity despite a series of major Russian attacks on the power generating system. In addition, two civilians were injured and hundreds of windows shattered in the west Ukrainian city of Khmelnytskyi as Russia fired missiles from the Black Sea. Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched four Kalibr missiles, two of which were shot down by air defences. Russia’s defence ministry reported that its forces had captured Hrianykivka, a village in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region 180km (110 miles) north of Bakhmut.
At the Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China’s top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi of consequences should China provide material support to Russia’s invasion. Wang responded by saying China has “neither stood by idly nor thrown fuel on the fire” regarding the crisis in Ukraine. US Vice President Kamala Harris accused Russia of committing crimes against humanity in Ukraine, while Russia’s ambassador to the US said Washington was trying to demonise Moscow and foment the crisis in Ukraine with allegations of crimes against humanity.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron said his country wants Russia defeated in Ukraine but does not want to “crush Russia” on its own soil. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union “can move mountains” to supply more ammunition. The Netherlands announced it would close its consulate in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and limit the number of Russian diplomats allowed at their embassy in The Hague over efforts “to secretly get intelligence agents into the Netherlands”.
Poland’s Prime Minister Morawiecki stated that his country is ready to support Ukraine with MiG jets, but only if a US-led coalition is formed. In conclusion, while diplomatic efforts are being made to de-escalate the situation, it is clear that tensions remain high and the conflict is far from over.