Friday, October 27, 2023

Putin Warns Ukraine’s Bakhmut of Espionage

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On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the Federal Security Service (FSB) to bolster forces in the four regions that are currently only partially controlled by his forces. He also warned of growing espionage and sabotage operations against Russia by Ukraine and the West. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow’s stance that it is open to peace negotiations, but Kyiv and its Western allies must accept Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions.

At the same time, Ukraine’s military reported that Russian forces have pressed forward their weeks-long drive to encircle and capture the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. The commander of Ukraine’s ground forces described the situation as “extremely tense”, with more than 60 enemy attacks repelled in the past day.

The US undersecretary of defence for policy, Colin Kahl, said he did not expect Russia to be able to make significant territorial gains in the near term, though small portions of territory may change hands in the coming weeks and months. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also warned that the US will not hesitate to target Chinese companies and individuals if Beijing violates US sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine war.

Ukraine’s head of military intelligence has brushed aside claims that China is considering furnishing arms to Russia, telling US media that he saw no “signs that such things are even being discussed”.

The EU is also planning to extend its gas consumption reduction measures into next winter to replenish stocks. The regulation adopted last year expires at the end of March, and EU member states will have to agree to any new target on reduction for next winter. Germany, the EU’s biggest economy, is calling for a target higher than 15 percent.

Overall, tensions remain high in Ukraine as Russia continues its drive to encircle and capture Bakhmut and Putin orders the FSB to bolster security in annexed regions. Moscow is open to peace talks, but will not give up these regions. The US has warned China not to violate sanctions on Russia, while the EU is looking to extend its gas consumption reduction measures into next winter.

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