Russian President Vladimir Putin described 2024 as a historic year for military operations on Ukraine. Praising the progress of the army in the meeting of top military officers held at the end of the year, he said that the Russian army is leading on the entire front.
He criticized Western countries’ “hybrid war” policy and efforts to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Moscow. This statement has come at a time when the Russian army is accelerating its offensive in eastern Ukraine.
Keep an eye on Donald Trump’s stance
Before US President-elect Donald Trump takes power in January, both Russia and Ukraine are trying to strengthen their positions. Trump has repeatedly claimed that he can achieve a ceasefire in a few hours, but till now has not presented any concrete plan for this.
Russian Defense Minister’s statement
Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said that this year Russia has captured 4,500 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory and is gaining control of 30 square kilometers of territory every day. He said Ukraine now controls only 1% of Lugansk, and 25-30% of the Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhia regions.
Putin’s emphasis on army and weapons
Putin praised Russia’s military industry and the production of the hypersonic missile “Oreshnik”. He said that this missile was used on Dnipro city of Ukraine.
He also stressed on the recruitment of soldiers and said that this year 4,30,000 people signed up to join the army. Russia’s defense and security budget has now crossed 6% of GDP.
Growing challenges for Ukraine
Ukraine is dependent on military and financial support from Western countries. The possibility of Trump reducing support could be a major blow to Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Major events of Russia-Ukraine war in 2024
8 February:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a major change in the top leadership of the army and appointed General Oleksandr Syrsky.
17 February:
Russia captured Avdiivka after a long battle of 5 months. It was described as Russia’s biggest military achievement after Bakhmut.
24 April:
US President Joe Biden approved $60.8 billion aid for Ukraine.
War journey and major events
24 February 2022: Russia announced a “special military operation” against Ukraine.
20 May 2022: Russia captured Mariupol and cut off Ukraine’s access to the Sea of Azov.
July 3, 2022: Russia made gains in the Donbass region by capturing Lisichansk in Luhansk.
8-10 October 2022: Ukraine attacked the Crimean bridge and damaged it.
21 May 2023: Russia claimed to have captured Bakhmut.
13-22 September 2023: Ukraine attacked Russia’s Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol.
