As the war in Ukraine continues into its 965th day, the situation remains tense with ongoing fighting and political developments on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
Russian forces captured two villages in eastern Ukraine while fierce fighting continues in the Kurakhove area. Ukrainian troops have been successful in pushing back some Russian assaults, but battles are still raging on. A Russian military officer who recently returned from Ukraine was assassinated in what is believed to be an organized hit in the Moscow region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has put forward a “victory plan” to end the war with Russia, including requests for specific weapons and an invitation to join NATO. Russia’s Foreign Ministry expressed concern that Zelenskyy’s plan could lead to disaster for the Ukrainian people and push NATO towards direct conflict with Russia.
NATO’s new chief Mark Rutte welcomed Zelenskyy’s plan as a positive development but expressed difficulties in fully supporting it. Ukraine has also appealed to the International Maritime Organization for international monitoring missions in Odesa ports due to Russian attacks on civilian ships and grain storage facilities.
In terms of military aid, NATO is committed to providing 40 billion euros ($43.53bn) in aid for Ukraine with 20.9 billion euros ($22.7bn) already pledged in the first half of 2024. US President Joe Biden announced a new $425m military aid package for Ukraine, including air defence capability, air-to-ground munitions, and armored vehicles.
Overall, the situation in Ukraine remains precarious as both sides continue to engage in conflict while diplomatic efforts are being made to end the war and provide crucial military aid to Ukraine.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
