As the war continues into its 630th day, here are the latest developments as of Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
Fighting
Russia has escalated air bombardments and ground assaults around the eastern town of Avdiivka, near the Russian-held Ukrainian city of Donetsk. Ukrainian forces have repelled eight attacks in the previous 24 hours and are facing increased air strikes and infantry presence from Russia. President Zelenskyy states that Russian forces are suffering greater losses in Avdiivka than in previous battles earlier this year. Additionally, Ukrainian forces have made progress in the Kherson region, gaining a foothold on the east bank of the Dnipro River.
The number of civilians injured or killed by landmines and explosive remnants doubled from 2021 to 2022. Russia’s air defences reportedly destroyed four Ukrainian drones, with no reported casualties or damage.
Politics and diplomacy
Former police officer Sergei Khadzhikurbanov was pardoned for the killing of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya after enlisting with the Russian military in Ukraine. Russia also sentenced a man to six years in prison for damaging posters of Russian soldiers who fought in Ukraine, and Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Dubinsky was detained for 60 days on suspicion of treason for allegedly cooperating with Russia’s military intelligence.
Weapons
The European Union is facing production issues and will likely miss its target of supplying Ukraine with 1 million artillery shells and missiles by March. However, EU member states have already provided over 300,000 artillery shells and missiles under the first track of the scheme.