Crisis in Ukraine: Daily Briefing
13 February, 8 PM Kyiv time
1. Russian Invasion of Ukraine
The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (RNBO) reported at 12:30 PM Kyiv time that Kremlin-backed terrorists continue to attack Ukrainian positions near Debaltseve. The Department of Defense of Ukraine reported at 4:30 PM Kyiv time that Kremlin-backed terrorists continue to shell residential areas of Debaltseve. The press-center of the anti-terrorism operation (ATO) reported at 4:30 PM Kyiv time that Kremlin-backed terrorists, with tanks and armored personnel carriers, attacked Ukrainian positions near Debaltseve at Troitske, Mius, Chornukhino and Kamyanka. Ukrainian forces continue to hold their positions near Debaltseve. The Ministry of Defense reported at 6 PM Kyiv time that Kremlin-backed terrorists shelled Artemivsk, Donetsk oblast, which is more than 30 km from the battle lines, murdering 3 civilians. The RNBO reported that in the last 24 hours, 11 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 40 Ukrainian soldiers were wounded.
2. Canada to provide satellite images to Ukraine
Canada will provide Ukraine’s armed forces with high-resolution images from Canada’s RADARSAT-2 satellite. CTV news reported on 11 February that“Twice a day, the satellite will cross over Ukraine, providing precise details on what is happening on the ground — day or night. That will allow the Ukrainians to redeploy their troops and use them more strategically against Russian-backed separatists. The satellite is ‘really good at detecting military hardware,’” stated Retired Col. Andre Dupuis. Canada’s Minister of National Defence J. Kenney stated, “I can assure you that Canada will continue to strongly support our Ukrainian friends and allies as they defend Ukraine from Vladimir Putin’s illegal and deadly invasion. […] I can confirm that Canada intends to offer radar satellite images to Ukrainian forces.”
3. President of the European Council: Geopolitical order in Europe is at stake
President of the European Council D. Tusk stated on 12 February, following an informal meeting of EU heads of state or government, “President Poroshenko briefed us on the terrible situation in his country as a result of Russian aggression. He gave us a sobering assessment of the deal reached this morning in Minsk. We thanked Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande for their indispensable efforts for peace in Ukraine. They presented the results of the Minsk talks. We give it cautious support. Words put down on paper must translate into real deeds. The ceasefire must be respected. We must see a real de-escalation of the conflict. This is not just about the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The whole geopolitical order in Europe after 1989 is at stake. […]. Our debate focused on how to support the implementation of the agreement. If this does not happen, we will not hesitate to take the necessary steps. We stand united. We will stay the course.”
4. Russian court upholds ban on Crimean Tatar leader from occupied Crimea
The Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group (KHPG) reported that a Russian court has upheld the ban imposed on Crimean Tatar leader and Ukrainian MP Mustafa Dzhemiliev from entering Crimea. Dzhemiliev was banned from Crimea by the “authorities” in Russian occupied Crimea in May 2014. KHPG reported that a Russian migration service official stated that Dzhemiliev had been banned for 5 years “to ensure the state’s defence capacity and security, and to safeguard public order.” “Dzhemiliev and the Mejlis or Crimean Tatar representative assembly never concealed their opposition to Russia’s aggression and seizure of Crimea.” KHPG stated.
