War in Ukraine: “artificial” shortage of weapons, withdrawal from Avdiivka, European defense plan… update on the situation

Le point sur la situation. dpa – Felix Hörhager

Every day, Midi Libre takes stock of the situation in Ukraine. This Saturday, February 17, 2024, discover the latest news around this conflict.

The Commission will present the European defense plan in three weeks

The European Commission will present a proposal for a defense industrial strategy in three weeks, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this Saturday, February 17, and will also open an innovation office in matters of defense in Ukraine.

"Europe must strengthen its industrial base (…) I am a convinced transatlanticist and, at the same time, we must build a strong Europe, that goes hand in hand" , said Ursula von der Leyen during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference.
The proposal aims to increase defense spending, "spend better" with joint purchases and agreements to provide forecasts to industry and better interoperability between European armed forces, the president said.

The objective is also to concentrate spending in Europe in order to maintain "good jobs" for the taxpayers who foot the bill, she added.

Ursula von der Leyen also believes that Ukraine must be integrated into European defense programs, because Russia "surpasses Ukraine" in soldiers.
Regarding financial aid, it would be in the U.S. interest to pass a bill – currently blocked in Congress – to provide increased aid to the United States. #39;Ukraine, because this measure symbolizes the resistance of democracies.

"This is not just about Russia's war in Ukraine and Putin's attempts to destabilize democracies, but about all the other autocratic adversaries that we monitor very closely (…), may the democracies be united, determined and resolute".

She also promised that, if re-elected as head of the European Union (EU) executive, she would create a new position of Defense Commissioner. In February, the EU decided to provide Ukraine with new aid of 50 billion euros over the next four years, in addition to the 88 billion euros already spent since the launch of the Russian invasion in February 2022. "The question is whether democracies will prevail globally", said Ursula von der Leyen.

Zelensky deplores the "artificial" weapons to stop Putin

Volodimir Zelensky urged his allies in Munich this Saturday, February 17, to remedy what he described as an "artificial" weapons, which strengthens the position of Russian forces on the Ukrainian front.

Ukraine's president was speaking at the Munich security conference, almost two years after the Russian invasion began and his troops were forced to withdraw from the devastated city of Ukraine. #39;Avdiivka, in the east of the country.

Ukraine is facing a serious ammunition shortage and U.S. military aid has been delayed for months by Congress. "Unfortunately, keeping Ukraine in an artificial weapons deficit, particularly munitions and long-range capabilities, allows Putin to ;#39;adapt to the current intensity of the war. This self-weakening of democracy over time undermines our common resolve", he declared before adding: "Don't ask Ukraine when the war will end. Instead, ask yourself why Putin is still able to pursue her."

Right now, he added, the most important thing allies can do is send additional aid, with weapons and air defense means.
Earlier, at the same conference, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz evaded questions regarding the supply of long-range Taurus missiles to Kyiv: "If the range of your artillery is 20 km and Russia's 40 km, you have the answer", said Volodimir Zelensky.

The Munich security conference was marked on Friday by the announcement of the death of Alexeï Navalny, critic of Vladimir Putin, in a Russian prison. It is impossible to consider Vladimir Putin as the legitimate leader of Russia after the death of Alexei Navalny, the Ukrainian head of state reacted: "Putin kills whoever he wants, whether it's an opposition leader or anyone he seems to be a target.&amp ;quot;

Ukrainian troops withdrew from the town of Avdiivka

Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from the devastated eastern town of Avdiivka, the country's new chief of staff said. #39;Ukrainian army in the early hours of Saturday, February 17, paving the way for Russia's biggest advance since May 2023, when it captured the town of Bakhmut.

This withdrawal, announced while Ukraine is facing a serious ammunition shortage and American military aid has been delayed for months by Congress, aims to prevent troops from being completely surrounded by Russian forces after months of fierce fighting.

General Oleksandr Syrsky, who took over as head of the Ukrainian army in a major reshuffle last week, said Ukrainian forces had withdrawn to safer positions outside the town, which had 32,000 inhabitants before the war: "I decided to withdraw our units from the city ​​and move on to defense from more favorable lines in order to avoid encirclement and preserve the life and health of the soldiers", a he declared in a press release.

The loss of the city, nearly two years after the launch of the Russian invasion, could strengthen President Volodimir Zelensky's case for urgent military aid during the Munich security conference , Saturday morning.

The capture of Avdiivka is essential for Russia which seeks to ensure total control of the two provinces of the industrial region of Donbass, and thus offer President Vladimir Putin a victory on the battlefield as he seeks re-election next month.