Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The Russian war in Ukraine is still ongoing today. Moscow’s attack on Kyiv began on February 24 and is almost in its sixth month.
Here are the latest developments in the war in Ukraine, launch AFPThursday (21/7/2022).
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Europe Cancel “Apocalypse” Gas
Russia will resume gas supplies to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. Gas will flow to Germany after being stopped for 10 days for maintenance.
This brings “relief” on the continent amid the threat of a gas “apocalypse”. But the gas carried by the pipeline is only a small part of its capacity.
Russia itself has reduced or suspended supplies to a dozen European Union (EU) members in retaliation for Western sanctions over its attacks on Ukraine. The EU on Wednesday urged member states to reduce their gas consumption by 15% over the coming months to secure their winter stockpiles.
As is well known, Russian gas giant Gazprom has cut gas flows to Germany via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline by about 40% in recent weeks. They blamed the absence of a Siemens gas turbine undergoing repairs in Canada. However, this explanation was rejected by Germany.
Ukraine Devalues Currency
Ukraine’s central bank on Thursday devalued the national currency, the hryvnia, against the dollar. This was done to support foreign exchange reserves and increase the country’s export competitiveness in the face of a collapsing economy.
The National Bank revised the official exchange rate from 29.25 hyrvnia to the dollar to 36.57 hyrvnia to the dollar. “The new hryvnia rate will be an anchor for the economy and will add to its resilience in conditions of uncertainty,” the bank said.
US Sends More Rocket Launchers
The United States (US) promises to send four more advanced rocket systems High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) to Ukraine. It was done to help Kyiv forces resist Russian attacks in the eastern Donbas region.
HIMARS is a high-mobility artillery rocket system that can hit targets up to 50 miles (80 km) away. This rocket can launch multiple precision missiles simultaneously which can help ‘level the buildings in Russia’.
“Ukraine needs firepower and ammunition to withstand this attack and to strike back,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters.
Earlier, Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska gave an emotional address to the US Congress about the ongoing war. He asked for more weapons to his homeland.
“Help us stop this terror against Ukraine,” Zelenska said.
Deadly Attack on Kharkiv
Two people were killed and 19 injured by a Russian attack in Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv. This came as Moscow stepped up its bombardment, two months after the Kyiv forces had driven back.
Regional governor Oleg Synegubov announced the deaths came a day after three people were killed in the shooting at a bus stop in the city. The victims included a 13-year-old boy.
Ukraine’s lesson for China
The head of the CIA, Bill Burns, said China might take a lesson in Ukraine. It’s about how to reassert its control over Taiwan.
Burns said Russia’s experience in war could influence “how and when” Beijing will decide to use its power against Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as its territory while the island declares itself “independent”.
“Russia’s failure to overthrow the Ukrainian leadership in Kyiv shows that you did not achieve a quick and decisive victory with overwhelming force,” he said.
“I suspect the lesson learned by the Chinese leadership and military is that you have to muster tremendous power if you are going to contemplate it in the future,” he added.
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