Ukraine Conducts Sabotage Operations in Siberia to Counter Russian Artillery : Analysis

Ukrainian operatives reportedly conducted a sabotage operation in east Siberia, where they blew up two freight trains on a track believed to be used for transporting North Korean-made weapons to the Russian front lines in Ukraine. The details of the operation are still unclear, but it is reported that four explosive devices were planted on the railway. The explosions resulted in significant damage to the railway and fuel leakage. The goal of the operation seems to have been to disable the route and disrupt the supply of weapons to Russia.

This route is of strategic importance as it is believed to be used for transporting artillery shells from North Korea to Russia, which are then used in Ukraine. According to satellite images published by The Washington Post, North Korean cargo ships have been successfully delivering weapons to Russia’s port of Dunai since August. The cargo is then expected to be transported via rail to Ukraine.

In addition to this sabotage operation, Ukraine also continued its efforts to disrupt Russian supply routes in Crimea. The Russian defense ministry reported that it downed 35 Ukrainian drones targeting the port of Feodosia in east Crimea. These drones were allegedly intended to hit the oil depot and power plant in the city. Russia also launched over 80 drones against Ukraine during the week, with Ukraine’s air force successfully shooting down 62 of them.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concerns about a potential intense Russian air campaign targeting electricity and water utilities in Ukraine during the winter. He also acknowledged the challenges faced by Ukraine in obtaining the weapons it needs to defend itself, but he remained confident in Ukraine’s resolve and its ability to fight with the second-best army in the world.

At the same time, there are growing signs that the West may be lacking in resolve to support Ukraine in the conflict. Nigel Gould-Davies, chief Eurasia analyst for the International Institute for Strategic Studies, highlighted the budget struggles in the US House and Senate, as well as the EU’s wrangling over budgetary support for Ukraine. Republicans in the US have been insisting on tying military aid for Ukraine to issues like border security and a socially conservative agenda.

Meanwhile, a survey conducted by Russian opposition polling organization Chronicles suggested a decline in support for the war among Russians. The survey showed that the number of Russians supporting the war, opposing troop withdrawal, and supporting increased military spending had nearly halved during the year.

Overall, the article provides a summary of recent developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly focusing on the sabotage operations carried out by Ukraine and the growing signs of dissatisfaction in both countries. The sources used in the article include Ukrainian and Russian media, the Washington Post, and the International Institute for Strategic Studies. While the information presented is mostly based on reported facts and quotes from officials, it is important to note that there are limited details about the sabotage operation and the survey mentioned in the article.

The credibility of the sources used in this article can be assessed to varying degrees. Ukrainian and Russian media sources can be subject to biases and propaganda, and the information they provide should be critically evaluated. The Washington Post is a reputable news organization, but it is always important to examine the evidence and corroborate information from multiple sources. The International Institute for Strategic Studies is a well-known think tank, but it is essential to consider any potential biases or agendas that may influence their analysis.

Given the complexity of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the prevalence of fake news and misinformation, it is crucial for the public to approach such information with skepticism and to seek out multiple perspectives. The political landscape and the prevalence of fake news can contribute to a distorted perception of the conflict, with biases and misinformation potentially influencing public opinion and policymakers’ decisions. It is therefore important to critically evaluate the information presented and seek out reliable sources to gain a nuanced understanding of the topic.

Source: Aljazeera news: Ukraine mounts acts of sabotage in Siberia to staunch Russian artillery