December 14, 2023

Russian Ministry of Defense:  up to 665 Ukrainian troops killed or wounded in 24 hours 

Russian Defense Ministry

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. 

▫️ In Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces supported by artillery and heavy flamethrower systems repelled five attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 60th, 115th mechanised brigades, as well as 57th Motorised Brigade near Sinkovka (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 45 Ukrainian troops, one tank, and two armoured fighting vehicles.

▫️ In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces repelled one attack launched by an assault detachment of the AFU 44th Separate Rifle Battalion close to Yampolovka (Donetsk People’s Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 180 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, as well as one French-made CAEZAR self-propelled artillery system during the day.

▫️ In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by artillery repelled six attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 24th mechanised, 5th assault, and 112th territorial defence brigades close to Kleshcheyevka and Kirovo (Donetsk People’s Republic).

In addition, strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of the AFU 30th mechanised, 79th and 95th air assault brigades close to KurdyumovkaMaryinka, Krasnoye, and Andreyevka (Donetsk People’s Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 265 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, and three motor vehicles. 

In the course of the counterbattery warfare, two Akatsiya self-propelled artillery systems, three Msta-B howitzers, one D-30 howitzer were eliminated.

▫️ In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces supported by artillery and heavy flamethrower systems inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 72nd Air Assault Brigade near Novomikhailovka (Donetsk People’s Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 90 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, as well as two pickup trucks. 

▫️ In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces supported by artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 33rd and 65th mechanised brigades close to Rabotino (Zaporozhye region). 

The AFU lost up to 45 Ukrainian troops and two motor vehicles during the day.

▫️ In Kherson direction, as a result of actions of the Russian Group of Forces supported by artillery and aviation, the AFU lost up to 40 Ukrainian troops and four motor vehicles.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces wiped out missile artillery ammunition depots of the AFU 37th Marines Brigade and 65th Mechanised Brigade near Daryevka (Kherson region) and Volnyansk (Zaporozhye region), as well as engaged manpower and hardware in 128 areas during the day. 

Air defence units intercepted three HIMARS projectiles over the past 24 hours.

In addition, 26 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down close to BelogorovkaKremennaya (Lugansk People’s Republic), GorlovkaMaryinka (Donetsk People’s Republic), Novaya Kakhovka and Tavriysk (Kherson region).

📊 In total, 550 airplanes and 257 helicopters, 9,687 unmanned aerial vehicles, 442 air defence missile systems, 14,046 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,188 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,329 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 16,288 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.