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What the war's fronts and supply lines showed
Summary
A look back at the claims, pledges and sanctions reported in the days up to 24 January 2023.
What was shifting in the war in Ukraine as of 24 January 2023? The days leading up to that date pointed in three directions: Russian claims of gains, new Western military pledges and a fresh sanctions designation.
Claims on the ground
On 20 January 2023, Russia claimed it had captured the village of Klishchiivka in Donetsk Oblast, south of Bakhmut, and the village of Lobkove in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. On 21 January, the Russian military said it had launched offensive operations in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and had taken more advantageous lines and positions. Both were Russian statements, and the Bakhmut area and Zaporizhzhia Oblast were the places they named.
Weapons from Sweden
On 19 January 2023, Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson announced that Sweden would send its self-propelled Archer Artillery System, 50 Combat Vehicle 90 infantry fighting vehicles and NLAW anti-tank missiles to Ukraine. The announcement was part of Sweden's latest military support package for the Ukrainian military. The package combined artillery, armoured infantry vehicles and anti-tank weapons.
Pressure on Wagner
On 20 January 2023, the US Department of the Treasury designated the Russian paramilitary organisation Wagner Group as a transnational criminal organisation. The designation allowed provisions for international sanctions.
Reading the picture
Taken together, these developments showed Russian forces announcing advances around Bakhmut and in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, while Ukraine's partners added to its equipment and Washington moved against a Russian paramilitary group. The reports do not show how these strands affected one another, but they mark the situation on the eve of 24 January 2023.
