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What 20 January 2023 meant for Ukraine's security
Summary
A look back at Russian territorial claims near Bakhmut, a Swedish aid package and a US sanctions step against the Wagner Group.
What did the security picture look like on 20 January 2023? Three developments stood out: a Russian claim of gains around Bakhmut, a major Swedish pledge of weapons, and a new US designation of the Wagner Group.
On 20 January 2023, Russia claimed that it had captured the village of Klishchiivka in Donetsk Oblast, south of Bakhmut, as part of the Battle of Bakhmut. It also claimed the village of Lobkove in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
The day before, 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 formed part of Sweden's latest military support package for the Ukrainian military.
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.
Taken together
The three items point to different tools in play: Russia pressing its claims on the ground, Western partners supplying artillery, armoured vehicles and anti-tank weapons, and Washington using a legal designation aimed at a paramilitary group.
