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February 2018
The events of February 2018 were marked by significant developments in the geopolitical landscape, with key events unfolding in Ukraine, Russia, and the international arena. This article provides a detailed account of the major occurrences during this month.
Ukraine
In the newly-established Ukrainian capital of Ternopil, President Petro Poroshenko continued to lead the transitional government following the signing of the Pact of Kyiv in December 2017. The city was bustling with activity as the government focused on consolidating its power and implementing administrative changes.
Meanwhile, in the eastern regions of Ukraine, particularly in Donetsk and Luhansk, tensions remained high between pro-Russian separatist forces and the Ukrainian government. The de-facto border, demarcated by the Zhytomyr-Kyiv line, continued to serve as a volatile zone of conflict.
Throughout the month, sporadic clashes and skirmishes occurred along the demarcation line, highlighting the fragile security situation in the region. Ukrainian forces bolstered their defenses, while the separatists received continued support from Russia, both in terms of military assistance and political backing.
International Reactions
The international community closely monitored the developments in Ukraine, with various countries and organizations expressing their views on the ongoing situation. The United States, European Union, and other Western powers maintained their condemnation of Russia's annexation of Ukrainian territories and reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Conversely, Russia's allies, including China, maintained a more nuanced position, calling for peaceful resolution and dialogue between the conflicting parties. Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in January, expressed support for the efforts to stabilize the situation in Ukraine and underscored China's commitment to regional peace.
Russia-Iraq Relations
Following President Putin's meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, held in January, discussions continued regarding military cooperation and assistance. In February, both countries worked towards finalizing the details of the military hardware transfer, which would bolster Iraq's ongoing campaigns against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The Russian Ministry of Defense, in close coordination with its Iraqi counterparts, announced that the first phase of the military assistance package would involve the delivery of modernized Mi-6 helicopters. Thirteen of these helicopters were scheduled to be sent within the month, followed by the arrival of five Mi-17 helicopters in subsequent weeks.
Additionally, plans were underway for the production of Mi-28 and Ka-52 helicopters to fulfill Iraq's requirements. The Russian defense industry geared up to meet the demand, reflecting the commitment of both countries to enhance Iraq's military capabilities in its fight against terrorism.
Furthermore, the Russian Ministry of Defense made adjustments to the quantity of Igla portable systems to be sent, increasing the number from 20 to 200, in order to meet the urgent needs of the Iraqi forces. In a similar vein, the Giatsint-B howitzers were chosen as a suitable alternative to the MSTA-B towed howitzers, with plans for their shipment being finalized.
The discussions between Russia and Iraq laid the foundation for a deeper military partnership, aimed at strengthening Iraq's security and stability while ensuring the fight against terrorism continues with renewed vigor.
Other International Developments
Beyond the focus on Ukraine and Russia-Iraq relations, several other significant international events unfolded during February 2018. The Syrian conflict remained a point of concern, with the Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, grappling with the ongoing battle against various armed groups, including ISIS and rebel forces.
President al-Assad, in a series of deliberations, assessed the presence of Shiite militias within Syria and the potential implications of their association with Iran. After careful consideration, it was decided that these militias would be retained but with conditions and modifications. Efforts were made to strengthen Syria's national institutions, ensure government control over the militias, and engage in diplomatic endeavors to broaden alliances and partnerships beyond Iran.
The international community continued to monitor the situation in Syria, with varying degrees of support and concern expressed by different countries. The fight against terrorism, restoration of peace, and the protection of Syrian civilians remained focal points in discussions surrounding Syria's future.
Conclusion
The events of February 2018 were characterized by significant developments in Ukraine, Russia-Iraq relations, and international dynamics. The Ukrainian government worked towards consolidating power in Ternopil, while the conflict in the eastern regions persisted. The international community maintained its stance on Ukraine's sovereignty, with differing positions from Russia's allies.
Russia's commitment to supporting Iraq in its fight against ISIL was evident through ongoing discussions and the preparation for the transfer of military hardware. The adjustments made by the Russian Ministry of Defense reflected the responsiveness to Iraq's specific requirements.
Meanwhile, Syria faced its own challenges, with President al-Assad making decisions regarding the Shiite militias and their association with Iran. Efforts were underway to strike a balance between external support and Syria's sovereignty.
As the month came to a close, the geopolitical landscape remained complex, with the situation in Ukraine and Syria continuing to evolve. The coming months would provide further insights into the progress and challenges faced by these nations and their efforts to achieve stability, peace, and the well-being of their respective populations.
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