World in Brief - The Economist Roundup

 World in Brief

The Economist Roundup

Russia intensifies its assault on Ukraine

Russia is stepping up its military operations in Ukraine. According to a senior Ukrainian general, there are twice as many battles as there were a few weeks ago. Russia continues to threaten in five main theatres across the east and south, though it is suffering significant losses and has yet to make a strategic breakthrough.

Russia has also switched aerial tactics; it is now attacking defence production rather than energy infrastructure. In early-morning barrages on December 29th and January 2nd Russia may have used nearly two months’ worth of its own missile output. Ukraine’s air defences intercepted most of them, though many got through, to devastating effect. Ukraine is changing its tactics, too. On Tuesday an electricity substation in Moscow went up in flames, apparently because of a drone attack. Ukraine’s military intelligence released footage of a burning bomber plane in Chelyabinsk, more than 1,500km inside Russia. The news followed explosions in Belgorod, a Russian border city, and in Sevastopol, a port in occupied Crimea.

Hemedti's Momentum in Sudan

Sudan’s most notorious warlord, Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo (better known as Hemedti), is on a roll. In recent weeks his Rapid Support Forces have won a string of victories against the Sudanese army. After nine months of civil war Mr Dagalo appears to be on the verge of becoming the outright winner.

Sudan’s neighbours are starting to treat him like it. Since late December Mr Dagalo has been on a victory tour. Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Africa and Uganda have all rolled out the red carpet. On Tuesday the warlord signed an agreement to work with prominent Sudanese politicians, including a former prime minister. Next on the agenda might well be direct talks with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s beleaguered army chief, which some hope will lead to a resolution of the conflict.

Do not expect such a summit to take place just yet, however. General Burhan is loth to be seen negotiating with the paramilitary leader. And Mr Dagalo senses total victory. He may prefer to make more military gains before talking.

Threatened peace at Korean peninsula

North Korea fired more than 200 artillery shells off its west coast towards a South Korean island. South Korea’s army said the “provocative act” did not cause any damage but “threatens peace”. Residents in one part of the island were told to evacuate, but officials did not confirm whether that was triggered by the North Korean launches or South Korean military drills.

Russia - North Korea bargain

The White House said that Russia was using ballistic missiles from North Korea to attack Ukraine. American officials think that the hermit kingdom wants Russian aircraft and armoured vehicles in return. Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s leader, met Vladimir Putin, his Russian counterpart, at a Russian spaceport in September. Russia is also allegedly in talks to buy ballistic missiles from Iran.

Blinken on peace mission to Middle East

Secretary of State Antony Blinken was set on Friday to begin a diplomatic tour through the Middle East, as the U.S. seeks to defuse tensions in the region, where fears are growing that the war in Gaza could spiral into a broader conflict.