Earthquake in Turkey, possible offensive of Russians in Luhansk Oblast: today's highlights

Strategy to prevent a new invasion of Russia

At the Munich Security Conference, scheduled for February 17-19, a document will be presented on the strategy of what measures should be applied to Russia to prevent the aggression from happening again, Olha Aivazovska, the Chair of the Board of the Civil Network OPORA, told us in a commentary.

The collection of signatures for this document, which was developed by analytical centers, Ukrainian historians, and political scientists, is currently being finalized. The details of the strategy have not yet been disclosed, as the document is still being revised. Aivazovska notes that the requirements of the strategy may be overstated.

Verkhovna Rada recognizes Russian private military companies as terrorist organizations

On February 6, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine recognized Russian private military companies as terrorist organizations and the Wagner PMC as an international criminal organization. This was reported by MPs Oleksii Honcharenko and Yaroslav Zhelezniak.

A draft resolution proposing to recognize all Russian PMCs as terrorist organizations was registered on the website of the Verkhovna Rada in June 2020. The authors of the document note that the activities of such companies became known back in 2014.

It is stated that at that time, mercenaries covered regular units of the Russian army in the battles in Donbas, in particular near Debaltseve and Luhansk airport, and eliminated militant leaders who did not suit the Russian leadership.

Earthquake in Turkey

According to the US Geological Survey, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake occurred 23 kilometers east of Nurdağı in Gaziantep Province, at a depth of 24.1 kilometers. Nurdağı is located along the Turkish-Syrian border, and the earthquake was felt in several countries in the region, including Syria and Lebanon. The main quake was followed by several aftershocks.

The number of people killed and injured in the earthquake is constantly growing, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Thus, there are currently 1014 dead and 5383 injured people in Turkey, as well as more than 326 dead and 1042 injured people in Syria.

Ukrainian diplomats have received 24 appeals about Ukrainian citizens living in the earthquake zone in Turkey who can’t be contacted. This was reported by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleh Nikolenko.

An operational headquarters has been set up at the Ukrainian Embassy in Turkey, and the Consulate General in Istanbul and the Consulate in Antalya have also been involved. Diplomats are cooperating with Turkish rescue services.

Temporary Office of the Prosecutor to investigate the war in Ukraine

A temporary Office of Prosecutors to investigate the war in Ukraine may start operating in The Hague this year. Olha Aivazovska, Chair of the Board of the Civil Network OPORA, told us about this in a commentary.

Currently, the UN General Assembly has a draft resolution on a special tribunal for Russian aggression. But this document will be put to a vote when it is possible to collect a sufficient number of votes.

According to her, this structure is being created at the initiative of the Ukrainian side. However, it is not yet known whether this office will investigate the fact of aggression or war crimes. Aivazovska added that there are many initiatives to investigate the Russian invasion.

Russia may launch a new offensive in Luhansk Oblast after February 15

Russian occupation forces may launch a new offensive in Luhansk Oblast any time after February 15. This was reported by the head of the regional military administration Serhii Haidai.

According to him, the Russians are bringing more and more reserves to Luhansk Oblast. The occupiers are bringing in equipment, which they hide in forest belts and bury, and are building defensive lines.

According to Haidai, the Russians will need at least 10 more days to gather their reserves. He says that the two-month training of the newly mobilized Russians is already coming to an end.