Photo : Nato.org
Photo : Nato.org
War in Ukraine: Days 571 & 572
By Rishika Yadav
War on the Ground
On 17 September, Ukraine’s Air Force reported that they successfully shot down 12 out of 16 Russia’s missiles and drones. These missiles and drones were launched towards southern Odesa Oblast. The intercepted drones included six Shahed 131/136 drones, and they also downed six Russia’s cruise missiles. Some missiles struck a civilian agricultural facility in Odesa Oblast, causing no casualties. The drones were launched from occupied Crimea and Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, while the missiles were fired from Russia’s Saratov Oblast. Krasnodar Krai is located in the North Caucasus in Southern Russia. The attacks were seen as retaliation for an earlier Ukraine’s strike on a Russia’s shipyard in Sevastopol.
On 16 September, in an interview with Reuters, Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Digital Transformation Minister, updated about Ukraine’s plan. He said that Ukraine plans to increase drone attacks on Russia’s warships. He affirmed that there would be “..more drones, more attacks, and fewer Russian ships.” Ukraine recently claimed responsibility for attacks on Russia’s Black Sea naval fleet, marking a shift in strategy. It has also significantly increased its aerial drone production, with plans to further expand. Additionally, Ukraine is testing AI systems to detect and target objectives, even in the presence of electronic warfare disruptions.
On 17 September, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President, announced the recapture of Klishchiivka, a strategically important town south of Bakhmut. Klishchiivka’s recapture could facilitate the encirclement of Bakhmut, seized by Russia’s forces in May. Zelenskyy also mentioned preparations for new defence solutions, focusing on air defence and artillery.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 16 September, The Moscow Times reported on Russia’s disputed Ukraine’s claim of retaking Andriivka, a village near Bakhmut. Russia’s defence ministry stated that Ukraine’s forces were attempting unsuccessfully to dislodge Russia’s troops in Andriivka. The situation remains unclear, with previous conflicting reports and ongoing fighting in the village.
On 17 September, Russia’s Defence Ministry reported that Russia’s air defences thwarted a Ukraine’s drone attack. According to the report it destroyed the unmanned aerial vehicle, in the Istra district outside Moscow. Sergey Sobyanin, Moscow Mayor, confirmed the incident and noted that there were no casualties or damage reported in the attack.
On 17 September, according to Russia’s Defence Ministry it prevented the attack on Russia’s facilities, over the southwestern part of Crimea. It reported that Russia’s air defence systems intercepted and downed three Ukraine’s drones. There were no reported damages to infrastructure in the region.
On 17 September, Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s leader, concluded his official visit to Russia. During the visit, discussions with Russia’s delegation covered topics such as agriculture, transport infrastructure, cultural exchange, education, medical issues, and additional grain supplies. The next meeting of the Russia-North Korea intergovernmental commission will be held in November in Pyongyang.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 16 September, the annual NATO Conference in Oslo took place. It focused on the integrated defence plans and deterrence in the High North. Allies stood together in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s aggression. Norway pledged a multi-year support program of approximately EUR 7.5 billion distributed over five years for Ukraine. The country also committed to funding NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine (CAP) program.
On 17 September, Poland implemented an EU ban on Russia’s registered cars. It aligned with EU sanctions against Russia due to the Ukraine conflict. Under the ban, Russia’s registered cars are prohibited from entering Poland. The move follows similar actions by Baltic States; Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, aiming to pressure Russia. Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s Deputy Head of Security Council, criticized the EU’s move as racist and hinted at potential diplomatic repercussions.
On 16 September, in its defence intelligence UKs ministry of defence updated on Ukraine. According to the update, between October 2022 and March 2023, Russia targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with long-range strikes. It was targeted predominantly using modern AS-23a KODIAK air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs) released from strategic bomber aircraft within Russia’s territory. Recent reports indicate reduced ALCM usage since April 2023, while Russia emphasizes increased production, potentially amassing a significant ALCM stockpile. There is a credible risk of renewed ALCM strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure during winter.
References
“First 2 ships agree to use temporary corridor to Ukraine's Chornomorsk port,” Ukrainska Pravda, 16 September 2023
Max Hunder, “Ukrainian minister vows more drones for strikes on Russian warships,” Reuters, 16 September 2023
“Ukraine Claims Control Of Key Town On Eastern Front,” Barron’s, 17 September 2023
Daria Shulzhenko, “Air Force: Ukraine downs 12 out of 16 missiles, drones launched by Russia overnight,” The Kyiv Independent, 17 September 2023
“Russia Denies Losing Frontline Village to Ukraine Forces,” The Moscow Times, 16 September 2023
“Russia says air defenses destroyed Ukrainian drone outside Moscow,” TASS, 17 September 2023
“Three Ukrainian drones shot down over southwestern part of Crimea — defense ministry,” TASS, 17 September 2023
“Russia’s delegation discusses agriculture, transport issues with Kim Jong Un,” TASS, 17 September 2023
“Opening remarks,” North Atlantic Treaty Organization, 16 September 2023
Vanessa Gera, “Poland imposes EU ban on all Russian-registered passenger cars,” Associated Press, 17 September 2023
“Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 16 September 2023,” UK’s Ministry of Defence (Twitter), 16 September 2023