Photo : Kiel Institute for the world economy/BBC
Photo : Kiel Institute for the world economy/BBC
War in Ukraine: Day 575
By Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 21 September, Ukraine’s Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food announced the upcoming talks between Ukraine and Poland over Ukraine’s grain exports. Ukraine and Poland have agreed to discuss solutions in the coming days. Ukraine has filed a lawsuit against Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary over the bans on Ukraine’s grain in WTO. Poland continues to impose embargo on Ukraine’s grain exports citing the impact on local grain market and protection of its farmers
On 21 September, General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported on successful interception of 38 cruise missiles out of 44 launched by Russia. The attack included six S-300 anti-air guided missiles, which targeted various regions. Russia’s strike focused on energy and industrial infrastructure across multiple oblasts. It included Kyiv, Cherkasy, Kharkiv, Lviv, Rivne, and Kherson.
On 21 September, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President, met with Joe Biden, US President, at the White House. Discussions covered defence support, strategic decisions, a new aid package for Ukraine, and cooperation on various fronts, reinforcing the alliance between the two countries. Zelenskyy discussed air defence and bolstering Ukraine’s position in the face of Russia’s aggression. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for US support and called the talks powerful and significant.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 21 September, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation announced the downing of 19 Ukraine’s drones over the Black Sea and Crimea. Russia’s officials initially denied reports of drone destruction in Sevastopol. They later confirmed air defence systems were active in Crimea. Additionally, three drone attacks were reportedly “thwarted” in western Russia’s Kursk, Belgorod, and Oryol regions.
On 20 September, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, expressed readiness to seek a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine conflict. However, he stated that no basis for talks currently exists. He said: “The word ‘negotiations’ is being heard more and more often.”
On 20 September, Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, accused the West of failing to address the root causes of the Ukraine crisis. He emphasized that the west is instead using slogans like ‘invasion’ and ‘aggression’ to blame Moscow. He alleged that the West has supported a Nazi regime in Ukraine, rewriting history, and avoiding substantive discussions. Lavrov cited the 2014 coup in Kiev and Zelenskyy’s decree against negotiating with Putin as obstacles to peace talks.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 21 September, Biden held a meeting with Zelenskyy at the White House. He reaffirmed commitment to Ukraine’s defence and long-term security. Biden announced a substantial aid package for Ukraine, emphasizing mutual efforts in defence, trade, and peace initiatives.
On 21 September, Biden urged Congress to back Ukraine aid. He emphasized the necessity for the US Congress to support additional military aid for Ukraine. Amid concerns that Republican lawmakers might block the aid package, Biden expressed confidence in Congress’ “good judgement” during his meeting with Zelenskyy.
On 20 September, Latvia’s Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) announced that it will notify Russia’s citizens whose residence permits have expired. It expired due to non-submission of EU long-term resident status documents. Approximately 3,541 individuals face a 30 November deadline to leave the country. Those wishing to remain can apply for a relevant permit if eligible.
On 21 September, BBC reported that five individuals are to be charged with espionage from Russia. The UK plans to charge five Bulgaria’s nationals, Orlin Roussev, Bizer Dzhambazov, Katrin Ivanova, Ivan Stoyanov, and Vanya Gaberova, for conducting espionage. They are accused of operating in a Russia’s spy cell and conducting surveillance on targets in the UK and Europe while gathering information for Russia's state. Search revealed fake passports and identity documents for multiple countries. The defendants, including Roussev, who has a history of business dealings in Russia, are to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 26 September.
On 21 September, BBC reported that Poland stopped supplying weapons to Ukraine amid a grain dispute. Mateusz Morawiecki, Poland’s Prime Minister, stated that only new Polish weapons would not be sent. While weapons transfers have stopped, previously agreed deliveries will proceed, and grain transport through the countries continues. According to Morawiecki, Poland will begin to focus on strengthening its defence.
On 20 September, Olaf Scholz, Germany’s Chancellor, announced that Germany will host an international conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine on 11 June 2024, in Berlin. The aim is to support Ukraine’s economy and long-term infrastructure rebuilding efforts. Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment during his meeting with Zelenskyy at the UNGA.
On 21 September, Biden held a meeting with Zelenskyy at the White House. He reaffirmed commitment to Ukraine’s defence and long-term security. Biden announced a substantial aid package for Ukraine, emphasizing mutual efforts in defence, trade, and peace initiatives.
On 21 September, Biden urged Congress to back Ukraine aid. He emphasized the necessity for the US Congress to support additional military aid for Ukraine. Amid concerns that Republican lawmakers might block the aid package, Biden expressed confidence in Congress’ “good judgement” during his meeting with Zelenskyy.
On 20 September, Latvia’s Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) announced that it will notify Russia’s citizens whose residence permits have expired. It expired due to non-submission of EU long-term resident status documents. Approximately 3,541 individuals face a 30 November deadline to leave the country. Those wishing to remain can apply for a relevant permit if eligible.
On 21 September, BBC reported that five individuals are to be charged with espionage from Russia. The UK plans to charge five Bulgaria’s nationals, Orlin Roussev, Bizer Dzhambazov, Katrin Ivanova, Ivan Stoyanov, and Vanya Gaberova, for conducting espionage. They are accused of operating in a Russia’s spy cell and conducting surveillance on targets in the UK and Europe while gathering information for Russia's state. Search revealed fake passports and identity documents for multiple countries. The defendants, including Roussev, who has a history of business dealings in Russia, are to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 26 September.
On 21 September, BBC reported that Poland stopped supplying weapons to Ukraine amid a grain dispute. Mateusz Morawiecki, Poland’s Prime Minister, stated that only new Polish weapons would not be sent. While weapons transfers have stopped, previously agreed deliveries will proceed, and grain transport through the countries continues. According to Morawiecki, Poland will begin to focus on strengthening its defence.
On 20 September, Olaf Scholz, Germany’s Chancellor, announced that Germany will host an international conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine on 11 June 2024, in Berlin. The aim is to support Ukraine’s economy and long-term infrastructure rebuilding efforts. Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment during his meeting with Zelenskyy at the UNGA.
References
“Ukraine, Poland To Hold Talks On Grain Dispute 'In Coming Days': Kyiv,” Barron’s, 21 September 2023
Martin Fornusek, “UPDATE: 38 of 44 Russian cruise missiles downed by Ukraine overnight,” The Kyiv Independent, 21 September 2023
“President of Ukraine following the meeting with the President of the United States in Washington: We have exactly what our soldiers need,” President of Ukraine, 22 September 2023
“Scores of Ukrainian Drones Downed Over Annexed Crimea, Western Russia,” The Moscow Times, 21 September 2023
“No grounds for Ukraine peace talks – Kremlin,” RT, 21 September 2023
“West has ‘no honest arguments’ on Ukraine – Lavrov,” RT, 21 September 2023
“Remarks by President Biden and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine Before Bilateral Meeting,” The White House, 21 September 2023
“Biden Says 'No Alternative' But For US Congress To Support Ukraine Aid,” Barron’s, 21 September 2023
“3,500 Russians will be asked to leave Latvia,” eng.lsm.lv, 21 September 2023
Daniel De Simone, “Five to be charged in UK with spying for Russia,” BBC, 21 September 2023
Antoinette Radford & Adam Easton, “Poland no longer supplying weapons to Ukraine amid grain row,” BBC, 21 September 2023
“Germany To Host Ukraine Reconstruction Talks Next Year,” Barron’s, 20 September 2023