Photo : Reuters
Photo : Reuters
War in Ukraine: Day 576
Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 22 September, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President, expressed gratitude to Canada for support. In a speech to the Parliament of Canada, Zelenskyy thanked the country for its support in Ukraine’s struggle against Russia’s aggression. He highlighted Canada’s leadership in providing political, military, and economic support, as well as its role in training Ukraine’s soldiers. Zelenskyy also urged Canada to lead efforts in bringing Russia to justice for its aggression and compensating victims. He expressed deep appreciation for Canada’s Ukrainian community, emphasizing their shared values of freedom and justice. Mary Simon, Canada’s Governor General, shared a word of encouragement, “ajuinnata,” meaning “stay strong against all odds.”
On 22 September, Russia’s missile attack in Kremenchuk, in the Poltava region, claimed one life and injured 15. Dmytro Lunin, Head of the Poltava Regional Military Administration, confirmed the casualties and reported damage to civilian infrastructure.
On 22 September, according to Ukraine’s armys’ communication department, Ukraine claimed responsibility for an attack on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet HQ in Crimea. According to Ukraine's Defence Forces, the attack occurred on 22 September.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 22 September, Oleg Kryuchkov, Adviser to the Head of Crimea, reported that an unprecedented cyberattack disrupted the internet in Crimea. The cyberattack follows earlier reports of a Ukraine’s missile attack on Crimea, with debris causing a grass fire.
On 22 September, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation reported a serviceman missing after a missile attack. The attack was led by Ukraine on Sevastopol. It is a city in Crimea and a major port on the Black Sea. Russia’s air defences successfully intercepted and downed five missiles during the attack.
On 22 September, according to The Moscow Times, Ukraine claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Moscow’s Black Sea Fleet HQ in Crimea. This marks a significant blow for Russia, which has faced multiple attacks on the strategically important port recently. Russia’s officials reported damage to the historic fleet headquarters and initiated warnings to residents.
On 22 September, according to the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, Russia repelled four attacks by Ukraine and inflicted heavy losses. The attacks took place near Vodyanoye and Mariynka in the Donetsk direction. According to the Ministry, Ukraine’s attacks in various directions resulted in the killing or injuring of up to 200 Ukraine’s servicemen. Additionally, Russia’s forces reportedly destroyed several Ukraine’s military assets, including tanks and artillery systems. The Ministry also stated that Russia’s air defences intercepted 10 HIMARS rockets and destroyed 15 Ukraine’s drones.
The West View
Claims by EU, Canada and US
On 22 September, the EU disbursed EUR 1.5 billion to Ukraine as part of a EUR 18 billion macro-financial support package. This assistance aims to help Ukraine in maintaining essential services, including hospitals and schools, and supports transformative reforms. The EU has allocated a total of EUR 13.5 billion to Ukraine this year alone. The disbursement is part of ongoing support, with the first EUR three billion tranche provided in January. However, the remaining EUR 15 billion is conditional on Ukraine fulfilling its obligations.
On 22 September, Canada committed an additional CAD 650 million in military aid to Ukraine during Zelenskyy’s visit, over the next three years. Justin Trudeau, Canada’s Prime Minister, made this announcement during a visit by Zelenskyy to Canada. He expressed gratitude for Canada’s unwavering support, emphasizing that “Moscow must lose once and for all.”
On 22 September, according to The Wall Street Journal, Joe Biden, US President, agreed to supply long-range, surface-to-surface missiles to Ukraine for counteroffensive. The US will send a limited number of missiles from the US Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), with the possibility of further supplies. These missiles can target Russia’s supply lines and logistics centres far behind the front lines. The move could also encourage Germany to provide its Taurus long-range cruise missiles. Ukraine’s counteroffensive has faced delays, but these missiles could enhance their winter capabilities and disrupt Russia’s defences. The US is alleviating concerns about escalation and supply constraints.
On 22 September, according to Deutsche Welle, Ben Hodges, former US General in Europe, assured that allies will continue supporting Ukraine. Hodges dismissed tensions between Ukraine and Poland as “Polish domestic politics,” primarily driven by an upcoming Polish election. He noted that over 120 Republicans in the US have expressed support for continued aid to Ukraine. It indicates broad congressional backing. Hodges emphasized the need for Biden to make a compelling case to the American people about the importance of Ukraine’s success for regional stability. He noted that it is especial with upcoming elections on the horizon.
On 21 September, Annalena Baerbock, German Foreign Minister stated that Russia faced isolation and criticism at UNGA. She mentioned that Russia encountered “clear criticism” due to its ongoing war against Ukraine and violations of the UN Charter. She emphasized the challenges faced by Russia, particularly from African, Latin American, and Asian countries. It faced these challenges while attempting to question key declarations on sustainable development and global health.
The Global Fallouts
On 22 September, Oleksandr Kubrakov, Ukraine’s Infrastructure Minister, announced that the second ship carrying Ukraine’s grain departed. A Palau-flagged vessel, Aroyat, loaded with 17,600 tonnes of grain, left Ukraine’s Chernomorsk port and is heading to Egypt. This marks the second grain shipment since Russia re-imposed its Black Sea blockade in July. Ukraine is testing a new sea route avoiding international waters and following those controlled by NATO members Bulgaria and Romania.
References
“This Russian aggression must end with our victory - speech by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the solemn session of the Parliament of Canada,” President of Russia, 22 September 2023
“Attack on Kremenchuk: One killed, 15 injured,” Ukrinform, 22 September 2023
“Kyiv Says Attacked Russia Naval HQ In Crimea,” Barron’s, 22 September 2023
“‘Unprecedented’ cyber attack leaves many Crimeans without internet,” TASS, 22 September 2023
“Serviceman missing after Kiev’s attack on Sevastopol, Russian Defense Ministry says,” TASS, 22 September 2023
“Missile Strike Hits Russia’s Black Sea Fleet HQ,” The Moscow Times, 22 September 2023
“Russian forces repel 4 Ukrainian attacks at Vodyanoye, Maryinka in DPR — Defense Ministry,” TASS, 22 September 2023
“EU Disburses €1.5 Billion Aid Tranche to Ukraine,” European Pravda, 22 September 2023
“Canada pledges C$650 million in Ukraine aid during Zelensky visit,” France24, 22 September 2023
Michael R. Gordon, Nancy A. Youssef and Gordon Lubold, “Biden Told Zelensky U.S. Is Willing to Provide Long-Range ATACMS Missiles,” The Wall Street Journal, 22 September 2023
“Ukraine's allies will continue to support it — Ben Hodges,” Deutsche Welle, 22 September 2023
“German foreign minister says Russia was 'isolated' at UN summit,” Deutsche Welle, 22 September 2023
“Second grain-loaded ship leaves Ukraine port after Russian blockade,” Daily Sabah, 22 September 2023