Photo : en.uaf.ua
Photo : en.uaf.ua
War in Ukraine: Day 581
Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 27 September, Harold Hongju Koh, Ukraine’s representative at ICJ, called on the court to dismiss Russia’s objections. He asked to proceed with a full consideration of Ukraine’s claims regarding the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. He also urged to reject Russia’s claim that the court lacks jurisdiction. Ukraine had filed a lawsuit against Russia in February 2022.
On 27 September, RBC Ukraine reported about the fighters from the “Wagner” private military company. They have been observed within the Eastern Group of Forces’ territory in Ukraine. Some mercenaries are renegotiating contracts with Russia's Ministry of Defence, while others return to Ukraine from Belarus. About 500 individuals are expected to participate in the conflict on Russia's side. This development is viewed as compensation for personnel shortages in Russia's army.
On 27 September, according to Ukrainska Pravda, the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) strongly criticized the decision by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)to permit Russia’s U-17 teams participate in international competitions. The UAF declared that Ukraine will boycott tournaments featuring Russia’s teams.
On 27 September, Yevgen Myronenko, deputy head of Zaporizhzhia, announced that they successfully evacuated all children and their familiesin the Zaporizhzhia region. The evacuations were prompted by a challenging security situation, with Ukraine’s forces encountering strong resistance in the region.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 27 September, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation claimed that US and UK intelligence agencies supported Ukraine in the attack on Sevastopol. They alleged the involvement of Western surveillance assets, NATO satellite equipment, and spy planes. Moscow reported a missile strike on Russia's Black Sea Fleet headquarters with interceptions by Russia’s air defences. Maria Zakharova, the ministry’s spokeswoman, accused Kyiv of targeting Russia’s regions with missiles and shells supplied by NATO states. She cited several similar incidents, stating that Ukraine aims to divert attention from its military’s failed counteroffensive.
The West View
Claims by Germany, UK and Poland
On 27 September, according to Barron’s, Germany was investigating a possible war crime in Hostomel, Ukraine, where Russia’s forces allegedly shot at and injured civilians, including a Germany’s citizen. The investigation, opened in July, is part of a broader inquiry into potential war crimes in Ukraine launched in March 2022.
On 27 September, according to Deutsche Welle, uncertainty surrounds the fate of Viktor Sokolov, Russia’s Admiral. He is claimed to be allegedly killed in Ukraine’s airstrikes. Ukraine is reviewing the claim following Russia’s release of footage suggesting Sokolov is alive. Mark Galeotti, Military analyst, stated that the authenticity of the footage remains unclear. However, the strikes highlight Ukraine’s long-range attack capabilities, regardless of Sokolov’s status.
On 27 September, according to UK’s Ministry of Defence update on Ukraine, Russia’s new 25th Combined Arms Army (25 CAA) saw its first action since September 2023. It had units from the 67th Motor Rifle Division and 164th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade fighting in Ukraine. Rather than maintaining a sizable uncommitted force, Russia is deploying 25 CAA components incrementally. It is making a major new offensive less likely in the near term.
On 27 September, Robert Telus, Poland’s agriculture minister, confirmed that talks with Ukraine to resolve the grain import dispute were progressing positively. Ukraine proposed an export licensing procedure, and further talks are planned. Poland seeks Ukraine’s withdrawal of its WTO complaint over the bans. On the other hand, Ukraine looks for guarantees against future restrictions on grain imports.
References
“Case of genocide in The Hague: Ukraine asks to reject Russia's argument about lack of jurisdiction,” Ukrainska Pravda, 27 September 2023
Ulyana Bezpalko and Maria Kucheryavets, “"Wagnerivtsi" returned to the occupied east of Ukraine? What they say in the Armed Forces,” RBC Ukraine, 27 September 2023
Iryna Balachuk, “Ukraine will not participate in UEFA tournaments if Russians compete,” Ukrainska Pravda, 27 September 2023
“Ukraine Says Evacuated Children From Several Towns In South,” Barron’s, 27 September 2023
“Cuba and Russia ‘in contact’ after war recruitment allegations,” Barron’s, 27 September 2023
“US and UK involved in attack on Crimea – Russia,” RT, 27 September 2023
“Germany Probing Possible War Crime In Ukraine,” Barron’s, 27 September 2023
“‘Killed’ Russian Black Sea fleet commander at center of ‘information war’,” Deutsche Welle, 27 September 2023
“Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 27 September 2023,” UK’s Ministry of Defence, 27 September 2023
“Poland-Ukraine Talks on Track After Grain Import Ban, Warsaw Says,” U.S. News, 27 September 2023