Photo : president.gov.ua
Photo : president.gov.ua
War in Ukraine: Days 586
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 02 October, Kherson regional governor reported death of one person and injury of six persons after shelling by Russia. According to the governor, 71 attacks were recorded in the region targeting shops, medical facility and residential area.
On 02 October, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President and Hanno Pevkur, Estonia’s Minister of Defence in a meeting discussed on the battlefield scenario and defence assistance. They also discussed on establishing a IT coalition, and how cooperation can be boosted through Euro-Atlantic integration.
On 02 October, during the meeting, Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister called to fasten the transfer of Russia’s assets to Ukraine. He asked for clarity on how the transfer would impact both EU and Ukraine in terms of reconstruction. Earlier, the US Treasury Secretary mentioned existence of “significant legal obstacles” in transferring the seized Russian assets. In 2022, the EU proposed to transfer accrued interest payments to Kyiv.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 02 October, TASS reported on Russia’s airstrike on Ukraine’s ammunition depot in Kharkov. According to the report, the depot in the Kupyansk was attacked and intense fight is predicted to be concentrated in Sinkovka and Petropavlovka areas, but no significant changes in the engagement line.
On 02 October, Russia’s defence ministry claimed on attacks on manpower and material of Ukraine’s forces in Kupyansk area. In a statement: “..Up to twenty five Ukrainian servicemen and two vehicles were destroyed.” The attack includes 14th and 32nd mechanized and 25th airborne brigades in Kupyansk area that was subject to attacks. Msta-B and D-30 howitzers, and MLRS combat vehicles were observed to be damaged in the counter-battery fire.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 02 October, in a meeting held during the defence industries forum in Kyiv, EU foreign policy head, Josep Borell along with EU foreign ministers discussed on Ukraine’s membership process. He indicated that the meeting was to showcase support and solidarity for people in Ukraine. Borell suggested to provide EUR five billion aid to Ukraine’s military in 2024. Similarly, France and Netherlands’ foreign ministers affirmed their solidarity for Ukraine. Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s Foreign Affairs Minister supported EU’s move to hold meeting in Kyiv and vouched for boosting Ukraine’s air defences to prevent the infrastructure targeted attacks. She said: “Ukraine needs a protective shield for winter — a protective shield for winter that consists of air defense but also generators and strengthening energy supply.”
On 02 October, in its daily intelligence update, the UK Ministry of Defence stated that Russia’s Black Sea fleet was gaining momentum in the naval aviation operations. According to the report, the air patrol operations were turning to be important as Russia continues to face threats in the southern Ukraine. The ministry observed that the prime target of Russia is to identify unmanned surface vessels and its Be-12 MAIL amphibious aircraft, Su-24 FENCER, and FLANKER are used in such maritime operations.
References
“Zelensky meets with Estonian defense minister,” 02 October 2023
“Russian Armed Forces hit Ukrainian army manpower in Kupyansk area,” TASS, 01 October 2023
“Russian aircraft strike large ammunition depot in Kharkov Region,” TASS, 02 October 2023
“Ukraine updates: EU foreign ministers hold meeting in Kyiv,” Deutsche Welle, 02 October 2023
“E.U. Foreign Ministers Hold Surprise Summit in Wartime Kyiv,” The New York Times, 02 October 2023
“EU proposes €5bn military aid package for Ukraine after ‘historic’ meeting,” The Guardian, 02 October 2023