Photo : Vadim Savitsky/Russian Defence Ministry Press Office/TASS
Photo : Vadim Savitsky/Russian Defence Ministry Press Office/TASS
War on the Ground
On 03 October, Ukraine’s air force claimed of destroying two dozen of drones made by Iran and Russia’s cruise missile that flew in from Crimean direction into Mykolaiv and Dnipropetrovsk. It also confirmed the comeback of arial attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
On 03 October, Deutsche Welle reported on Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President visit to northeastern zone (Kupiansk-Lyman sector) to meet the troops, commanders to discuss on battlefield information. He said: “We met with brigade and battalion commanders to discuss the battlefield situation, pressing issues, and needs.” During the visit he also examined the German supplied Leopard 2 tanks and other weapons supported by the West.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 03 October, Russia’s Kommersant newspaper reported on the expected announcement from Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President on competing for 2024 presidential election. This means he will stay in power till 2030. After Boris Yeltsin, the presidency was given to Putin making him the longest leader since Joesef Stalin.
On 03 October, Sergei Shoigu Russia’s Defence Minister claimed that Russia’s forces had “significantly weakened” Ukraine’s “combat potential.” Especially Ukraine’s attacks in the Bakhmut and Soledar had been countered by Russia’s forces along with Ukraine’s efforts to breakthrough in Rabotyne and Verkhovoe. He also confirmed on the signing up of volunteers and contractors for war in Ukraine to be 335,000 till now without giving a need for fresh recruitment.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 03 October, in its intelligence update, UKs Ministry of Defence reported on Russia’s success in utilizing “foreign agent” designation to shift public opinion against the west. This was found in the polls held which indicated 61 per cent of those polled to be considering individuals and organisations named as “foreign agents” as those spreading lies on Russia.
On 03 October, Deutsch Welle reported on General Carten Breuer, Germany’s military head warning over escalation in war in Ukraine. Breuer criticized Germany for being stagnant in supporting frontier countries such as Ukraine and Lithuania despite early warning on the 2014 and 2022 invasion by Russia. He added: “Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine underlines the relevance of combat-ready armed forces.”
On 03 October, Joe Biden, US President held a call with leaders from “Germany, the UK, Canada, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, the EU and NATO” post a move by Republican member of parliament to block funding to Ukraine. In the call he reassured commitment of the US towards funding Ukraine. In response to the block, Russia stated that a “western fatigue” was setting over.
References
“Ukraine updates: Zelenskyy visits northeastern battle zone,” Deutsche Welle, 03 October 2023
“Putin May Announce Run for New Term in November, Kommersant Says,” Bloomberg, 03 October 2023
“Russia successfully manipulates public opinion by labelling "foreign agents" – UK intelligence,” Ukrainska Pravda, 03 October 2023
“Ukraine Says Downed 29 Russian Drones, Missile Overnight,” Barrons, 03 October 2023
“Russian defence chief: Ukraine is 'significantly weakened,” A news, 03 October 2023
“German Army Chief Warns of Ukraine Conflict Escalation, Calls for Strengthening of NATO,” BNN, 04 October 2023
Seung Min Kim And Darlene Superville, “Biden tries to reassure allies of continued US support for Ukraine after Congress drops aid request,” Associated Press, 04 October 2023