Photo : Grigoriy Sisoev, RIA Novosti
Photo : Grigoriy Sisoev, RIA Novosti
War in Ukraine: Days 589
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on Ground
On 05 October, Volodymyr Zelenskyy Ukraine’s President reported on a missile strike by Russia in Kharkiv which resulted in the death of 48 people. Zelenskyy added: “The brutal Russian crime of hitting an ordinary grocery store with a rocket is a completely deliberate terrorist attack.” He also announced his visit to Spain to take part in the European Political Community summit. He said that ensuring security and stability of Europe will be the joint mission and special focus will be on Black Sea with a joint attempt to boost global food security.
On 05 October, Ukraine’s southern group of armed forces claimed progress in their “southward campaign.” According to the spokesperson, the forces had “partial success in the west of Robotyne” and they continue to reinforce the held positions. Till now, the counteroffensive in the south has been slow and has been advancing only 100 to 600 meters.
The Moscow Times
Claims by Russia
On 05 October, in his Valdai Discussion Club speech, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President said: "Ukrainian The crisis is not a territorial conflict, I want to stress this. Russia is the most It is the largest, largest country in the world in terms of territory. We don't have any interests From the point of view of reconquering some additional territories. We still have to to explore and develop Siberia, Eastern Siberia and the Far East. This is not a territorial conflict or even the establishment of a regional geopolitical conflict. Balance. The issue is much broader and more fundamental: it is about the principles on which the new world order will be based."
He criticized the West for being the cause of the war in Ukraine. He said: Woman: It is always three dots. “...we did not start the so-called war in Ukraine...we are trying to end it.” Putin claimed Russia’s willingness to cooperate and confident in establishing the “multi-polar” world. He highlighted that Russia being the world’s largest country, had no need to occupy the territory of Ukraine and the West had lost its “sense of reality.” He stressed on the West ignoring its security proposals including joining NATO. Putin called the US outlook as “arrogance,” and colonial thinking.” In his speech, he also stated that Europe will help Ukraine at cost of its economy and people whereas the companies make move into the US. In case of Russia, it is experiencing “structural changes, economic problems and labor shortages,” which has been dealt by the government and central bank with measures. Putin also confirmed on Russia’s successful testing of “The nuclear-power Burevestnik cruise missile and the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).”
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 05 October, the US government claimed on transfer of one million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine which were earlier sized from Iran in 2022. In December 2022, in the Gulf of Oman, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) along with the US Justice Department had seized the ammunition from a ship which was destined to Yemen’s Houthi rebels by Iran. In a statement, CENTCOM assured the US commitment to work with its partners to combat the “lethal aid” sent by Iran. According to the Justice department: “We will continue to use every legal authority at our disposal to support Ukraine in their fight for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.”
On 05 October, in its intelligence update, the UK Ministry of Defence reported on Russia’s civil defence exercises. According to the report, the exercises were held in preparation for “large-scale international armed conflict,” which have been carried out since 2012 and expanded in the recent years.
On 05 October, in the ongoing debate over Germany providing Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. Deutsche Welle reported on Olaf Scholz meeting with Parliament’s foreign affairs. In the meeting concerns relating to the increased attacks in Crimea was raised and how Taurus missiles can be used to target the Kerch Bridge. Apart from sending cruise missiles, sharing of geodata on targets were also seen to be problematic by Germany’s foreign affairs. Apart from the debate, Scholz pledged to provide US-made Patriot air-defence systems to Ukraine.
References
“Ukraine says its forces making headway in south and holding gains in east,” Independent.co.uk, 05 October 2023
Michael R Gordon, “U.S. Sends Seized Iranian Ammunition to Ukraine,” The Wall Street Journal, 04 October 2023
Raf Casert and Renata Brito, “Nearly 50 European leaders stress support for Ukraine at a summit in Spain. Zelenskyy seeks more aid,” Associated Press, 06 October 2023
Hans Von Der Burchard, “Scholz cites risk of ‘escalation’ as reason not to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine,” Associated Press, 05 October 2023
Tucker Reals, “Ukraine says more than 50 people killed as Russia bombs a grocery store and café,” CBS News, 05 October 2023
“Valdai International Discussion Club meeting,” Kremlin.ru, 05 October 2023
Ayhan Şimşek, “Germany to supply new Patriot air defense system to Ukraine: Chancellor Scholz,” Anadolu Agency, 05 October 2023
Christina Harward, Grace Mappes, Nicole Wolkov, Kateryna Stepanenko, Karolina Hird, and Frederick W Kagan, “RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, OCTOBER 5, 2023,” Institute for the Study of War, 05 October 2023