Photo : duma.gov.ru
Photo : duma.gov.ru
War in Ukraine: Day 593
By Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 09 October, two Ukraine’s civilians were killed due to Russia’s attacks in the Kherson and Kharkiv regions. Another 18 people were injured in the part of Kherson, including two children. Ukraine’s military authorities reported that Kherson was subjected to 53 attacks by Russia’s forces on 08 October. It resulted in the launch of approximately 300 shelling from artillery, grenade launchers, mortars, aircraft, and drones.
On 09 October, Nada Al-Nashif, the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, addressed the 54th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. He emphasized the ongoing human rights violations in Ukraine. Al-Nashif reported that within six months, 4,621 civilians became victims of the conflict, with 1,028 killed and 3,593 injured. The count is mostly in territory controlled by Ukraine. She highlighted widespread torture, arbitrary detention, conflict-related sexual violence, and denial of adequate living conditions. Accountability for violations remains elusive, with Russia’s authorities passing laws effectively granting amnesty to servicepersons. However, Ukraine’s authorities investigate allegations against their forces.
On 09 October, OHCHR expressed concern about the absence of a system to repatriate Ukraine’s children taken to Russia during the conflict. Nearly 20,000 children have been identified by Ukraine’s authorities as having been taken to Russia during the war, with over 400 repatriated so far. The lack of access to Russia and occupied territories hinders a precise count. Al-Nashif highlighted concerns about children experiencing or witnessing mistreatment by educational staff in Russia. The International Criminal Court has accused Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President, and others of illegally deporting Ukraine’s children, prompting calls for international pressure on Moscow for their return.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 09 October, the State Duma’s Council tasked the Committee on International Affairs with examining the issue of de-ratifying the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. It comes following the suggestion made by Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation. This review will occur in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and other relevant entities. Volodin emphasized that this decision aligns with Russia’s national interests and serves as a reciprocal response to the US, which has not yet ratified the treaty. The Council expects the Committee’s findings within ten days, prior to the 18 October State Duma meeting.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 09 October, Mette Frederiksen, Denmark’s Prime Minister, revealed plans to expand and strengthen a coalition of countries committed to providing F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. This initiative, led by Denmark and the Netherlands, involves training Ukraine’s pilots to operate the F-16s and delivering the fighter jets to counter Russia’s air superiority. Norway has also pledged to supply F-16s to Ukraine, while 11 other countries, including the US, will assist in pilot training. Additionally, Frederiksen called for improved coordination between NATO and the EU in the procurement of weapons and ammunition. He emphasized the need for collective security efforts in Europe.
On 09 October, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Ulkoministerio, announced that the country is providing approximately EUR 92 million in support to Ukraine and Moldova. It is through the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA) Crisis Facility. Of this amount, EUR 62 million will be directed to the Support Programme for Ukraine and Moldova’s recovery. EUR 12 million will be provided as a grant and EUR 50 million as a long-term loan. Finland will also extend EUR 30 million in loans to help countries affected by Russia’s aggression combat infectious diseases and address various needs. It includes healthcare, transportation, energy, agriculture, housing, and social security.
On 09 October, Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in its Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment. It reported that the Kremlin’s focus is on showcasing the legitimacy of Russia’s internal politics for the 2024 presidential election. However, it contrasts with its intent to prevent any real challenges to Putin’s re-election. While efforts to control information spaces persist, it underscores Russia’s functional image amid the ongoing conflict, projecting Putin as a capable wartime leader with broad societal support. Ukraine’s forces advanced despite adverse weather conditions, while Russia’s forces launched localized offensives in southern Ukraine. Russia’s forces possibly restructured the Southern Grouping of Forces.
References
“Volodymyr Zelenskyy had an emergency phone call with the Prime Minister of Israel,” President of Ukraine, 08 October 2023
“Ukraine says Russian strikes kill two civilians in Kherson, Kharkiv,” EFE, 09 October 2023
“The Council of the State Duma at the proposal of Vyacheslav Volodin instructed to study the issue of de-ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty,” The State Duma, 09 October 2023
“Denmark seeks to boost F-16 jet deliveries to Ukraine,” Reuters, 09 October 2023
“Nada Al-Nashif United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights,” United Nations, 09 October 2023
“UN concerned over lack of system to return Ukrainian children from Russia,” Reuters, 09 October 2023
“Finland sending €92m to Ukraine, Moldova,” yle, 09 October 2023
“Russian offensive campaign assessment, October 9, 2023,” ISW, 09 October 2023