Photo : mil.in.ua
Photo : mil.in.ua
War in Ukraine: Days 597
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on Ground
On 13 October, Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported on continued assault by Russia in Bakhmut. According to the report, Russia’s attacks were dual ground and air combined with intense clashes and artillery. The fierce fight is reportedly to be lasting for four days with non-stop attacks.
On 13 October, Deutsche Welle reported on Ukraine’s attack on Russia’s Buyan missile carrier and “Pavel Derzhavin” ship using sea-borne drones in the Sevastopol Sea route. The operation was carried out by Ukraine’s Security Service along with its naval force. According to Reuters: “After the first detonation, Russian minesweepers and divers were unable to discover our know-how.”
On 13 October, Ukraine’s government reported on destruction of close to 300,000 tons of grain due to Russia’s missile attacks on its ports. Oleksandr Kubrakov, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister: “This is an attempt by Russia to exacerbate the food crisis in those countries which are reliant on Ukrainian products.” He added on the fall in Ukraine’s grain exports by 40 per cent due to port damage.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 13 October, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President denied Russia’s involvement in the pipeline leak between Finland and Estonia. He called it “nonsense,” and said: “I didn't even know this pipeline existed because it's small in volume.” Putin suggested that leak to have caused from a snag by an anchor or earthquake and asked for Finland to investigate.
On 13 October, TASS reported on Ukraine’s armed forces transfer of reserves from Artyomovsk to strengthen Avdeyevka area. According to a military analyst to Donetsk, a self-proclaimed area of Russia, stated that Avdeyevka will not become a hotspot but a area of exhaustion of resources.
On 13 October, TASS reported on Kremlin’s statement on launch of “active combat operations” in the front line by Russia to combat Ukraine’s counter-offensive. According to the report, Ukraine’s counter offensive is seen as finished.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 13 October, Mark Rutte Netherlands’ Prime Minister visited Black Sea port in Odesa. During his visit, he promised air defense and increased security support in the Black Sea corridor for Ukraine’s grain exports. Rutte predicted that Russia through airstrikes will attack Ukraine at maximum level and to counter Ukraine will be supported with new patriot missiles. On the same Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President stated how Ukraine is working partners to strengthen its position in the Black Sea and to safeguard its corridors.
On 13 October, the UK government proposed to boost its military in the northern Europe through deployment of 20,000 troops by 2024. Rishi Sunak, UKs Prime Minister who is expected to meet leaders from the Nordic and Baltic under the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) defence cooperation summit. In a statement released by Sunak, apart from soldiers, military helicopters, fast jets and eight Royal Navy Ships will be given. It will also take part in the large-scale, joint military exercises and air-policing.
References
“Ukraine updates: Kyiv says 'Sea Babies' hit 2 Russian ships,” Taiwannews, 13 October 2023
“Dutch P.M. promises Ukraine more military hardware during visit to port city,” The Brussels Times, 14 October 2023
“Ukrainian forces redeploy reserves to Avdeyevka — military expert,” TASS, 13 October 2023
“Kremlin spokesman says Defense Ministry knows if Ukrainian offensive is over,” TASS, 13 October 2023
“Ukraine updates: Kyiv says 'Sea Babies' hit 2 Russian ships,” Deutsche Welle, 13 October 2023
“Answers to journalists' questions,” Kremlin.ru, 13 October 2023