Photo : EPA-EFE/OLEG PETRASYUK
Photo : EPA-EFE/OLEG PETRASYUK
War in Ukraine: Days 596
By Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 12 October, an assault occurred reported in the “Sveske Forestry” which is under “Forests of Ukraine” government enterprise. The attack resulted in broken windows, along with damage to the administrative building and garage. Russian troops were reported to have fired on border areas and settlements in the Sumy region multiple times recently.
On 12 October, according to the command of the Special Operations Forces (SOF), Ukraine’s special forces repelled Russia’s attacks in Bakhmut, in the Donetsk region. SOF destroyed eight units of Russia’s heavy equipment and numerous Russia’s combatants. Over three days, these Ukraine’s forces successfully thwarted multiple offensive actions by Russia’s invaders. The SOF led the battle, eliminating five tanks, an infantry fighting vehicle, and an armoured personnel carrier. They also eliminated a military vehicle, and dozens of Russia’s troops in ambushes, raids, and successful operations by the third regiment of the SOF.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 12 October, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President and Sadyr Japarov, Kyrgystan’s President met in Kyrgyzstan. They held talks in Bishkek to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss key issues. Putin thanked Kyrgyzstan for its CIS chairmanship and emphasized the expanding ties between both countries. Economic cooperation, including trade and investment, is a significant part of the agenda, with Russia being a leading partner for Kyrgyzstan. The two leaders also discussed region-to-region relations and celebrated the 20th anniversary of Russia’s military base in Kant. Kant is situated in Ysyk-Ata district of Chuy region. Their discussions focused on various areas of collaboration between Russia and Kyrgyzstan.
On 12 October, according to the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, Russia’s forces eliminated Ukraine’s targets in Kherson. They destroyed Ukraine’s electronic warfare station and an ammunition depot in the Kherson area. It resulted in the elimination of approximately 50 Ukraine’s troops. This development comes as Russia’s forces repelled three Ukraine’s army attacks in the Donetsk region. It inflicted casualties on around 340 Ukraine’s troops.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 12 October, the Finland's Security and Intelligence Service (SUPO) stated that Russia now views Finland as a hostile country. Finland’s relationship with Russia has deteriorated significantly since joining NATO and due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Moscow’s negative stance is evident in Russia’s media coverage of Finland and its recent decision to close Finland’s consulate general in St. Petersburg. While Russia remains focused on Ukraine, the threat of Russia’s intelligence and influence operations in Finland persists. It is especially with Finland’s NATO membership. Antti Pelttari, SUPO Director, stated that Russia’s countermeasures against Finland could intensify.
On 12 October, the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces of the Czech Republic announced its decision to collaborate with Denmark in sending armoured vehicles, tanks, and firearms to Ukraine till 2024. These weapons, funded by Denmark’s government and provided by private Czech companies, will boost Ukraine’s military capabilities. In the initial phase, Ukraine will receive nearly 50 armoured vehicles and tanks, 2,500 handguns, 7,000 rifles, and other equipment. The next phase will include heavy machine guns, anti-tank weapons, and grenades as support to Ukraine.
On 12 October, the Ministry of National Defence of Romania, said that it found a crater believed to result from a drone explosion near its border with Ukraine. It raised concerns about spillover from the war into NATO territory. The ministry detected drones heading toward Ukraine’s river ports before discovering the crater. The incident, along with previous drone fragments resembling Russia’s army drones, has heightened concerns. Russia’s closure of Romania’s consulate general in St. Petersburg has further strained relations. NATO is found increasing aircraft monitoring Romania’s skies due to these developments.
The Global Fallout
Implications of War
On 12 October, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended Russia’s Olympic Committee (ROC). It was due to its acceptance of sports councils in four regions of eastern Ukraine, breaching the Olympic Charter. The IOC cited the unilateral decision made by the ROC, which violates the territorial integrity of the Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee (NOC). This suspension means the ROC is no longer recognized as a National Olympic Committee and cannot receive funding from the Olympic Movement. The IOC retains the right to decide on the participation of individual neutral athletes with Russia’s passports in the 2024 Paris and 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics
References
“Russians shell forestry in Sumy region,” Ukrinform, 12 October 2023
“SOF soldiers destroy Russian heavy equipment, dozens of invaders in Avdiivka,” Ukrinform, 12 October 2023
“Russia-Kyrgyzstan talks,” President of Russia, 12 October 2023
“Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian electronic warfare station, ammo depot in Kherson area,” TASS, 12 October 2023
“Finnish intelligence says Russia views Finland as a hostile nation due to its NATO membership,” The Washington Post, 12 October 2023
“Czechs, Denmark Team Up To Send Tanks, Firearms To Ukraine,” Barron’s, 12 October 2023
Stephen Mcgrath, “NATO member Romania finds more drone fragments on its soil after Russia again hits southern Ukraine,” Associated Press, 12 October 2023
“IOC Executive Board suspends Russian Olympic Committee with immediate effect,” International Olympic Committee, 12 October 2023
“IOC suspends Russian Olympic Committee for incorporating Ukrainian sports regions,” Euronews, 12 October 2023