Photo : Kremlin.ru
Photo : Kremlin.ru
War in Ukraine: Days 601
By Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 17 October, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President, expressed gratitude to the US and praised the efficiency of ATACMS missiles on the battlefield. In his video address, he stated that the US secretly delivered “a small number of missiles” to Ukraine. Ukraine’s forces utilized long-range ATACMS missiles for strikes on two air bases in the occupied cities of Berdiansk and Luhansk.
On 17 October, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) collaborated with the Defence Forces of Ukraine. This collaboration took place in an operation targeting air bases in the occupied cities of Berdiansk and Luhansk. The SOF received intelligence indicating Russia’s use of these air bases for storing substantial ammunition, aircraft, and specialized equipment. The operation resulted in significant Russia’s losses, with the destruction of nine helicopters of various models, air defence launchers, ammunition storage, and damage to the air bases’ runways.
On 17 October, the UNDP and Ukrhydroenergo, Ukraine’s primary hydropower generation company, signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). It is to evaluate and restore the extensive damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure caused by Russia’s invasion. A recent report by the Government of Ukraine and the UN revealed that the destruction of the Kakhovka dam resulted in nearly USD 14 billion in losses. The MoU outlined a comprehensive approach, including damage assessment, recovery strategies, public and private sector involvement, and regular data collection. Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, emphasized the importance of understanding the full scope of challenges to “build back better.” However, Ihor Syrota, Ukrhydroenergo’s Director General, aimed to ensure a more reliable and sustainable energy future for Ukraine through this partnership.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 17 October, the Kremlin refuted claims of North Korea sending weapons to Russia. It stated there was “no proof” to support such allegations. This follows the release of images by the US purportedly showing arms shipments from Pyongyang. Speculation about potential arms deals arose after Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s leader, visited Russia last month to meet with Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President.
On 17 October, Putin arrived in Beijing for a summit with Xi Jinping, China’s President. China recently hosted a Belt and Road Initiative forum with representatives from 130 countries. Despite Putin’s international isolation, he is set to hold talks with Xi on the forum’s sidelines. The meeting aims to bolster their relationship while addressing international and regional issues.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 17 October, according to POLITICO, Biden is set to request a USD 100 billion package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and the US-Mexico border crisis. This move aims to unite Democrats and Republicans in support of these causes, in an effort to bypass congressional gridlock. While Biden reassured key allies of continued military aid for Ukraine, there is a warning that funds may dry up if Congress does not act. The request is expected to be submitted to Congress after Biden’s return from Israel.
On 17 October, Germany’s KfW development bank, inked a deal with Ukraine’s state-owned power company, Ukrenerho, for a EUR 76 million grant. The bank represents the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. This funding is designated to restore Ukraine’s power grid and substations while enhancing overall energy efficiency. Measures include using reinforced concrete to safeguard facilities from further attacks and integrating energy-efficient technologies. There are widespread grid disruptions and blackouts due to 41 out of 94 high-voltage transformers damaged or destroyed.
On 17 October, the European Parliament voted to endorse a EUR 50 billion facility for Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and modernization starting in 2024. It is aimed to enhance the Facility’s democratic accountability while promoting multiparty democracy and aligning Ukraine with EU accession requirements. The facility will be included in the annual budget of 2024. The use of Russia’s assets for reconstruction, anti-corruption measures, and transparency will be key components. Negotiations with member states are expected once the Council reaches a common position.
On 17 October, the UK’s Ministry of Defence gave its intelligence update on Ukraine. According to the update, Russia’s forces have initiated a highly probable coordinated offensive in eastern Ukraine. It is focused on the heavily defended town of Bakhmut, a major obstacle to Russia’s objective of controlling Donetsk Oblast. Ukraine’s forces have, thus far, managed to repel the advance, resulting in substantial losses for Russia’s side. These challenges have likely led to a shift in Russia’s messaging, moving from an offensive to an “active-defence” stance.
On 17 October, Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s Foreign Affairs Minister, emphasized the strength of the solidarity bridge formed by the platform. It was during the fourth meeting of the Moldova Support Platform in Chisinau. Baerbock proposed making ministerial conferences an annual event. She highlighted the platform’s role in assisting Moldova, addressing energy price challenges, and countering disinformation campaigns by Russia. Baerbock stressed that Moldova will receive continued support from Germany, including EUR 95 million in 2024.
References
Yevhen Kizilov, “Zelenskyy confirms use of ATACMS missiles by Ukraine's forces,” Ukrainska Pravda, 17 October 2023
Valentyna Romanenko, “9 helicopters and air defence systems struck at air bases of Berdiansk and Luhansk, runways damaged,” Ukrainska Pravda, 17 October, 2023
“Russia Says 'No Proof' North Korea Sending Weapons,” The Moscow Times, 17 October 2023
Jennifer Haberkorn, Lara Seligman, and Alexander Ward, “Biden expected to ask Congress for $100B package that includes aid to Israel and Ukraine,” Politico, 17 October 2023
“Germany helps Ukraine to repair its power grid,” Deutsche Welle, 17 October 2023
“A long-term solution for Ukraine’s funding needs,” European Parliament, 17 October 2023
“Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 17 October 2023,” UK’s Ministry of Defence, 17 October 2023
“Moldova Support Platform will become a permanent partnership platform, Annalena Baerbock,” IPN Press Agency, 17 October 2023
“Russian leader Putin visits ‘dear friend’ Chinese President Xi in show of no-limits partnership,” The Strait Times, 17 October 2023
“UNDP and Ukrhydroenergo sign MOU to assess damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure,” UNDP, 17 October 2023