Photo : Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service
Photo : Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service
War in Ukraine: Days 602
By Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 18 October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly denounced Russia’s revocation of its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). It called upon the global community to respond to Russia’s provocations. The ministry expressed concerns that this decision has created an imbalance in global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. These concerns come along with previous actions like suspending participation in the New START Treaty and deploying nuclear weapons in Belarus. Ukraine reaffirmed its support for the CTBT and urged international partners to counter Moscow’s actions that threaten global security and stability.
On 18 October, according to RBC Ukraine, the ongoing military operations in Ukraine were marked by intense battles in various directions. Experts have characterized them as a strategic routine, in which the Ukraine’s military appears to hold the initiative. Avdiivka (Bakhmut) remained a focal point, with Russia’s forces seeking to encircle the city. Military analysts believed the Russians have bitten off more than they can chew in Avdiivka, suffering significant personnel and equipment losses. Meanwhile, the situation in Bakhmut is challenging, but Ukraine’s forces are making steady progress in a “creeping counteroffensive.” The south front sees Ukraine’s units pushing against Russia’s defences and the Surovikin Line, with control over vital railway links at stake.
On 18 October, Oleksandr Prokudin, Governor of Kherson Oblast reported that aerial bombings by Russia’s forces have struck Kherson Oblast in Ukraine. In one incident, six guided aerial bombs were dropped on the village of Blahovishchenske by three Sukhoi Su-35 jets. It killed one person and injured another. Additionally, Russia’s forces used guided aerial bombs in unspecified locations in Kherson Oblast, targeting civilian populations. The region remained partially occupied by Russia’s forces, posing an ongoing threat to civilians on Ukraine’s side of the Dnipro River, which runs through the area.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 18 October, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President, criticized the US for supplying ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, calling it a “mistake.” He emphasized that it would not significantly change the battlefield situation. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President, acknowledged the use of these missiles. Putin questioned why the US would provide such weapons if Russia had “lost” the war. He suggested Joe Biden, US President, travels to Moscow for talks and hinted at Ukraine’s leaderships’ readiness for negotiations. He also called the missile supply damaging and an additional threat. Putin viewed the missile supply as a deeper US involvement in the conflict and deemed the notion of Russia having “lost” the war as “laughable.”
On 18 October, Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, expressed appreciation for North Korea’s support of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. It was during his visit to Pyongyang, raising concerns about the deepening military ties between the two countries. Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s leader, visited Russia recently, leading to Western fears that North Korea might provide military aid to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Russia has increased its shell production, but experts suggest it may still need more.
On 18 October, Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s Defence Minister, announced reinforcement of Russia’s western border in response to the concerns over the supply of US-made F-16 fighter aircraft to Ukraine in 2024. Russia bolstered western border over fears of Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jets.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 18 October, Hubertus Heil, Germany’s Labor Minister said that the German government has initiated a drive to integrate Ukraine’s and other refugees into the labor market. The move will leverage their proficiency in Germany’s language. It is aimed to address both labor shortages and concerns about heightened migration. Since Russia’s invasion, Germany has welcomed over a million Ukrainians, along with a significant influx of refugees and migrants. Unlike other arrivals, Ukrainians receive immediate residency status in Germany and the EU. Heil noted that 132,000 Ukrainians have already secured jobs but emphasized the need for further integration. The government has planned to engage job centers, involve businesses, and expedite foreign job qualification recognition in this endeavor.
References
“Comment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine regarding the next attempts of the Russian Federation to undermine the global architecture of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, 18 October 2023
Youlia Akymova and Kateryna Danishevska, “Assault on Avdiivka and siege of Bakhmut - Situtation on the front and where to expect UAF breakthrough,” RBC-Ukraine, 18 October 2023
Elsa Court, “Russia drops aerial bombs on Kherson Oblast village, 1 killed,” The Kyiv Independent, 18 October 2023
Olena Goncharova, “Russia strikes Zaporizhzhia with missiles, killing 1,” The Kyiv Independent, 18 October 2023
“Press conference following the visit to China,” President of Russia, 18 October 2023
“Putin Calls U.S. ATACMS Missiles to Ukraine a ‘Mistake’,” The Mosocw Times, 18 October 2023
“Hypersonic-missile armed jets to patrol Black Sea – Putin,” RT, 18 October 2023
“Russia 'Highly Values' N. Korean Support Against Ukraine,” The Moscow Times, 18 October 2023
Felix Light, “Shoigu says Russia reinforces border as Ukraine set to get F-16 fighters - RIA,” Zawya, 18 October 2023
“French presidency: Macron assured Ukraine's Zelenskiy of support,” Reuters, 18 October 2023
“German government launches drive to get more Ukrainian and other refugees into jobs,” Euronews, 18 October 2023