Photo : Reuters/DailySabah
Photo : Reuters/DailySabah
War in Ukraine: Day 608
By Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 24 October, The Kyiv Independent reported on Iryna Vereshchuk, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister request to evacuate 1,000 residents left in Avdiivka located in the Donetsk Oblast. The move comes after Russia’s continued shelling. According to her Russia’s forces had escalated its attacks to encircle. The Ukraine’s forces continue to defend resulting in heavy losses for Russia’s troops and equipment.
On 24 October, Ukrinform reported on Germany’s Rheinmetall and Ukraine’s Defence Industry joint venture to help Ukraine repair military equipment. The partnership was registered on 18 October, signifies an enhanced level of cooperation between Ukraine and Germany. The joint venture aims to offer maintenance and repair for equipment supplied by the partners and localize the production of leading Rheinmetall AG equipment.
On 24 October, office of the President of Ukraine reported on Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address in the Crimea Platform Summit. He emphasized the importance of unity in combating Russia’s aggression in the Black Sea region. He pointed out the gradual weakening of Russia’s military fleet in the Black Sea and the disruption of safe bases for Russia’s soldiers in Crimea. He also called for support to maintain pressure on the occupier, stop Russia’s propaganda, and motivate Ukrainians in their fight against the aggressor.
On 24 October, Zelenskyy in a meeting with Troels Lund Poulsen, Denmark’s Defence Minister, discussed on reinforcing Ukraine with modern fighters and air defence systems, along with training Ukraine’s pilots on F-16 aircraft. They also noted the adoption of the Joint Declaration on Support for Ukraine by the Group of Seven and readiness to commence negotiations on security guarantees between Ukraine and Northern European countries.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 24 October, Lenta.ru reported on Mikhail Razvozhaev, Russia appointed Sevastopol Governor, confirmation on interception of electronic warfare equipment of a Ukraine drone. According to him, it caused it to land and detonate harmlessly in a field in the Kara-Koba area. He dispelled reports of “explosions” and “missiles” in Sevastopol, attributing them to routine military activities. Additionally, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation reported intercepting a US Air Force RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV over the Black Sea without border violations.
On 23 October, Sputnik reported on growth in trade relations between India’s Ministry of Commerce, and Russia. According to the report, the trade had exceeded the 2022 figures. The trade turnover between the two countries doubled from January to August 2023, totaling USD 43.8 billion. This represented a 20 per cent increase compared to the entirety of 2022. However, there is a trade deficit of USD 38.6 billion, with India importing USD 41.2 billion of Russia’s goods in the first eight months of 2023.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 23 October, the US’ Justice Department sought to confiscate a USD 300 million superyacht from Russia’s billionaire Suleiman Kerimov. The department accused him of violating sanctions by using US banks. The 348-foot yacht Amadea was seized in Fiji in 2022 at the request of the US government, which now seeks to formally transfer ownership. However, another Russia’s citizen, Eduard Khudainatov, who is not under sanctions, claimed to be the owner of the yacht and is attempting to reclaim it.
On 24 October, Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General and Ulf Kristersson, Sweden’s Prime Minister held a meeting. Stoltenberg called for a swift ratification by Turkey and highlighted Sweden’s fulfillment of commitments. He emphasised that the fight against terrorism is reinforced, with an updated action plan and a new Special Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism. Stoltenberg also addressed Baltic Sea undersea infrastructure damage. He said: “Allies and Sweden are working together to establish the facts, and NATO is strengthening our presence in the region.”
On 24 October, POLITICO reported on the challenges faced by the EU in projecting its global influence due to its fragmented foreign policy. While it has built institutions to bolster its foreign policy, effective coordination remains elusive, as member states guard their sovereignty. Additionally, the EU’s limited external affairs budget and lack of a military force for power projection further hinder its international impact.
On 24 October, BBC reported on the rescue of a lioness from a zoo in Ukraine to a new home in the UK. The lioness, Aysa, was abandoned in the Donetsk region at the beginning of Russia’s invasion. The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is reported to be working to secure permission to move the lions to the UK. Currently housed at Poznan Zoo in Poland, they are set to be relocated to provide them with a better life. This move comes after the recent death of another lion at the park.
References
Martin Fornusek, “Minister: Around 1,000 civilians remain in Avdiivka,” The Kyiv Independent, 24 October 2023
“Ukraine, Germany set up joint defense venture,” Ukrinform, 24 October 2023
“President at the Crimea Platform Summit: Our goal is the complete de-occupation of our land, including Crimea; we must implement it,” President of Ukraine, 24 October 2023
“Volodymyr Zelenskyi met with the Minister of Defense of Denmark,” President of Ukraine, 24 October 2023
Mujtaba Rahman, “EU’s foreign policy weakness is here to stay,” POLITICO, 24 October 2023
“Russian-Indian Trade Soars Past 2022 Figures, Hitting $43.8B in 2023,” Sputnik, 23 October 2023
Julia Bryson, “Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Lions could move from Donetsk to Doncaster,” BBC, 24 October 2023
Bob Van Voris, “Russian Says US Is Seizing $300 Million Yacht From Wrong Owner,” Bloomberg, 24 October 2023
“Secretary General welcomes latest steps towards Sweden’s NATO accession,” NATO, 24 October 2023
“Electronic warfare equipment intercepted a Ukrainian drone in Sevastopol,” LENTA.RU, 24 October 2023