Photo : Institute for the Study of War/abc News
Photo : Institute for the Study of War/abc News
War in Ukraine: Day 610
By Padmashree Anandhan and Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 26 October, Oleksandr Kubrakov, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister denied the claims on the suspension of activities in the Black Sea Corridor. Earlier “Kyiv-based Barva Invest consultancy and a British security firm” reported on the temporary suspension of the corridor. According to Kubrakov: “All available routes established by the Ukrainian Navy are valid and being used by civilian vessels.” The corridor was launched by Ukraine in August 2023 to divert from the blockade placed by Russia in the Black Sea after withdrawing from the grain deal.
On 26 October, Ukraine’s military reported on advances made by Russia in Avdiivka city located in the eastern Ukraine. According to report from Deutsche Welle the corridor managed by Ukraine in the area was reduced to six to eight kilometres. The city which was home to 30,000 people is reported to be left with only 1000 since the shelling began. The army claimed on countering 15 attacks launched by Russia and new offensive has been reported to be underway since two weeks.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 26 October, TASS reported on Anton Siluanov, Russia’s Finance Minister statement on Russia’s defence budget for 2024. According to him, Russia is expected to spend USD 117 billion on defence and aims to allocate resources in 2024 to address the special military operation objectives. This includes the supply of weapons, military equipment, and material support for military personnel.
On 26 October, TASS reported on EU’s delay in weapon delivery schedule to support Ukraine. Citing report from Bloomberg, it stated that EU which was expected to provide one million artillery rounds to Ukraine has extended the period of supply.
On 26 October, Russia’s spokesperson claimed on Russian forces advancing in Vremevka Bulge which is considered a key point in Zaporizhzhia area. According to the report in TASS, Russia had advanced 150 meters and confirmed Ukrainian forces failed attempts to counter Russia’s offensive.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 26 October, Ukrainska Pravda reported on John Kirby, US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications comment on Russia’s latest offensive.
According to him there is a renewed offensive near by Russia in Avdiivka, Lyman, and Kupiansk and noted that the US was aware of the military build-up. Kirby warned that Russia might achieve tactical gains but at the cost of thousands of casualties, citing poor morale and reports of executions for disobedience. He characterized Russia’s troops as undertrained, underequipped, and unprepared for combat. Kirby called for the quick passage of the proposed Ukraine aid package in Congress, by Joe Biden, US President, citing the urgency of the situation.
On 26 October, the US Department of Defence announced additional air defence equipment, artillery rounds, and antitank weapons to Ukraine worth USD 150 million. This marks the 49th assistance round since August 2021. Biden emphasized the importance of US leadership in countering Russia’s aggression in Ukraine commitment to seek Congressional approval for further support. This request includes funds for weaponry, humanitarian aid, and bolstering security in the Indo-Pacific.
On 26 October, The New York Times reported on Slovakia’s government decision to halt military aid to Ukraine. Following the new appointment of Robert Fico, Slovakia’s Prime Minister, the decision to stop military aid to Ukraine has been announced. Fico, who had campaigned on “not sending a single cartridge” to Ukraine, emphasized support for non-military aid instead. While Slovakia’s commercial defence contracts with Ukraine are expected to continue, this decision delivers a symbolic blow to Kyiv. It also raises concerns among pro-Ukraine EU members who urge Slovakia not to obstruct the transit of weapons to Ukraine.
On 26 October, in a meeting held in Brussels, EU leaders’ proposal to send financial support of EUR 50 billion for Ukraine. They discussed the possibility of using frozen Russia’s assets to finance Ukraine’s recovery. At present Hungary’s opposition to the financial support presents a challenge.
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the war
On 26 October, The Mainichi reported on the united condemnation from Japan, US, South Korea towards North Korea’s on weapons transfer to Russia. They warned that the completed weapons deliveries that will intensify the impact of Russia’s aggression. They called on North Korea and Russia to immediately cease such activities, as they undermine global security and nonproliferation. They also expressed concern about potential technology transfers to North Korea. Earlier the US had reported shipping of 1,000 containers of military supplies by North Korea to Russia.
References
“Russia suffers losses near Avdiivka, Ukraine holds back Russia’s advance – US National Security,” Ukrainska Pravda, 26 October 2023
“Russia's spending on defense will total $117 bln in 2024 — Finance Minister,” TASS, 26 October 2023
“EU falling behind schedule of munitions supplies to Ukraine — agency,” TASS, 26 October 2023
“Russian forces seize control of major Ukrainian strongpoint in Zaporozhye — politician,” TASS, 26 October 2023
William Skipworth, “Russia Executing Its Own Soldiers Who Disobey Orders In Ukraine, White House Alleges,” Forbes, 26 October 2023
Joseph Clark, “DOD Announces Up to $150M in Aid for Ukraine,” U.S. Department of Defense, 26 October 2023
“Germany arrests man for selling drone parts to Russia,” Deutsche Welle, 26 October 2023
Andrew Higgins, “Slovakia Says It’s Halting Arms Deliveries to Ukraine,” The New York Times, 26 October 2023
Mared Gwyn Jones, “Ukraine not forgotten, EU leaders say, as Gaza siege dominates summit,” Euronews, 26 October 2023
“Japan, US, S. Korea condemn N. Korea's arms provision to Russia,” The Mainichi, 26 October 2023