Photo : Pavel Bednyakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP
Photo : Pavel Bednyakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP
War in Ukraine: Days 702
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
In the meeting held by the United Nations Security Council, Russia and Ukraine clashed over claims on the crash of the Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft. Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia’s Deputy Ambassador said: “All of the information that we have today show that we are dealing with a premeditated, thought through crime.” He also added that Ukraine leadership was well aware of the route and the information on soldier transit. On the same Khrystyna Hayovyshyn, Ukraine's Deputy Ambassador counter claimed saying: “Ukraine was not informed about the number of vehicles, roads and means of transportation of the captives. This alone may constitute intentional actions by Russia to endanger the lives and safety of the prisoners.”
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 26 January, Russia’s defence ministry claimed on giving initial warning to Ukraine on transiting prisoners of war, 15 minutes before. Andrei Kartopolov, Member of the State Duma said: “The Ukrainian side was officially warned, and 15 minutes before the plane entered the zone they were given complete information.” Whereas Ukraine’s military intelligence denied receiving such request.
On 26 January, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President stated that the investigation report of the plane crash would be released in two to three days. Putin said: “The main intelligence department of the Ukrainian army knew that we were taking 65 servicemen there. They did it by mistake or thoughtlessly, but they did it.” Russia’s state investigative committee reported on collecting body parts for genetic testing and based on distinct tattoos identities were being confirmed.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 26 January, on Sweden’s ratification, Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General issued a statement that Hungary’s parliament was expected to ratify by end of February. Ulf Kristersson, Sweden’s Prime Minister stated that there was no negotiation with Hungary on topic of joining NATO.
On 26 January, Reuters reported that Russia’s latest Zircon hypersonic missile would require more testing before it comes into practise. The missile is a sea-based with range 900 kilometeres with multiple speed of sound making it challenging to counter. Russia had earlier claimed testing the missile in Atlantic Ocean.
References
“Putin blames Ukraine for crash of POW's plane and pledges to make investigation public,” Japan Today, 26 January 2024
“NATO chief upbeat that Sweden could be ready to join the alliance by March,” The Washington Post, 26 January 2024
“Ukraine and Russia trade accusations over fatal plane crash,” Euronews, 26 January 2024
“Ukraine updates: Moscow, Kyiv trade blame over plane crash,” Deutsche Welle, 26 January 2024
Nicola Slawson and Nyima Jobe, “Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine invites Xi Jinping to participate in peace talks, says Zelenskiy’s adviser – as it happened,” The Guardian, 26 January 2024