Photo : Tyler Hicks/Marc Santora/The Washington Post
Photo : Tyler Hicks/Marc Santora/The Washington Post
War in Ukraine: Day 710 & 711
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 03 February, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President claimed on receiving two defence systems and indicated the shortage they face. He reported on intense fighting in Avdiivka and the difficulty in countering Russia. The same was confirmed on 04 February by Ukraine’s general staff. According to the report, 27 attacks were observed which was seen as an attempt to take over village of Novokalynove. After Bakhmut, Avdiivka has become another symbolic battle between Ukraine and Russia testing their resistance.
On 03 February, Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk claimed on being hit by 14 drones and two Ovod missiles by Russia. The Ovod missile known as Kingbolt, a cruise missile had hit Ukraine’s energy supply sites resulting in power shutdown for more than 15,000 and affecting two heating plants in Kryvyi Rih.
On 04 February, Serhii Naiev, Commander of the Ukrainian Joint Forces reported on countering Russian forces attack in an attempt to breakthrough the Sumy frontline. He reported on Russia’s target on 16 communities on 03 February including Yunakivka, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, and Esman. According to the report, Russia’s attack was viewed as its experiment to test Ukraine’s defence.
On 04 February, Zelenskyy visited southern frontline in the village Robotyne in southern Zaporizhzhia. Meeting the soldiers he said: “I have the great honor to be here today, to reward you, because you have such a difficult and decisive mission on your shoulders to repel the enemy and win this war.” The move comes after 65th brigade of Ukraine succeeded in an assault against Russian forces gaining back control in Robotyne.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 03 February, Andrey Bocharov, Russia’s governor of the Volgograd region reported on fire at the Volgograd oil refinery over shooting down of the drone. No injuries were reported and the fire was instantly controlled and he criticised Ukraine’s security service (SBU) for carrying out the attack. On the same Russia’s defence ministry reported on taking down seven drones over Belgorod, Volgograd and Rostov-on-Don.
On 04 February, Russia blamed Ukraine for attacks in Lysychansk, a city controlled by Russia since July 2022. According to the report, 28 were reported dead and 10 rescued from the attack on a bakery in Lysychansk. Russia’s foreign ministry called for quick response and condemnation from international organisations.
On 04 February, Russia’s Federal Tax Service reported on filing legal complaint against Sweden’s furniture manufacturer IKEA. The complaint was filed in Arbitration Court of Moscow asking for RUB 12.9 billion. The furniture company stopped its businesses in Russia following sanctions and sold its factories but still owns assets in Russia. According to the real estate register the warehouse owned by IKEA outside Moscow was used it as “distribution centre” for retail and online stores. The warehouse is estimated to be worth RUB 34 billion and the company aims to rent it for three years instead of selling as per reports from Kommersant but IKEA has denied such claims.
The West View
Reponses from the US and Europe
On 03 February, Hanno Pevkur, Estonia’s Minister of Defence announced on Estonia state decision to send artillery shells to Ukraine contributing to the EU-wide pledge. Previously pledged FGM-148 Javelin missiles were reportedly delivered to Ukraine. The FGM-148 Javelin has been in force for 20 years extensively used against Russia. A fire-and forget weapon allows the use to take cover and a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) is capable of neutralising tanks.
On 04 February, ERR News reported on the joint appeal by Riho Terras, Estonia’s MEP presented to the European Council. In the appeal, MEPs from more than 15 countries called on the EU to “not recognise” the legality of Russian presidential elections scheduled for March. In the appeal they called Putin’s administration as “…criminal, corrupt, responsible for crimes against its own people, and responsible for countless illegal acts.” They called the elections as a “criminal farce” as it is held after the Russian forces have annexed the occupied territories. In such scenario, elections held is seemed illegitimate.
On 04 February, Chuck Schumer, leader of the Democratic party in the upper chamber of congress revealed a “compromise bill” including an aid to Israel, Gaza and to address the immigration problem with Mexico apart from Ukraine aid. The step is viewed to resolve both domestic and foreign policy but to be passed requires support from 60 senators out of 100 which needs Republicans support.
On 05 February, Financial Times reported on the persisting problem over granting military aid to Ukraine. On 01 February, the EU leader won the Hungarian block over funding to Ukraine and now stuck with Germany’s opposition. The European Peace Facility of EUR 12 billion fund was set outside the EU budget which to be support by the EU member states depending on their economy size. This fund has reduced after giving of EUR 5.6 billion to the EU member states following their shipment of arms to Ukraine. Now, this facility which requires additional funding to reimburse the member states is paused due to debate within to reform the fund to benefit both Ukraine and Europe’s arms industry.
References
“Ukraine updates: Zelenskyy welcomes new air defense systems,” Deutsche Welle, 03 February 2024
“Ukraine updates: Russia blames deadly shelling on Kyiv,” Deutsche Welle, 04 February 2024
“Russia demands $140 million from IKEA – media,” RT, 04 February 2024
“Estonia-donated Javelin anti-tank missiles arrive in Ukraine,” ERR News, 03 February 2024
“Estonian MEP leads call for EU not to recognize March Russian election,” ERR News, 04 February 2024
James Politi, “US senators set up showdown on deal for Ukraine aid and border crackdown,” Financial Times, 05 February 2024
Henry Foy, “German opposition to reforming EU fund risks delaying arms to Ukraine,” Financial Times, 05 February 2024