Photo : Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa/picture alliance
Photo : Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa/picture alliance
War in Ukraine: Days 738 & 739
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 02 March, Oleh Kiper, Odesa’s governor reported on death of seven and injury of eight following a drone strike by Russia in Odesa. According to him, a residential building was struck causing death and extensive damage to infrastructure. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President said: “We need more air defense capabilities from our partners. The Ukrainian air shield must be strengthened in order to effectively protect our people from Russian terror.”
On 03 March, Zelenskyy stressed on delivery of missile systems by the West after the attack in Odesa killing close to 11. Condemning the attacks, he stated the increase in deaths of civilians to be due to delay in supply of weapons.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 02 March, RT reported on a powerful blast in St. Petersburg damaging an apartment. St. Petersburg National Guard confirmed the attack and predicted to have caused by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). There were no casualties reported but building damage and evacuation was recorded.
On 03 March, RT reported on Ukraine’s new set of drone strike in Crimea. Russian forces claimed to have destroyed 38 UAVs using air defence systems. Apart from this there was no damage or casualty report. In response Russia announced closure of many highways connecting to Crimea.
On 03 March, TASS reported on China’s readiness to promote peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Li Hui, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs stated China’s aim to mediate talks between both for political settlement of the crisis. He stressed: “…history shows that any conflict must ultimately be resolved through negotiations, and the more acute the contradictions, the greater the need for opening a dialogue.” The move comes as part of Hui’s tour to Europe.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 02 March, after Russia’s state media observed to have leaked a recording of German high-rank officers, Germany’s defence ministry confirmed the authenticity of the recording. The audio includes a talk on how Taurus cruise missiles can be used for destroying a bridge in Crimea which was assumed to be a video conference between four air force officers. It also provides instances of UK troops on ground with links to storm shadow missiles. According to the ministry’s assessment, the conversation was from air force but could not confirm if any alterations were made. Olaz Scholz, Germany’s Chancellor called it a serious matter and said: “It will now be investigated very carefully, very intensively, and very quickly.”
On 02 March, Sandor Lezsak, Speaker of Hungary’s Parliament signed the final ratification of Sweden’s accession into NATO. The signing was previously paused due to objections from the MEPs. This means Sweden has overcome the last hurdle from Hungary.
On 03 March, following the record leak, Boris Pistorius, Germany’s Defence Minister criticised Russia saying: “It is about using this recording to destabilize and unsettle us.” He called the leak as part of Putin’s “information war.” The leaked conversation was reportedly taken place in Webex online platform.
On 03 March, in its daily intelligence, UK’s Ministry of Defence reported on increased casualty for Russia in February compared to last two years. According to the report 983 casualties were observed per day in February. In a statement: “The increase in the daily average almost certainly reflects Russia's commitment to mass and attritional warfare.” It estimated 355,000 personnel to have been killed since 2022.
References
“Ukraine updates: Apartment block hit in Odesa drone strike,” Deutsche Welle, 02 March 2024
“Ukraine updates: Zelenskyy pleads to West after Odesa attack,” Deutsche Welle, 03 March 2024
“Drone attack hits St. Petersburg apartment block (VIDEOS),” RT, 02 March 2024
“Russia intercepts drone swarm over Crimea – MOD,” RT, 03 March 2024
“China ready to contribute further to peace talks’ development between Russia, Ukraine,” TASS, 03 March 2024
“Germany confirms bugging of Bundeswehr Ukraine war talks,” Deutsche Welle, 02 March 2024