Photo : PAP/Marcin Gadomski`
Photo : PAP/Marcin Gadomski`
War in Ukraine: Day 740
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 04 March, in response to Russia’s state media TASS report on damage of a railway bridge in the southwestern Samara area, Ukraine’s military intelligence claimed responsibility. Russia’s railway authorities announced suspension of the traffic over the bridge. In a statement released by Ukraine’s military intelligence: “A railway bridge over the Chapaevka River in Russia's Samara region was blown up. On 4 March 2024, at around 6:00 am (0200 GMT), the bridge was damaged by blowing up its support structures.” It claimed stating the bridge was used for transiting “military cargo,” such as ammunition to Chapayevsk town in Russia.
On 04 March, Deutsche Welle reported on three Ukrainian children visit to Washington to bring awareness on child deportations. Ihes Pohl, DW correspondent stated the aim of the visit was to convey their story to convince the US MP’s to continue the aid support. According to the report, the three were abducted in Mariupol, sent to Russia, and were brought back into Ukraine. Close to 20,000 children are held hostage and so far, only 300 have been rescued.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 04 March, Sergey Chemezov, Russia’s head of the state armaments corporation Rostec spoke on the expensive Armata, Russia’s latest battle tank. According to him, the tank is considered superior of all due to its functionality but it was less possible to deploy by Russia due to its price. The Armata T-14 introduced in 2015 was not under production line due to technical issues. Since Russia intends to invest to boost its military, it has replaced this with T-90 tanks and used on ground as its cheaper.
On 04 March, Russia’s defence ministry claimed on Russian forces destroying a second-US provided M1 Abrams tank in Donbas. According to the statement released, the tank was spotted in the outskirts of Avdiivka and along with this another Ukrainian tank was also reportedly destroyed. Till now Ukraine has received 31 Abrams tanks as per the pledge from the US.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 04 March, Poland signed an anti-tank weapons deal with Sweden worth EUR 1.5 billion. The move comes in effort to boost defence in response to Russia’s invasion. This includes equipment, many rounds of ammunition, and Carl Gustaf M4 anti-tank weapons. Poland also expressed interest in utilising Sweden’s expertise in holding a territorial defence and intends to build defence cooperation. Pål Jonson, Sweden’s Defence Minister said: “good and concrete discussions.. about common security issues and continued support for Ukraine.”
On 04 March, in the diplomatic forum held by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s President Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s Prime Minister emphasised on the effect of war in Ukraine on Europe’s political landscape. He stressed on ending the war to avoid losses for Hungary. He also denied the allegations of being a pro-Russia and reiterated his Hungarian interest as priority. Highlighting his support for Sweden, he asked for respect for Hungary within the international community and need to build relations with NATO. According to him, Hungary’s priority would remain on EU presidency, and EU enlargement in the Balkans.
References
“Ukraine claims responsibility for Russian railway bridge blast,” France 24, 04 March 2024
“Second Abrams tank destroyed near Avdeevka – Defense Ministry (VIDEO),” RT, 04 March 2024
“Viktor Orbán in Antalya: War in Ukraine Paralyzing European Politics,” Hungary Today, 04 March 2024
“Ukraine updates: Kyiv claims Russian bridge explosion,” Deutsche Welle, 04 March 2024
“Poland signs €1.5 bn deal to buy anti-tank weapons from Sweden,” polskieradio.pl, 04 March 2024