Photo : The Kyiv Independent
Photo : The Kyiv Independent
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 06 March, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President reported on death and injury of people in Odesa due to Russia’s strike. According to the report, explosions were reported near the conference zone where Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece’s Prime Minister took part. According to him: “We heard the sound of sirens and explosions that took place near us [but] did not have time to get to a shelter.” Odesa has come under frequent attacks since the end of the Black Sea grain deal. Both leaders discussed on the importance of the port and the need to restore it to boost Ukraine’s sea route.
On 06 March, Rafael Grossi, director of the International Atomic Agency warned against dangers behind a rushed restart of the Zaporizhzhia plant. Grossi who is scheduled to meet Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President since 2022 is expected to discuss the risks connected to the nuclear power plant. The site being shut down for a long interval, he called for implementing safety measures to maintain restraint.
On 06 March, Ukraine’s military announced its plan to form a separate unit for counter-offensive action for 2024. Oleksandr Pavliuk, one of the top military commanders said: “We will stabilize shortly…to prepare troops for more active actions.” He added that the Ukraine military intends to withdraw weaker units and restore back in shape later in 2024.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 06 March, Roman Starovoyt, Kursk governor accused Ukraine for attacking fuel tanks in Russia’s largest iron ore plants. According to the report, the drone attack caused fire in the warehouse located in Zheleznogorsk. The mining and processing plant is 90 kilometers from the Ukraine border and is owned by a Russian Oligarch Usmanov who is on international sanction list. There have been no claims from Ukraine on the drone attack.
On 06 March, Maria Zakharova, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson denied the arrest warrants issued by the ICC against two Russian officials. She called it a provocation and of “no significance” to Russia. Authorities from Kremlin denied to “recognize” the warrant citing the acts of Ukraine officers.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 06 March, Deutsche Welle reported on a recent poll held by Germany’s news agency DPA on public opinion over sending of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. The survey found 58 per cent of the participants to against and only 30 per cent were in favour of the missile support. This included 2,169 Germans, poll held between 01-05 March 2024. Till now Olaf Scholz refuses to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine.
On 06 March, Germany announced to take part in Czech initiative in buying ammunition for Ukraine. Similarly, France also expressed interest in procuring support for the group. The move comes as the EU is challenged to reach the ammo production targets as Ukrainian troops face the shortage on ground.
References
“IAEA chief warns Russia against restarting occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP,” Unn.ua, 06 March 2024
“ICC arrest warrant for Russian commanders is invalid – Kremlin,” RT, 06 March 2024
“Multiple Ukrainian drone attacks reported across Russia (VIDEO),” RT, 06 March 2024
“Ukraine aims to conduct counter-offensive actions in 2024, top commander says,” Swissinfo, 06 March 2024
“Ukraine updates: Drones hit Russia's largest iron ore plant,” Deutsche Welle, 06 March 2024
“Majority of Germans against delivery of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine,” Anadolu Agency, 06 March 2024
Helen Smith, “Russian missiles strike near Zelenskiy and visiting Greek prime minister,” The Guardian, 07 March 2024