Photo : Sergey Bobok/AFP
Photo : Sergey Bobok/AFP
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 12 March, Russian volunteers in support of Ukraine claimed on launching a cross-border attack in Russia. The group known as “the Freedom of Russia Legion” confirmed destroying Russian armoured military vehicle in Tyotkino a village in Kursk oblast. Another group called the Sibir Battalion claimed “As promised, we are bringing freedom and justice to our Russian land.” Whereas, Russia’s defence ministry counter claimed on repelling these volunteer forces after inflicting damages. On the same, Ukraine’s military intelligence confirmed that the groups were operating independently and not under Ukraine’s orders.
On 11 March, the UN scientific and cultural organisation reported that restoring of Ukraine’s scientific infrastructure will amount to USD 1.26 billion. According to the study published by UNESCO, till now 1,443 building and laboratories of 177 scientific institutions to be destroyed. Additionally, more than 750 pieces of scientific and technical equipment were damaged.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 12 March, Andrey Klyckov, Russia’s local governor reported on fire because of a drone attack on Oryol fuel depot. According to the fuel and energy complex was attacked and in response, special services were sent to control the fire. The oil processing unit in Kstovo in Novgorod was also under fire after the attack. Russia’s air defences claimed on destroying the Ukrainian drones targeted towards Moscow.
On 12 March, Russian forces claimed on capturing a village in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk known as Nevelske. The forces also confirmed on making advances in eastern Donetsk since the 2022 self-declared annexation. Russia’s defence ministry stated that it has occupied Ukraine’s “favourable line and positions,” following the village capture.
On 12 March, Russia reported on crash of Il-76 military cargo in northeast of Moscow. According to the report, the military transport plane crashed in the Ivanovo area right after takeoff. Engine fire is the suspected reason behind the crash and no survivors were reported.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 12 March, the US announced a stopgap package of military aid to Ukraine. Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor announced the emergency aid avoiding congress’s block. The assistance will include USD 300 million worth weapons and equipment to meet the most needed demands of Ukraine. The move also times as Donald Tusk and Andrzej Duda, Poland’s Prime Minister and President visit the US to discuss on strengthening the NATO’s eastern front. Tusk said: “NATO must accept that if not today, then tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, operational capabilities on NATO's eastern flank must be greater.” Joe Biden, the US President expressed the emergency package to be not enough as the USD 60 billion package remains blocked by the Congress.
On 12 March, the BBC reported on Sweden and Finland joining NATO’s largest military exercise “Steadfast Defender” to counter Russian aggression. This would involve 90,000 military personnel held across Europe’s eastern flank in the coming months marking the first test of NATO’s military plan planned to transit troops and equipment in a “speed and scale,” to boost allies if come under any attack. The first stage of the exercise is expected to take place in Finnmark in northern Norway which is 120 kilometres from Russian border. Pal Jonson, Sweden’s defence minister called the membership of Sweden and Finland as “mother of all unintended consequences.”
References
Jonathan Beale, “Sweden and Finland join Nato's biggest military exercise in decades,” BBC, 12 March 2024
“US to send 'emergency' military aid to Ukraine,” Deutsche Welle, 12 March 2024
“Ukraine: Restoring scientific infrastructure will cost over $1.26 billion (UNESCO),” UNESCO, 11 March 2024
Andrew Roth, “Ukraine disrupts production at Russian refinery in cross-border strikes on oil facilities,” The Guardian, 12 March 2024
“Russia Says Captured Village in Ukraine's Donetsk Region,” The Moscow Times, 11 March 2024
“UNITED STATES ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL MILITARY ASSISTANCE FOR UKRAINE,” usembassy.gov, 12 March 2024
Jeff Mason, Steve Holland and Alan Charlish, “Poland's Tusk says US Republicans may cost 'thousands of lives' over Ukraine vote,” Reuters, 13 March 2024
“Ukraine updates: Pro-Kyiv volunteers attack western Russia,” Deutsche Welle, 12 March 2024