Photo : U.S. Department of Defense
Photo : U.S. Department of Defense
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 19 March, Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, held a discussion with European Council President, Charles Michel to initiate talks over Ukraine’s accession to the EU. On the same day, the EU's High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell called for the transfer of the profits from frozen Russian assets to the European Peace Facility. Till now, 70 per cent of the assets frozen are held in the Belgian central securities depository, which amounts to EUR 190 billion.
On 19 March, Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal held a meeting with Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel, during his visit. This resulted in the signing of an agreement on technical and financial cooperation as a symbol of solidarity and to strengthen the bilateral equation.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 19 March, Russia’s government announced the replacement of naval head. Northern Fleet Commander, Alexander Moiseyeve will be replacing Nikolai Yevmenov to act as Commander-in-Chief for the Russian Navy. Moiseyeve has served in many nuclear submarines in the Northern Fleet as part of the combat element group and also functioned as submarine forces commander. According to the report in TASS, the replacement of Yevmenov comes due to frequent Russian losses in the Black Sea, which has granted Ukraine access to the maritime corridor to export its grains. This has triggered Russia to boost its defence of the Black Sea Fleet.
On 19 March, Russian forces reported on capturing Orlovka, one of the frontline villages in the
Donetsk oblast. In a statement released by the Russian Defence Ministry: “In the Avdeyevka direction, units of the Battlegroup Center liberated the settlement of Orlovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic and improved their forward edge positions.” It also claimed to be advancing in the Kupyansk zone, destroying 30 Ukrainian troops using firepower and improving positions.
On 19 March, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed a successful strike on sabotage and paramilitary groups which is accused of being connected to Ukraine. The ministry released a video showing the air strike targeting the groups in the Belgorod border area.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 19 March, following the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting, the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin assured the continuity of Ukraine aid and expressed its determination to support with necessary resources. In response to the delay in the US bill of USD 60 billion aid in the Congress, he said: “We were only able to support this much-needed package by identifying some unanticipated contract savings.” He mentioned that in total the Contact group had generated USD 88 billion as security assistance to Ukraine and this will continue into two tracks. One being, giving near-term support for the Ukrainian troops and two, helping the Ukraine leaders in planning its defence and deterrence.
On 19 March, Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced a new military package worth EUR 500 million for Ukraine. This will include the “Federal Army’s stockpile” and shells to meet the immediate needs of Ukraine. In the medium term, Germany is expected to order 100,000 shells from the defence industry and contribute to the Czech initiative and deliveries are scheduled for the summer. He said: “This shows that the help and support from Germany remains unbroken and is still by far the largest in Europe.”
References
“Zelensky discusses with Charles Michel steps to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to EU,” Ukrinform, 19 March 2024
“Ukraine, Luxembourg sign cooperation agreement,” Ukrinform, 19 March 2024
Radina Gigova and Joshua Berlinger, “Russia confirms naval chief replaced after Black Sea failures,” CNN, 19 March 2024
“Russian military hits Ukrainian sabotage groups near border (VIDEO),” RT, 19 March 2024
“Russian troops liberate Orlovka community in Avdeyevka area — top brass,” TASS, 19 March 2024
“Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown, Jr. Hold an On-Camera Post-Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting Press Conference, Ramstein Air Base, Germany,” U.S. Department of Defense, 19 March 2024
“Germany announces next €500m military aid package for Ukraine,” Euractiv, 20 March 2024
“Ukraine updates: US won't let Kyiv fail, Pentagon chief says,” Deutsche Welle, 19 March 2024