Photo : Sky news
Photo : Sky news
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 05 April, Ukrainian intelligence claimed on an operation focused on targeting the Morozovsk air base (300 kilometres from Ukraine). Although there were no reports confirming the staging of the attacks, Ukraine’s security service and military claims on destroying of six Russian warplanes and damage of another eight. It also claimed on killing or injuring of 20 Russians. The base is expected to be a host for Russian tactical bombs which were used to fire at Ukraine’s military and frontline cities.
On 05 April, Reuters reported on drone attacks in southern Ukraine areas of Zaporizhzhia and Odesa. All the 13 drones reported were shot down by Ukraine’s air force which were launched towards the energy infrastructures. Oleh Syniehubov, Governor of Kharkiv also reported on drone attacks and explosion in the area but no casualties were reported.
On 05 April, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced ban on 164 goods of Russia. This includes engine oil and optical equipment. Along with this, it imposed a export ban on items that will boost Russia’s industrial base and additional revision of ban on Russia’s non-industrial diamonds used in jewellery. The ban is expected to come into force from 10 May.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 05 April, the TASS reported on declaration of state of emergency in Khabarovsk city. The move comes after a “radiation source” was detected near power pylon close to 2.5 kilometres from the residential area. In response the areas will be monitored and investigation on the radiation will be carried for next two days.
On 05 April, Russian investigation revealed on finding “pro-Ukraine” data on one of the detained suspects from the Moscow attacks. Although the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility of the attack, Russia has continued to maintain a sceptical stand on involvement of Ukraine. On the statements received from the suspect it said: “…had confirmed all this in his statements…This data may indicate a link between the attack.”
On 05 April, Russia’s defence ministry officials reported on Ukraine to have targeted 40 drones in the border region of Rostov and claimed to have intercepted all. According to the report, the drones were launched towards a power substation but doubts have been raised if it had targeted towards military airfield as well.
References
“Drones Target Russian Airfield Where Bombers Stationed As 4 Killed In Southern Ukraine,” Rferl, 05 April 2024
“Live blog: Russian strike kills four, wounds 20 in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia,” TRT World, 05 April 2024
“High Radiation Levels Prompt State Of Emergency In Russia's Khabarovsk,” Rferl, 05 April 2024
“Japan introduces news sanctions against Russia,” CGTN, 05 April 2024
Sarah Haque and Lili Bayer, “Russia-Ukraine war live: 20 members of Russian airfield personnel killed or injured in drone attack, Kyiv says – as it happened,” The Guardian,05 April 2024