Photo : EFE-EPA/YAKIV LIASHENKO
Photo : EFE-EPA/YAKIV LIASHENKO
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 04 April, Oleh Synehubov, Kharkiv’s regional governor reported on the death of four and injury of 12 after an overnight attack by Russia on Kharkiv. The Ukrainian forces claimed on shooting down 11 out of 20 combat drones targeted by Russia and one of such drone’s debris resulted in damage of a residential building. Russian drones were also observed in Zmiivska area. Following the attack, 350,000 residents were subject to power cut in the Kharkiv and areas around. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President called the attack as “despicable and cynical” and criticised Russia for constant targeting of Ukraine’s energy grid.
On 04 April, Petro Andryushchenko, Advisor to the Mayor of Mariupol reported in increased cases of Cholera among children. According to him, the government is attempting to shut places under “undeclared quarantine” but it has not been possible to apply. Rapid warming is predicted to be one of the causes for the spread of the disease and suggestion such as drinking of boil water, washing hands and avoiding swimming in the sea has been floated.
On 04 April, Deutsche Welle reported on a third of Ukraine to be under Russian mines which is required to be detected. This is needful as such mines cause harm for civilian life and many Ukrainian women had recently volunteered to take the task and engage in the “Mine Awareness and Assistance,” as part of the mine action. According to a report in the United Nations, since the war began in 2022 there has been increased use of landmines additional to bombs and shells. It is expected to take more than 20 years to clear the agricultural land and many women have been observed to take the efforts in “making safe ground.”
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 04 April, Russia’s defence ministry claimed on carrying out high-precision strikes on ammunition depot, drone production site (Merafa Mechanical Plant) and the base where it claims to be for foreign mercenaries in Kharkiv area of Ukraine. It confirmed on taking down targets near Merafa town. In a statement: “Operational-tactical aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile forces, and artillery” were involved in the attack.”
04 April, Dmitry Peskov, Press Secretary of the Russian parliament called the current state of relation between Russia and NATO as “direct confrontation.” He criticised the NATO for expanding its borders closer to Russia and involving in war in Ukraine. He added: “…our relations have now descended to the level of direct confrontation.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 04 April, Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s Secretary General marking 75 years of NATO, stated that the US and Europe is “stronger and safer together.” He said: “I don't believe in America alone just as I don't believe in Europe alone.” In his speech, he mentioned how NATO allies were of help after the 9/11 attack in 2001 for the US and how they continue to boost their efforts in adding armed forces and number of new soldiers from Norway and Denmark. Apart from this, Sweden and Lithuania has also agreed to restart its military service.
On 04 April, Finland’s government announced the extension of the border closure with Russia for “an unspecified time.” It also stated its decision to restrict the movement of people in Haapasari, Nuijamaa and Santio ports. Mari Rantanen, Finland’s Interior Minister said: “Finnish authorities consider it to be a long-term situation. We have seen nothing this spring to suggest the situation has fundamentally changed.”
References
Veronika Melkozerova, “Russian ‘double strike’ drone attack kills rescue workers in Kharkiv,” Politico, 04 April 2024
“Mine Action Ukraine: Women leading efforts in making safe ground,” United Nations, 04 April 2024
“Russia hits ‘foreign mercenaries’ base in Ukraine – MOD,” RT, 04 April 2024
“NATO is an American tool for confrontation in Europe – Kremlin,” RT, 04 April 2024
“Finnish-Russian border to remain closed for unspecified time,” ERR News, 04 April 2024
Laura Gozzi, “Europe and US need each other, Nato chief Stoltenberg says,” BBC, 04 April 2024
“Ukraine updates: Deadly drones strike Kharkiv residents,” Deutsche Welle, 04 April 2024