Photo : President.pl
Photo : President.pl
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 11 April, in a board meeting with the governors, Rafael Mariano, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) raised concerns over increasing risk of a “nuclear accident.” The statement comes after an attack was reported by Russia accusing Ukraine. He added: “The most recent attacks ... have shifted us into an acutely consequential juncture in this war.”
On 11 April, Ukraine’s parliament passed a new reform to mobilise more soldiers. It is considered controversial as it modifies the process of recruitment by easing for the government to recruit conscripts and prevent long-serving soldiers from being removed from the army. In the parliament, 283 deputies were in favour out of 450 members and the bill had been delayed for several months after attempts to decrease the effectiveness of the bill.
On 11 April, Zelenskyy reported on overnight drone and missile attacks by Russia close to 80 in number across Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Kharkiv and Lviv. In response, air raid alert remained for five hours and hundreds of rescuers were alerted. He added: “For several hours, the Russian military attacked five regions of Ukraine, hitting critical infrastructure.” Following this, Ukraine’s energy company reported on attack on its power station and Lviv authorities confirmed on damage on distribution facility and electric substation.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 11 April, RT reported on Russia defence ministry claim on launching high-precision strikes on Ukraine’s energy and oil facilities. The attacks were stated to be in response to Ukraine’s strikes into Russin border and energy facilities. In a statement: The goals of the strike have been achieved. All facilities have been hit.” According to the report, energy facilities in Odessa, Kharkov, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, and Kyiv were affected.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 11 April, in a meeting held between the members of the “Three Seas Initiative,” Gitanas Nauseda, Lithuania’s President pledged to “continue” support to Ukraine “with all means until victory.” The group is expected to play a key role in reconstruction process of Ukraine. In a joint declaration, they expressed their determination to add more pressure on Russia by increasing sanctions for effective implementation.
On 11 April, governments of Ukraine and Latvia signed a security deal for ten years. Under the deal, Kyiv will receive military support of 0.25 per cent of GDP. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President said: “Latvia has committed itself to support Ukraine for ten years in cyber defense, mine clearance and unmanned technology.”
References
“IAEA decries 'dangerous' Ukraine nuclear plant attacks,” The Canberra Times, 12 April 2024
“Ukraine and Latvia Signed a Security Agreement,” President.gov.ua, 11 April 2024
“Ukrainian parliament passes controversial conscription law as war effort struggles,” Euronews, 11 April 2024
“Russia conducts massive strike on Ukrainian energy infrastructure,” RT, 11 April 2024
“Joint Declaration of the Ninth Summit of the Three Seas Initiative,” President.pl, 11 April 2024
“Ukraine updates: Russia strikes infrastructure nationwide,” Deutsche Welle, 11 April 2024