Photo : GOV.UK
Photo : GOV.UK
By Rosemary Kurian
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 10 April, according to Ukrainska Pravda, the Ukrainian Air Force announced that 14 Shahed drones launched by Russia were shot down in Ukraine’s Mykolaiv and Odesa oblasts by anti-aircraft missile units and mobile fire groups. Russia launched 17 Shahed attack UAVs, an Iskander-M ballistic missile, and two Iskander-K cruise missiles into Ukraine, presumably from the Russian occupied territory of Crimea. On 09 April, Ukrainian forces destroyed two Kh-59 missiles targeting Odesa.
On 10 April, according to Reuters, Tobias Bilstrom, the Swedish Foreign Minister, stated the intention of Nordic and Baltic countries to support an increased role of NATO in assisting Ukraine against Russia. During a meeting between ministers of Nordic and Baltic countries in Sweden’s Gotland island, he added that eight states had agreed to assemble a group of experts that would support Ukraine’s bid to join the EU.
On 10 April, according to The Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed a bill permitting the conscription of citizens convicted of minor offences, in the first reading. Individuals convicted of serious crimes like murder, sexual violence or crimes against national security are not included. The bill, first submitted in March, aims to replenish the ranks of the armed forces amid war with Russia. Olena Vysotska, the Deputy Justice Minister, stated that the bill could recruit 50,000 individuals who have already served their sentence and 26,000 currently imprisoned. The bill needs to pass a second reading before being signed by the President into law.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 10 April, according to RT, Roman Starovoyt, Governor of Kursk Region, announced that a Ukrainian explosive dropped via drone killed an adult and two children in the village of Apanasovka in Kursk. The village near the Russia-Ukraine border was targeted last month in a failed attempt by Ukraine-backed mercenaries to take over the territory. Ukrainian drone, missile and artillery attacks have increased in the past month over Russian villages in the border.
On 10 April, according to TASS, the Russian Defence Ministry announced that Russia’s Southern Battlegroup destroyed Ukrainian militants in firing positions using “smart munitions” near Spornoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). Russian data recorders confirmed the destruction of the target where Ukrainian army positions and few militants were stationed.
On 10 April, according to TASS, Maria Zakharova, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, stated that NATO is developing capabilities for cyberattacks and information operations against Russia. She added that NATO is building up its military capabilities and keeping an eye on the Russian information space” to launch potential cyber operations, using “a network of centres that sit along the perimeter of our (Russia) country's borders,” stating about Estonia, Latvia and Finland. Zakharova stated the potential of NATO starting operations from Moldova and Georgia “to provide operational and technical support” to the cyber command groups. She accused western countries of using information and communication technologies to initiate hybrid warfare against Russia. She further accused them of employing Ukrainian hackers to carry out these cyberattacks.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 10 April, according to the Financial Times, the EU’s General Court ruled in favour of billionaires Mikhail Fridman and Petr Aven by annulling their inclusion in the EU’s sanctions list, citing insufficient evidence proving their involvement in backing Russia’s war on Ukraine. It sets a potential precedent for similar appeals since the EU has targeted more than 1700 people and 400 entities that allegedly supported the Russian invasion. The decision applies to the period between February 2022 and March 2023, with subsequent periods requiring other legal proceedings. The lifting of sanctions requires a decision from EU states. The ruling by the General Court is subject to appeals. Aven and Fridman hold Latvian passports and live there.
On 10 April, according to Swissinfo, the EU’s finance ministers will discuss an investment agenda and reform plans as submitted by Ukraine in a bid to seek funding. Ukraine’s plan identifies 15 key areas and 69 plans , which will be discussed in Luxembourg. The EU’s Ukraine Facility has a budget of EUR 50 billion over a period of 2024 to 2027, which will be granted in the form of grants and loans. The German government wants to aid in the reconstruction of Ukraine through companies and private actors.
On 10 April, according to the Federal Department of Defence, Switzerland decided to participate in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) after approval from the Swiss Federal Council. The aim of the initiative is to enhance cooperation on procurement projects, training and logistical aspects on ground-based air defence. The signing of the declaration of accession into the MoU by Switzerland still gives it the freedom to decide its extent of participation in the ESSI.
On 10 April, according to GOV.UK, the governments of the UK and Ukraine signed a new agreement to enhance cooperation in defence and industrial issues, with the UK offering 29 defence businesses to meet Ukrainian needs. It marks the largest trade mission from the UK to Ukraine, also offering the latter with long-term recovery plans and high-profile joint projects. The UK expressed its “unwavering commitment to Ukraine” against Putin’s invasion, according to James Cartlidge, the UK’s Minister for Defence Procurement. So far, it has provided Ukraine with GBP 12 billion in military, humanitarian and economic aid. The agreement comes after the signing of the UK-Ukraine Agreement on Security Cooperation between Rishi Sunak, the UK’s Prime Minister, and Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s President, in January 2024 to mark the beginning of a 100-year partnership between the two countries.
On 10 April, according to NATO, in a joint statement by Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s Secretary-General, and Alexander Stubb, Finland’s President, the leaders discussed the urgent need for NATO to support Ukraine with much-needed air defences, ammunition and economic aid. NATO is working on a package for Ukraine with “predictable robust support” against Russia. Finland has so far provided Ukraine with EUR two billion in military aid and signed a 10-year security agreement with them. They further defended Ukraine’s right to defend itself and strike “legitimate military targets outside their own country”, speaking of the attack on a Russian warship docked off Kaliningrad.
THE GLOBAL FALLOUTS
Implication of the War
On 10 April, according to Jiji Press News, China stated that it would not take criticism due to its ties with Russia, responding to the US’s warning that it would hold the former responsible for any gains made by Russia. Mao Ning, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, stated that they had the right to “engage in normal economic and trade cooperation” and would not like interference or accept criticism or pressure. China-Russia ties have ramped up since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has increased since the foreign ministers of the countries met to strengthen strategic cooperation. China has stated that it is neutral in the conflict, but has been criticised for not condemning Russia’s offensive and continuing trade relations.
References
Iryna Balachuk, “Ukrainian Air Force destroys 14 Shaheds overnight”, Ukrainska Pravda, 10 April 2024
“Nordic, Baltic nations urge EU, NATO help for Ukraine”, Reuters, 10 April 2024
Martin Fornusek, “Parliament passes in 1st reading bill allowing military service of citizens convicted of minor offenses”, The Kyiv Independent, 10 April 2024
“Two Russian children killed in Ukrainian drone attack – governor”, RT, 10 April 2024
“Russian troops destroy Ukrainian militants with smart munitions near Spornoye in DPR”, TASS, 10 April 2024
“NATO building up capabilities to carry out cyberattacks against Russia — MFA”, TASS, 10 April 2024
Javier Espinoza, Henry Foy and Max Seddon, “EU court rules in favour of Russian oligarchs Fridman and Aven in blow to sanctions regime”, Financial Times, 10 April 2024
Maria Martinez, “EU finance ministers to discuss Ukraine reform plans, sources say”, Swissinfo, 10 April 2024
“Federal Council decides to join the European Sky Shield Initiative”, Federal Department of Defence, 10 April 2024
“UK and Ukraine sign new defence pact”, gov.uk, 10 April 2024
“Joint press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with Alexander Stubb, President of Finland”, NATO, 10 April 2024
“China rebuffs 'criticism or pressure' over ties with Russia”, Jiji Press News, 10 April 2024