Photo : Ding Haitao/AP
Photo : Ding Haitao/AP
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 16 April, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President announced the depletion of missiles in Ukraine’s arsenal. He claimed that Russia’s success in destroying the Trypilska power plant was due to Ukraine’s poor air power. He said: “There were 11 missiles flying. We destroyed the first seven, and four (remaining) destroyed Trypilska. Why? Because there were zero missiles. We ran out of missiles to defend Trypilska.”
He also called its allies to showcase same “unity” for Ukraine similar to Israel. Indicating the countering of Iran’s aerial attack on Israel, he called for “solidarity for Ukraine.” Zelenskyy also highlighted how the European airspace could have been protected if enough protection and support had been given to Ukraine.
On 16 April, Ukraine’s Farm Ministry reported on an expected decrease in Ukraine’s grain harvest from 58 million tonnes in 2023 to 52 million metric tonnes in 2024. According to the ministry, in March, the sowing area for corn reduced to 3.868 from 4.043 million. It also predicts that farmer may also reduce further despite given incentive to increase sowing of wheat and soybeans. Till now 5.9 million tons of barley and 28.2 million tons of corn have been harvested.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 16 April, Russia’s governor of Belgorod reported on Ukrainian forces attack using 12 munitions and four drones in Belgorod. According to the governor, the response exhausted firefighters in suppressing the fire and no casualties were reported. He observed that the Ukrainian attack have concentrated on private residencies and buildings.
On 16 April, Russia’s battlegroup known as Dnepr claimed on shooting down 83 Ukrainian drones in Kherson in last 24 hours. According to the report: “Over the day, the enemy losses amounted to: up to 60 fighters, nine guns and mortars, two cars. Air defenses and electronic warfare systems suppressed.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 16 April, Mike Johnson, Speaker at the US House of Representatives announced that by 19 April, the Senate is expected to cast separate votes for aid to Ukraine and Israel. The move comes as pressure on the US increases to help prevent losses for Ukraine and Iran’s latest missile attack. Johnson said: “They're watching to see if America will stand up for its allies and in our own interest around the globe. And we will.” According to him, the vote will take place in four separate bills since the White House considers a “standalone” bill would not support Israel nor Ukraine. On the same day, Llyod Austin, US Secretary of Defence held meeting with Boris Pistorius, German Defence Minister on Ukraine. During the discussion, they affirmed on continued “strong support” to Ukraine and Austin appreciated Germany’s efforts in aiding Ukraine.
On 16 April, Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor as part of his visit to China, discussed on establishing peace in Ukraine with Xi Jinping, Chinese President. He said: “I have therefore asked President Xi to influence Russia so that Putin finally calls off his senseless campaign, withdraws his troops and ends this terrible war.” In response to this, Xi demanded all the engaged parties to push towards restoration of peace and urged to not allow the situation to escalate. Xi also recalled all the support given for peace initiatives by China. This includes, recognition of an organisation of a “international peace conference” by Russian and Ukraine.
References
“Ukraine says it ‘ran out of missiles’ to stop Russian strike ruining power station,” Euractiv, 17 April 2024
“Ukrainian armed forces attack Belgorod Region with four drones over past day,” TASS, 16 April 2024
“Over 80 Ukrainian drones suppressed, downed in Kherson Region over day,” TASS, 16 April 2024
Lisa Mascaro, “Facing a Republican revolt, House Speaker Johnson’s plan for US aid to Ukraine, allies uncertain,” The Associated Press, 17 April 2024
“German chancellor urges Xi Jinping to press Russia to end Ukraine war, saying ‘China’s word carries weight’,” The Guardian, 17 April 2024
“Ukraine updates: Kyiv 'ran out' of missiles to defend plant,” Deutsche Welle, 16 April 2024