Photo : REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Photo : REUTERS/Thomas Peter
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 17 April, Ukraine’s emergency services reported on an attack on social and civilian infrastructure in Chernihiv. A northern Ukrainian city, located 150 kilometres from Kyiv. According to the report, three missiles were reported to have hit the centre of the city, killing 17 and injuring several civilians.
On 17 April, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, continued to place demands for more air defence support from Western allies following the attack in Chernihiv. He reiterated the need for air defence equipment and how Ukraine could have deterred the attack if it had enough air power support. He added: “Ukraine requires immediate steps to strengthen its air defense.”
On 17 April, Zelenskyy reported an overnight strike on Russia’s military facility in Dzankhoi in Crimea. He appreciated the Ukraine Armed Forces (UAF) for carrying out precision strike and destroying Russian equipment. Ukraine media sources reported on destruction of Russian S-300 missile defence system but casualties were not verified.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 17 April, Kursk region governor reported on 3000 strikes on 50 apartment buildings, 975 single-family homes and several social and cultural buildings. According to the report, Kursk region has been subject to regular attacks by UAF. In response, 19 Russian authorities are expected to evaluate the damage and proceed with providing settlements through tax benefits and subsidize utility bills.
On 17 April, Russian forces claimed on advancing in varied speeds in the “line of engagement” in the self-recognised Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) area. Fierce fight was observed in Avdeyevka axis and Chasiv Yar. According to DPR head Denis Pushlin, Ukrainian soldiers have held a “first-line defence” in Chasiv Yar but at the same time the Ukraine combat is reportedly suffering heavy casualties everyday.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 17 April, Switzerland government refused to not join the international task force for tracking Russian oligarchs’ money. The Swiss Parliament in a vote held on joining the group, 80 voted against 101 and similarly in 2023 the government declined the invitation from G7. This comes as the conservative parties of Switzerland find the task force to be incompatible to its “traditional neutrality.”
On 17 April, Boris Pistorius, Germany’s Defence Minister and Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s Foreign Minister requested the EU, NATO, and third countries to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences. The initiative led by Germany aims to “actively” motivate several countries to deliver support in short term. This comes as Ukraine faces ammunition and air defence shortage caused from the blockade of the US military aid bill in the congress. In response, leaders of the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Denmark gave positive signal to help boost the initiative.
THE GLOBAL FALLOUTS
Implications of the War
On 17 April, in response to Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor’s visit to Beijing, Lin Jian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson issues a statement indicating the need for “lot of work” ahead of Ukraine’s peace summit. Jian said: “According to our understanding, the relevant meeting is still in preparation and there is still a lot of work to be done.” He stressed on China’s point to resolve conflicts through “diplomatic channels” and “political negotiations.” The statement comes as Switzerland government announced to organise high-level peace conference on Ukraine.
References
Veronika Melkozerova, “Zelenskyy says deadly strike ‘wouldn’t have happened’ if West gave Ukraine more air defenses,” Politico, 17 April 2024
“At least 17 dead after three Russian missiles hit Chernihiv, The Guardian, 17 April 2024
“Almost 3,000 shots fired at Russia’s Kursk Region during military operation,” TASS, 17 April 2024
“DPR leader reports heaviest fighting near Avdeyevka, Chasov Yar,” TASS, 17 April 2024
“Switzerland won’t join G7 task force on Russian oligarch money,” Swissinfo, 17 April 2024
Guy Chazan, Christopher Miller and Andy Bounds and Laura Dubois, “Germany urges dozens of allies to send air defence systems to Ukraine,” Financial Times, 17 April 2024
“Ukraine updates: Deadly Russian strike hits Chernihiv,” Deutsche Welle, 17 April 2024
“China Says 'Lot of Work to Be Done' Before Ukraine Peace Summit Takes Place,” The Kyiv Post, 17 April 2024