Photo : Ciro De Luca, Reuters
Photo : Ciro De Luca, Reuters
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 18 April, Ukraine’s military intelligence reported on the Ukrainian forces attack in a military airfield in Crimea destroying an equipment. According to the report, four S-400 surface-to-air-m missile launchers, three radar stations and an air-defence control point was “destroyed or critically damaged.”
On 18 April, in his daily address, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President reported on the domestic defence production. He reported an increase in number in Bohdana howitzers producing 10 per month and positive result in arms production. He also thanked Robert Habeck, Vice-Chancellor of Germany for his visit to Ukraine and the country’s support for Ukraine’s defence.
On 18 April, Ukrinform reported on the Russian troops shelling of Nikopol district using artillery and drones destroying infrastructure facility and agricultural company. The attack was recorded for 10 times and Dnipro district was also subject to attack as per the report.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 18 April, Russia’s Parliament issued a statement against the stalled US package. It stated that the stalled aid package will make no change to the front-line situation militarily. Dmitry Peskov, Russian Press Secretary said: “It won't in any way influence the development of the situation on the front ... which is very unfavorable for the Ukrainian side.” The statement comes as the US congress about to hold voting this week and Ukraine continues to urge for immediate air defence support.
On 18 April, RT reported on Russia’s release of a video striking at Ukraine’s armed forces airbase in Dnepropetrovsk area. The video shows how MiG-29 fighters and transport aircraft targeted in the attacks by Russia using Iskander-M missile. Another footage revealed a direct attack on S-300 air defence system. The airbase is located 100 kilometres from the frontline in the south of Dnepr city.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 18 April, the EU organised the Ukraine’s Future Summit 2024 in Brussels remarking the step to economic and political integrations of Ukraine into Europe. The summit is expected to bring all corporate leader together for collaboration with the EU companies to invest in Ukraine. Key focus is on Ukraine’s economic sectors with aim to promote sustainable development and boost economic ties of Ukraine and the EU.
On 18 April, Olaf Scholz reiterated the call for more air defence and urged the EU leaders to send more Patriot missiles to Ukraine as it runs into exhaustion. He emphasised on the emergency requirement and the immediate need for action. Scholz added: “Now it is about doing it quickly and not at some point in the future.” Similarly, Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General called for “urgent, critical need for more air defense” for Ukraine. He also assured on working in gathering data on air defence systems to redeploy to Ukraine.
On 18 April, Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy called the EU member stated to sent anti-missile systems to Ukraine to boost its air defence against Russia. He warned over destruction of Ukraine’s electricity system and lose of power for homes, factories and online, if enough support not rendered.
References
“Zelensky: There are important results of our domestic defense production,” Ukrinform, 18 April 2024
“Russians shell Nikopol district: agricultural company, infrastructure facility and power line damaged,” Ukrinform, 18 April 2024
“Kremlin Says U.S. Aid for Ukraine Won’t Change Military Situation,” The Moscow Times, 18 April 2024
“WATCH Russian missiles strike Ukrainian airbase,” RT, 18 April 2024
Briar Stewart, “NATO members to meet as Ukraine calls for 25 Patriot systems to defend against Russian attacks,” CBC, 19 April 2024
“Ukraine has 'urgent need' for air defence, says NATO chief Stoltenberg,” France 24, 18 April 2024
“Ukraine updates: Mood in Kyiv 'strong,' Habeck tells DW,” Deutsche Welle, 18 April 2024