Photo : Interfax-Ukraine
Photo : Interfax-Ukraine
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 30 April, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President expressed gratitude for Latvian government for aiding Ukraine with the latest military assistance with additional air defence systems and drones. Till now, Latvia’s support amounts to 0.35 per cent of its GDP, including short-range anti-aircraft guns and surveillance drones.
On 30 April, Andriy Kostin, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General reported on an attack by Russia in Odesa using Iskander missile in a cluster warhead. The weapon system is capable of causing massive casualties and as a result of the attack, metal fragments and missile debris were found.
On 30 April, Ukrinform reported on increased casualties from the Russian attack on Kharkiv. According to the report, after the attack on hospital earlier this week, another strike was observed in the Kyivskyi district where 50 cars were damaged. No military objects or soldier casualties were recorded. Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov said: “Among the nine wounded, three women aged 28, 38, 40, and one 42-year-old man were hospitalized - all with explosive injuries.”
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 30 April, Russian defence ministry reported on Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) weakened defence against Russia’s Battlegroup East and as a result 100 casualties were recorded. This was observed in Staromayorskoye and Vodyanoye positions in Donetsk. The ministry claimed on destroying of two pickup trucks and 155mm US-made M777 howitzers. It also claimed on improved stance against Ukraine’s brigades near Novobakhmutovka and Ocheretino in the same region.
On 30 April, the TASS reported on shooting down of a Ukrainian drone over Belgorod, in the border zone. In the statement released by Russia’s defence ministry, Ukraine had attempted attack on facilities in Russia which were used as a fixed-wing for unmanned aerial vehicles. It claimed to have thwarted the attack.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 30 April, Latvian government announced new batch of military aid. Evika Siliņa, Latvia’s Prime Minister confirmed the same: “…approved the transfer of NBS anti-aircraft systems, tactical unmanned surveillance systems, and other essential material and technical assets to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”
References
“Zelensky thanks Latvia for another military aid package,” Ukrinform, 30 April 2024
“Russia hits Odesa with Iskander missile armed with cluster warhead – prosecutor general,” Ukrinform, 30 April 2024
“In Kharkiv, number of victims of Russian strike rises to nine,” Ukrinform, 30 April 2024
“Latvian PM announces new military aid package for Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 30 April 2024
“Russia’s Battlegroup East improves positions in DPR, hits roughly 100 Ukrainian troops,” TASS, 30 April 2024
“Another Ukrainian drone shot down over Belgorod Region — defense ministry,” TASS, 30April 2024