Photo : Nathan Howard/Deutsch Welle
Photo : Nathan Howard/Deutsch Welle
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 22 April, Ukraine authorities in Odesa reported on an airstrike by Russia resulting in injury of nine and four children. In response, Ukraine’s emergency services were triggered which found residential buildings to have been damaged. Whereas, Ukraine’s southern command reported on shooting down 15 out of 16 Russian drones. It also recorded strikes and injury in southern Mykolaiv area.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 22 April, Russian officials in Belgorod reported on the death of 120 civilians due to Ukrainian strikes since February 2022. Vyacheslav Gladkov, Governor of Belgorod added that 651 had been injured and the area has been subject to frequent attacks since 2023 especially by pro-Kyiv militias. He said: “The situation is extremely difficult. The attacks continue. People continue to die.”
On 22 April, Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister warned over increasing support from the US, UK and France to Ukraine. He criticised them for stoking “strategic risks” which might lead to direct confrontation. He stated that the US and NATO had been aiming for “strategic defeat” on Russia and several risks were linked to pushing to a nuclear level threat.
On 22 April, Russian forces claimed on capturing a village, Novomykhailvka located 40 kilometres from the southwest of Donetsk. While Ukraine has not confirmed and the Ukraine’s General Staff continue to claim its defence and Russia’s advance attempts.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 22 April, Deutsche Welle reported on the upcoming vote in the US Senate on major aid package to Ukraine. According to the report, the vote is expected to be in favour as the House of Representatives approved the aid with two-party support. The aid includes military assistance and out of USD 95 billion, USD 61 billion will be allotted for Ukraine. In a phone conversation held between Joe Biden, the US President and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President, Biden assured to send the assistance “quickly.” While Zelenskyy indicated Ukraine’s expectation for a speedy delivery and “powerful” shipment to boost its air defence, including long-range and artillery capabilities.
On 22 April, Rishi Sunak, UK’s Prime Minister is expected to pledge a massive military aid package for Ukraine in another effort to boost Ukraine’s defence. This can be expected as Sunak is scheduled to meet leaders of Poland, Germany and NATO. According to the report, he can announce GBP 500 million as an additional military funding and largest donation of key equipment.
References
Ishaan Tharoor, “Russia’s deadly attacks see Ukraine call out a Western double standard,” The Washington Post, 18 April 2024
“Russian MOD details long-range strikes on Ukraine,” RT, 19 April 2024
“Russian strategic bomber crashes – MOD,” RT, 19 April 2024
“No ceasefire with Ukraine even if talks start – Lavrov,” RT, 19 April 2024
Daria Tarasova-Markina, Antonia Mortensen, Christian Stern, Anna Chernova and Mariya Knight, “Polish man charged in connection with alleged Russian plot to kill Ukraine leader Zelensky,” CNN, 19 April 2024
“Ukraine war briefing: Donald Trump says survival of Ukraine important to the US,” The Guardian, 19 April 2024