Photo : The Washington Post
Photo : The Washington Post
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 23 April, Financial Times reported on Ukraine’s agricultural minister suspected for engaging in illegal acquisition of a state land worth millions ahead of joining the government. According to Ukraine’s corruption agency, stated treatment of the minister under charge for illegal acquisition and land together worth more than EUR 10 million. He was suspected to be part of a group involved in misappropriation between 2017 and 2021. In response the minister assured to cooperate with the investigation and stressed that the events took place before his government position.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 23 April, Sergey Shoigu, Russia’s Defence Minister stated that Russia will reinforce its air defence by late 2024 through deployment of upgraded systems. He remarked that boosting anti-aircraft and anti-missile capabilities was the priority for Moscow. Shoigu also added the expected expansion of short-range and anti-aircraft Pantsir systems two fold due to its performance in the war. Russian troops are scheduled to get advanced S-500 systems and strategic anti-missile aircrafts.
On the same, Shoigu disclosed the number of military troops lost for Ukraine. He indicated that close to 500,000 troops Ukraine military had lost and Russian forces have been reportedly giving pressure on the frontline in attempt to push back the Ukrainian forces. On the US foreign bill Shoigu said: “he American authorities cynically state that Ukrainians will be dying in the fight with Russia for their interests.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 23 April, the US Senate approved the long hauled military aid to Ukraine through the USD 95 billion foreign aid bill. This means delivery of weapons and support to Ukraine and Israel worth billions. The bill was passed with a vote of 79:18 ratio. In a statement, Joe Biden, the US President assured to sign the bill into law on 24 April and reiterated how the bill will help meet his pledges to NATO and Ukraine. Passing of the bill becomes a significant step as Ukraine faces the crunch over air defence system and ammunition. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), one of the three lawmakers who voted against the bill said: “I think it’s an insult to the American people the idea that, again, we’re going to send another 60 billion to secure the borders of another country.” While Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Minority Leader said: “I think we’ve turned a corner on the isolationist movement.”
On 23 April, Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General proposed to create opportunities to improve support for Ukraine in “more robust and predictable” way. In a joint press held with Rishi Sunak, UK’s Prime Minister he said: “In NATO, we are now addressing how to put our support for Ukraine on a more robust and predictable footing, including with a multi-year financial commitment.”
References
Bartosz Brzeziński, “Ukrainian agriculture minister under suspicion of orchestrating land-grab scheme,” Politico, 23 April 2024
“Russia to beef up air defense – Shoigu,” RT, 23 April 2024
“Ukraine has lost almost half a million troops – Moscow,” RT, 23 April 2024
Liz Goodwin and Abigail Hauslohner, “Senate passes Ukraine, Israel aid bill after months-long debate,” The Washington Post, 23 April 2024
“NATO preparing decisions for more robust support for Ukraine – Stoltenberg,” Ukrinform, 23 April 2024