|
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 08 May, Ukraine’s Parliament passed a law approving certain of prisoners to fight as part of Ukraine’s armed forces. Olena Shuliak, the head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Servant of the People party said: “"The Parliament has voted 'yes' ... on the voluntary mobilization of prisoners.” The law creates a possibility of those prisoners who are willing to fight to join Ukraine’s defence forces. It also allows for conditional early release for service in military for those accepted. Ahead of coming into practise, the law must be signed by the chairperson of the assembly or Ukraine President.
On 08 May, Ukraine’s air force reported on shooting down several Russian missiles and drones that were targeted against its infrastructure. Despite the counter attacks, a dozen of critical energy structure was reported to be hit in Lviv. This includes 55 missiles and 21 drones launched by Russia out of which 39 missiles and 20 drones were intercepted. In response, a high alert was raised in Kyiv for three hours.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 08 May, RT reported on Russian military seizing of two settlements in Kharkiv and Donbas. According to the report, Ukrainian forces from Kislovka village located 25 kilometres in the east of Kupiansk which operates as key logistics hub was dislodged. The moves signals intense fight in Kharkiv axis and the frontline along the area.
On 08 May, RT reported on Russian forces claims on launching a series of attacks using long-range weapons at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The same was reported by Ukraine’s air forces. In a statement the Russian military stated the it had launched the attacks in response to Ukraine targeting of its oil facilities. The Russian defence ministry said: “The attacks “significantly reduced Ukraine’s ability to manufacture military products and transport Western arms and military vehicles to the frontline.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 08 May, ambassadors of the EU signed a deal to utilise the frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. In a statement the Belgian government said: “The money will serve to support Ukraine's recovery and military defense in the context of the Russian aggression.” Although the details of the agreement are yet to be disclosed, it is expected to monetize EUR three billion. Close to 90 per cent of the amount will be used for military and 10 per cent for financial support. Frozen assets of Russian Central Bank amounts for EUR 210 billion and an accrued interest of EUR 4.4 billion till now and is currently held by the Euroclear, a brussels based financial institution. Ursula Von Der Leyen, European Commission President said: “…no stronger symbol and no greater use for that money than to make Ukraine and all of Europe a safer place to live.”
On 08 May, Alexander Stubb, Finland’s President and Olaf Scholz, Germany’s Chancellor held a meeting. In the discussion, they pledged to increase Finland’s security in the coming months to strengthen the eastern flank of NATO. Stubb reiterated his call for a united Europe to defend collectively and support Ukraine.
On 08 May, in his military policy trip to the US and Canada, Boris Pistorius, Germany’s Defence Minister asked for joint support for Ukraine. In his visit to the US, he emphasized on Germany increasing contribution to NATO and said: “It is a question of whether and how democracies defend themselves.” He is expected to meet Llyod Austin, US Defence Secretary and Canadian Defence Minister on 09 May to vouch for more support for Ukraine.
GLOBAL FALLOUTS
Implications of the war
On 08 May, Reuters reported on India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arresting of four under suspicion of attempting to join the war in Ukraine. Earlier, two Indian’s were reportedly killed in frontline of the war under false promise. Amongst the arrested, a translator and two recruiters were found to be operating in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. According to CBI, “youths” were promised for well-paid jobs and university places through online platforms such as You Tube. The arrest comes as investigators raided 13 locations.
References
“Now Ukraine will hire prisoners to fight Russia but there's a catch,” Firstpost, 09 May 2024
“Russia confirms attack on Ukrainian energy sector,” RT, 08 May 2024
“Russian military reports new gains in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region,” RT, 08 May 2024
Laura Gozzi, “EU moves to give profits from Russian assets to Ukraine,” BBC, 08 May 2024
“Four arrested for duping young Indian men into fighting for Russia in Ukraine,” Reuters, 08 May 2024
“Ukraine updates: Russia warns France against sending troops,” Deutsche Welle, 08 May 2024
|
