Photo : Sergei Bobylev / TASS
Photo : Sergei Bobylev / TASS
By Ken B Varghese
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 13 May 2024, The Guardian reported on Russian forces continuing advance in the Kharkiv region targeting for a “tactical success” as this is predicted to be Russia’s biggest breakthrough since 2022. Russia and Ukraine confirmed on the advance by Russian troops in the outskirts of Vovchansk town. Ukraine general staff said that Russia has a “tactical success.” Following this Kyiv announced that there would be a replacement of commander in the Kharkiv frontline and confirmed to move additional reserves to slow down the Russian advances.
On 13 May, Rferl reported on replacement of General Yuriy Halushkin, Commander responsible for the defence of the northeastern Kharkiv front with General Mykhayola Drapatiy. But there were no reasons given for why there was a change of commander. It was also reported that General Drapatiy will retains the post as deputy chief of the general staff.
On 13 May, Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba visited Serbia along with Ukraine’s first lady, Olena Zelenska. After the meeting, Ukraine’s prime minister's office in a statement: “Serbia is committed to respecting international law and the territorial integrity of members in the United Nations, even including Ukraine.” According to the report, Serbia refuses to be part of international sanctions against Russia and has maintained friendly relationship instead as a traditional Slavic ally. Serbia proclaimed its neutrality regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and has supplied Ukraine with financial and humanitarian aid. Although Aleksandar Vucic, Serbian President claimed to be following a neutral policy, to place its ties with Russia, China, the EU and the US. He stressed on the country’s goal remains on gaining the EU membership.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 13 May, Russian officials said that Ukraine had struck a Russian apartment building there killing 15 people. A ten-story residential building in Belgorod, Russia was hit by the Ukrainian missiles according to the local governor. Ukrainian Tochka-U missiles that struck the building were among the many missiles launched overnight, it is unclear whether missiles struck the building as a target or due to fragments of a downed missile that caused this much damage to the building. Initially, 11 bodies were recovered from the rubble of the building. but has increased to 15 according to the Emergency Situations Ministry on 12 May 2024. But there are no officials from the Ukraine side that claim it is true or committed about it.
On 13 May, RT reported on Andrey Belousov, Russian defence minister’s list of priorities. He stated that Russia has to revamp its welfare of military personnel. Andrey Belousov expressed his concerns about veterans of the Ukraine conflict being sent out of the civilian medical facilities and sent to hospitals, another issue that concerned him was the red tapes involved when military personnel sought to access their benefits. He said that it could be resolved with the help of electronic systems. Also Valentina Matvienko, head of the Federation Council, said that the President's pick for the defence minister is “a very fortunate choice.” Matvienko recalled that Russia's defence spending had doubled during the Ukraine conflict and added: “Everything that the Defense Ministry orders... must be in line with the capabilities of the economy... The defense minister must be in constant contact with other ministries to organize this process efficiently.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 13 May, France 24 reported on the appointment of Andrei Belousov, Russian defence minister. According to the report, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President appointed a top economist as a defence minister which was seen as the giving more importance to the war economy against the war in Ukraine. Belousav who has no background in the military or any past in the Russian security services, priority remains to increase Russia's defence budget to 30 per cent of the total government spending. This initiative would boost the domestic defence industry and also procure more weapons for the battlefield.