Photo : Reuters
Photo : Reuters
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 20 May, in response to the claims of Russia on capturing Vovchansk and Chasiv Yar. Ukraine’s defence forces reported that the town were still under its control despite continued attempts of Russia. According to the report, the defence forces were taking maximum efforts to prevent Russia’s advance. Although the situation in Kharkiv remains difficult with dynamic changes. Nazar Voloshin, a spokesperson of the Khortytsia military unit said: “Our defenders are equipping the occupied borders, strengthening defence in the border areas and continue to focus their main efforts on preventing the enemy from advancing deeper.” Voloshin found the Russian’s to be combining their attacks using air strikes, rocket launches and bomb attacks to proceed in Kharkiv.
On 20 May, Ukrinform reported on Dnipropetrovsk region coming under Russian drone attack. According to the report, 23 drones were targeted at the Nikopol district and four artillery attacks had injured few civilians and caused damage on civilian infrastructure.
On 20 May, Ukrinform reported on IAEA investigation on Ukraine’s material misuse. As per its observations, it found no nuclear material had been used in Ukraine. In a statement, Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General said: “We set the facts straight that no nuclear material had been diverted, cutting through the fog of war, and diffusing a tense situation.”
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 20 May, the TASS reported on the Russian troop’s destruction of 9,700 artillery guns and mortars of the Ukrainian army since February 2022. According to Russian defence ministry: “601 aircraft, 274 helicopters, 24,419 unmanned aerial vehicles, 523 surface-to-air missile systems, 16,097 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,305 multiple rocket launchers, 9,700 field artillery guns and mortars and 21,843 special military motor vehicles.” The defence ministry claimed on continuing advance into Ukrainian defence resulting in casualties and equipment loss in Kharkiv. Apart from this, the ministry reported improvement in the tactical position in Kupyansk. The battlegroup of west had improved while causing damage to Ukraine’s 63rd mechanised and 1st National Guard brigades.
On 20 May, RT reported on Vassily Nebenzia, Russian Ambassador to the UN on the conflict resolution. According to the ambassador, the conflict can be resolved but criticised the West intervention. He stressed that Russia would never withdraw from pursuing diplomacy and would be always ready to engage in peace talks. According to the report, Zelenskyy’s term had expired and Ukraine is due to conduct presidential elections in March. This has been withdrawn under martial law of Ukraine. The reports argued that this law allowed Zelenskyy to be in power “indefinitely.” Nebenzia said: “A true solution to the Ukrainian crisis through political and diplomatic means is still possible.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 20 May, Lloyd Austin, US Secretary of Defence launched a meeting of Ukraine Defence Contact Group. The 22nd meeting was held in Ramstein format and in his opening speech he addressed the challenge posed in Ukraine from Putin’s latest offensive. He warned of Russian forces trying to advance in the coming week to create a buffer zone. Highlighting the offensive in Kharkiv by Russia, he indicated the need of the Group step up to assess Ukraine’s ability and the gaps in air-defence capabilities. The meeting is expected to focus on coordinating coalition capabilities and assess from reports of maritime coalition leaders and air and missile defence coalition.
THE GLOBAL FALLOUTS
Responses of the US and Europe
On 20 May, Ukrinform reported on India’s confirmation to take part in the peace summit organised by Switzerland. Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister said: “India will be participating in all important summits that promote the agenda of global peace, security and development.” The summit is scheduled to take place between 15-16 June including 50 heads of state and government.
References
“Vovchansk and Chasiv Yar are controlled by Defence Forces,” Ukrinform, 20 May 2024
“Russians launch 23 drones at Nikopol district,” Ukrinform, 20 May 2024
“IAEA investigation finds no indications of nuclear material misuse in Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 20 May 2024.
“Russian troops destroy 9,700 artillery guns in Ukraine operation — top brass,” TASS, 20 May 2024
“Peaceful settlement still possible in Ukraine – Moscow,” RT, 20 May 2024
“India to participate in Peace Summit in Switzerland,” Ukrinform, 20 May 2024
“U.S. Defense Secretary Austin opens Ramstein meeting,” Ukrinform, 20 May 2024