Photo : Institute for the Study of War/ BBC
Photo : Institute for the Study of War/ BBC
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 18 May, Oleg Synegubov, Governor of Kharkiv reported on more than 10,000 fleeing away from Kharkiv following Russian force’s ground attack. The displacement comes as Russian troops had advanced five to 10 kilometres into the northeastern border ahead of “Ukrainian forces stopping their progress.” Although the Ukrainian army claims the situation to be “under control” along with Ukrainians defending the assault in parts of Kharkiv. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President claimed on the possibility of Russian assault starting a wider offensive. He warned on the renewed offensive of Russia as “first wave” to a larger Russian campaign to capture Kharkiv. He confirmed on the encirclement of Russian troops and Ukraine’s partial efforts to stop the advance of Russian forces. As per report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Russian forces had occupied 278 square kilometres between 09 and 15 May.
On 18 May, Zelenskyy urged China to be present at Switzerland peace summit. He said: “…want to find a balance between the two ... That's why I would like to see China involved in the peace summit." He also called for other countries to send their delegates to the summit.
On 19 May, Ukrainian forces reported on Russian shelling on civilians in Kharkiv. According to the report, six were injured in the attack but Russia has denied targeting the civilians. On the same day, Ukraine’s armed forces reported on death of two civilians in an attack in Vovchansk which is located five kilometres from Russian border and 70 kilometres from north-east of Kharkiv. Only 100 residents remain after Russian attacks.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 19 May, the TASS reported on failure of Ukraine armed forces to defend Russian offensive in Kharkiv due to less resources. According to the report, the Russian army had advanced with “speed and force” and faced no obstacles as Ukraine soldiers were moved back from their position due to surprise attack. Russia witnessed a huge advantage in terms of artillery shells leading to depletion of Ukrainian defences. It also exposed the exhaustion in the Ukrainian troops and “sloppily constructed” defence fortifications. The reports also found Ukraine to host only “few reserves to deploy,” as one of the reason to Kharkiv becoming a critical spot.
On 19 May, RT reported on Vladimir Saldo, Russia appointed Kherson Governor report on the death of one person and several injured from Ukraine’s drone strike. According to the report, Radensk village was attacked using an unmanned ariel vehicle on workers.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 18 May, Donald Tusk, Poland’s Prime Minister announced on spending EUR 2.3 billion to strengthen its eastern border. He said: “We have taken the decision to invest 10 billion zlotys for our security and above all to secure our eastern border.” According to him, 400 kilometres shared with Belarus and Russia will reinforced as a strategy to keep a buffer between frontiers.
THE GLOBAL FALLOUTS
Responses of the US and Europe
On 18 May, Deutsche Welle reported on the rise in global defence spending as a result of the war. According to the report, the annual world military spending rated high at USD 306 per person since the Cold war. The global military budgets were USD 2.44 trillion in 2023 which was seven per cent higher than 2022. This includes the west’s military aid to Ukraine as it triggered the NATO members to reach the defence expenditure target of two per cent of GDP and additional boost among the eastern flank members beyond two per cent with Poland leading the table with 4.2 per cent defence investment. In 2024, the US had allotted USD 886 billion for defence which was eight per cent more than last two years. Whereas Germany has slashed the spending across departments except defence. Jeffrey Rathke, president of the American-German Institute at the Johns Hopkins University said: “They need to be managed politically so that they don't erode public support for strengthened security and defense.” Rathke also stated that the debt brake of Germany limited it from borrowing further to fill the budget gaps. Unlike Poland, many NATO members struggle to spend more on defence due to European debt crisis. Another category of European countries such as Sweden, Norway, Romania and the Netherlands despite having low debt still opted to spend more on social security, housing and agriculture.
References
“Ukraine war: The trillion-dollar cost to the West,” Deutsche Welle, 18 May 2024
“Ukraine updates: Russia may try taking Kharkiv — Zelenskyy,” Deutsche Welle, 18 May 2024
“Four Ukrainian drones shot down over Belgorod Region — defense ministry,” TASS, 19 May 2024
“Civilian killed as Ukrainian drone strikes minibus – governor,” RT, 19 May 2024
“Ukrainian forces unprepared to withstand Russian offensive near Kharkov — newspaper,” TASS, 19 May 2024
Jones Hayden, “Poland to spend €2.3B to reinforce border with Russia, Belarus,” Politico, 19 May 2024