Photo : Alexei Konovalov/TASS
Photo : Alexei Konovalov/TASS
By Ken B Varghese
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 14 May 2024, Ukrenergo reported on the power restriction on the energy supply across Ukraine. According to the company, the shortage was due to Russia intense missile and drone strikes against Ukraine’s important infrastructure, causing a lot of damage to several thermal plants across. This includes the Trypillia plant, the main power supplier to Kyiv, Zhytomyr and Cherkasy oblast. Russia carried out a similar large-scale attack on 08 May mainly targeting energy infrastructure. Due to the attack, two hydroelectric power plants were decommissioned. The company introduced additional restrictions due to the damages from the recent attacks by the Russians against
Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and due to the temperature drop there is a huge surge in the consumption of electricity.
On 14 May, The Kyiv Independent reported on multiple air strikes carried out by the Russian forces against Kharkiv city, injuring at least 21. As Russian forces launched an offensive operation at north of Kharkiv on 10 May, bringing both Kharkiv and several border settlements under heavy strikes. Oleh Syniehubo Kharkiv Oblast Governor confirmed on Russian troops strikes in the central part of the city and damaging a 12-storey apartment and at least 10 garages nearby. The local Prosecute's Office said that 21 casualties have been reported injured. The UMPB D-30 bombs used by the Russian military also attacked Kharkiv causing damage in the city and casualties among civilians.
On 14 May, in the meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President with Antony Blinken, US Secretary of the State in rebuilding of Ukraine expressed gratitude to Joe Biden administration’s support. During the meeting, Zelenskyy mentioned the need for Patriot systems to defend Kharkiv Oblast from Russian missiles and need for long-range missile systems. He also detailed Blinken on the situation in Kharkiv frontline and the prospects for expanding US participation in fighter coalitions and pilot training programmes. Zelenskyy also confirmed on signing of a bilateral agreement: “We are actively working on finalizing the preparation of the agreement on security guarantees, which must take into account the capabilities of the United States as the strongest partner.” He also stressed on Ukraine expectations towards Euro-Atlantic aspirations and strengthening of transatlantic security.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 14 May, RT reported on Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President schedule to visit China between 16 and17 upon Xi’s invitation. As these two mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and China. Yury Ushakov, Russian Diplomat said: “There will be an in-depth exchange of view on the issues of interaction in various organisations and structures, including the UN, where Russia and China talk in solidarity on almost all topics on the UN agenda.” This would be Putin's first foreign trip after inauguration indicating the Russia-China relationship, According to Ushakov, Russia appreciates China's balanced stance in the Ukraine crisis. The other agenda being discussed would be linking the Eurasia Union with the integration process of China's Belt and Road initiative, cooperation within the BRICS, the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and other matters. Putin would be accompanied by the current defence minister and former defence minister who is expected to have an informal talk with the Chinese leader and his ministries. Sergey Lavrov Russian Foreign Minister and Elvira Nabiullina head of Bank of Russia would also be accompanying to China. Dozens of bilateral documents are expected to be signed during the visit along with the commercial and regional agreements.
On 14 May, Vyacheslav Gladkov, Governor of Belgorod claimed on Russian air defences shooting down seven targets over the region and Belgorodsky district. According to him, no casualties have been reported while civilian infrastructure was damaged from the attack. Gladkov said: “All emergency response services are working at the scene. The consequences are yet to be clarified.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 13 May, The Washington Post reported on Joe Biden, the US President signing of bipartisan bill prohibiting Russia’s import of enriched Uranium. This is used to fuel nuclear power plants and the bill aims to cut off one of the last significant transactions between the US and Russia. After the war began in February 2022, the US Congress immediately banned Russian oil and gas imports but ban on uranium imports prolonged. Scott Melbye, executive vice president of mining company Uranium Energy said: “It’s kind of ridiculous that it took as long as it did to get to this stage… But we’re just glad that we got here.” According to the report, the US companies pay USD one billion every year to Russia’s Rosatom, nuclear power conglomerate for the uranium. These have come under scrutiny when Rosatom was found to be aiding Russia’s arms industry with components, technology and raw materials for missile fuel. The adopted bill bans the uranium imports from Russia starting from 90 days of enactment and give waiver till 2028 for utilities which would shut down its nuclear reactors after the Russian supply is cut. This would also mean USD 2.7 billion of fund diversion into domestic production of Uranium which might help the US long term goal of reaching 100 per cent clean electricity by 2035.
On 14 May, Blinken’s statement was published by the US mission in China on Ukraine’s strategic success marking his visit to Kyiv. He highlighted the critical moment of war acknowledging the latest offensive of Russia in Kharkiv and across the eastern Ukraine using Iranian drones, North Korea’s artillery, missiles, fighter jets and machine equipment given by China. Mentioning the delay in approval of the USD 60 billion military aid to Ukraine, he expressed solidarity of the US in supporting Ukraine militarily, economically and democratically. On the priority Blinken said: “…we’re helping to ensure that Ukraine has the military that it needs to succeed on the battlefield, to secure a just and lasting peace, and to deter future aggression.” Highlighting the US-Ukraine, ten-year agreement, he said that the US will support Ukraine’s defence in boosting its air defence capabilities to the “highest levels.” At the bilateral security agreement, the US is expected to jointly build a defence industrial base to produce crucial weapons. Lastly, he assured on Ukraine continuing its parth towards rapid defence industrial base development, producing advanced weapons faster along with strengthened economy and a consolidated democracy.
References
“Ukraine introduces emergency power cuts throughout country amid 'significant' shortage,” The Kyiv Independent, 14 May 2024
“Russian air strikes on Kharkiv injure 21 people, including 3 children,” The Kyiv Independent, 14 May 2024
“Kremlin reveals details of Putin’s China trip,” RT, 14 May 2024
“Air defenses shoot down several air targets over Belgorod region — governor,” TASS, 14 May 2024\
“Kiev reports difficult situation in Kharkov region,” TASS, 14 May 2024\
“The President of Ukraine met with the US Secretary of State,” President.gov.ua, 14 May 2024
Maxine Joselow, “U.S. bans Russian uranium imports, key to nuclear fuel supply,” The Washington Post, 13 May 2024
Us Mission China, “A Free, Prosperous, And Secure Future For Ukraine,” Us Embassy & Consulates In China, 15 May 2024