Photo : Alexey Konovalov/TASS
Photo : Alexey Konovalov/TASS
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 27 May, President.gov.ua reported on Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President visit to Spain. Zelenskyy during his visit held a meeting with Pedro Sanchez, Spain’s Prime Minister. During the meeting, both discussed on bilateral relations to boost economic, social and institutional cooperation. According to the report in El Pais, Spain had earlier pledged to provide 19 German-made Leopard tanks to Ukraine, of which 10 are expected to be delivered by June. The key outcome of the meeting was the signing of EUR 1.1 billion of military aid including the latest patriot missiles. Till now, Spain had given only EUR 330 million as aid.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 27 May, the TASS reported on Russian troops claimed on capturing another two villages in eastern Kharkiv area and Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). This includes Ivanovka in Kharkiv and Netailovo in the DPR. In a statement Russian defence ministry said: “Battlegroup North units continue advancing deep into the enemy defenses. They inflicted casualties on manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian army…” Russian troops also claimed on inflicting damage on more than 300 casualties on Ukraine forces in Kharkiv. On the same say, the Russian troops also claimed improvement in frontline positions in Donetsk area. It claimed on inflicting damage on Ukraine’s 57th, 105th, and 118 defence brigades in DPR.
On 27 May, the TASS reported on the meeting between Vladimir Putin, Russian President and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan’s President. According to the report, both will continue to focus on bilateral defence cooperation, law-enforcement and security agencies. Putin issues a statement declaring Uzbekistan as a “strategic partner” and pledged to strengthen their regulatory framework. They are also expected to stress on boosting the interactions between competent agencies to combat the present challenges and protect state governance from external influence. The joint statement mentioned the discussed areas: “Combatting terrorism and extremism, illicit drug and arms trafficking, cross-border organized crime, human trafficking and economic crimes will remain in the focus of attention.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 27 May, Deutsche Welle reported on Poland government’s announcement to reinforce its “anti-drone surveillance and construct fortifications” which extends to 700 kilometres of its border with Russia and Belarus. The reinforcement programme known as Shield-East which is expected to be completed by 2028 and will include planned fortification, hubs, telecommunication systems in line with NATO eastern allies. It is estimated to cost EUR 2.35 billion and Poland intends the EU to support partly. Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamys, Poland’s Defense Minister said: “The goal of the shield is to protect the territory of Poland, hamper the mobility of the adversary's troops while making such mobility easier for our own troops and to protect civilians.” This will be a unique programme apart from the wall constructed in Poland’s border which was built to prevent migrant influx.
On 27 May, Deutsche Welle reported on German government’s decision to give EUR 60 million as humanitarian aid to Ukraine apart from the EUR three billion already offered by Germany. Annalena Baerbock, German Foreign Minister said: “People have been suffering under Russia's occupation of terror for more than two and a half years.” She also assured to work with international partners to gather humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
References
"Ukraine has signed a bilateral security agreement with Spain," President.gov.ua, 27 May 2024
“Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass,” TASS, 27 May 2024
“Russia, Uzbekistan to continue defense cooperation — statement,” TASS, 27 May 2024
“Russia-Uzbekistan relations dynamically develop on principles of equality — Putin,” TASS, 27 May 2024
“Poland presents plan to fortify border to Russia, Belarus,” Deutsche Welle, 27 May 2024
Veronika Melkozerova, “Ukraine gets €1B in arms and security pact with Spain,” Politico, 27 May 2024