Photo : Alexander NEMENOV / AFP
Photo : Alexander NEMENOV / AFP
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 09 May, Ukraine’s defence official from special services claimed on drone strike on Russia’s two oil depots. The same was confirmed by Radiy Khabirov, the head of Russia’s Bashkiria region. According to the report in The New York Times, Neftekhim Salavat oil refinery considered the largest site located 700 miles from Ukraine border was hit by drone. The second oil depot is located in Krasnodar in the southeast of Ukraine was also subject to two drone strikes. According to few military analysts, the attack is viewed as Ukraine’s efforts to interrupt Russian military’s logistical routes and combat to prevent the supply of fuel for Russian ships, tanks and planes.
On 09 May, Ukraine’s air force reported on destroying 17 out of 20 drones launched by Russia on Odesa. Apart from this Nikopol located in southern Ukraine was also subject to artillery fire. The same was confirmed by Segiy Lysak, regional governor of Nikopol.
On 09 May, Zelenskyy reported on replacing of commander of special forces, Colonel Serhiy Lupanchuk with Brigadier General Oleksandr Trepak. The reason behind the move was not disclosed but it is second time the commander is being changed. Newly appointed Trepak has a record of active participation in defence operations especially in eastern Ukraine.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 09 May, Vyacheslav Gladkov, Regional governor reported on fire in Belgorod resulting in injury of eight. According to the report, 19 apartments and 37 vehicles were reportedly damaged. On the same day, Russian defence ministry reported on drone activity in Kursk and Bryansk and another attack in Krasnodar’s fuel depot. Six drones were claimed to be destroyed and as a result a complex was damaged with fire across several reservoirs.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 09 May, Deutsche Welle reported on Boris Pistorius, Germany Defence Minister announcement to send three HIMARS rocket systems to Ukraine. The move comes after his meeting with Lloyd Austin, US Defence Minister. According to Pistorius, the systems will be supplied from the US armed forces paid by Germany. The rocket systems have been crucial in boosting Ukraine’s defence through striking at command, communications and logistics centres of Russia. He added: “We are taking on more responsibility and together with other NATO's allies, are increasing our investments in defense substantially.”
GLOBAL FALLOUTS
Implications of the war
On 09 May, Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea’s President in a speech on domestic issues after parliamentary elections, spoke about war in Ukraine. He assured to maintain the ties with Ukraine while having a “smooth” relationship with Russia and denied the chances of sending direct military supplies to Ukraine. This comes after attempt of the US and European leaders to pursue South Korea in sending arms to Kyiv. Whereas, South Korea similar to Japan follows a policy of not sending weapons to conflict zones. Yeol said: “…to provide humanitarian and reconstruction assistance [for Ukraine], in accordance with the spirit of the constitution.”
References
Constant Méheut, “Ukraine Strikes More Russian Oil Facilities in a Bid to Disrupt Military Logistics,” The New York Times, 09 March 2024
“Western revanchism and history lessons: Takeaways from Russia’s Victory Day parade,” RT, 09 May 2024
“Whole West is working to supply Ukraine – Putin,” RT, 09 May 2024
“Ukraine updates: Oil facility hit 1,200 km inside Russia,” Deutsche Welle, 09 May 2024