Photo : Sputnik / Stanislav Krasilnikov
Photo : Sputnik / Stanislav Krasilnikov
By Padmashree Anandhan and Ken B Varghese
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 12 May, Oleh Syniehubov Kharkiv regional military administration chief reported on Russian strikes in the Kharkiv city and suburbs. According to the report, only 500 civilians remain in Vovchansk in Kharkiv as the evacuation continue. Till now more than 4,000 have been evacuated due to intense fighting. According to Syniehubov those evacuated from Tsyrkuny, Lyptsi, and Vovchansk have been given support under the 2022 roadmap.
On 12 May, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief reported on the status of Ukrainian forces position in the Kharkiv. In line with this, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President confirmed on strengthening their positions in Kharkiv by adding forces. . He said: “The artillery is working exactly as it should.”
On 11 May 2024, Ukrinform reported on the General staff of Ukraine's armed forces statement on the situation in frontline. According to the report, the forces faced around 104 times fire exchange with the Russians. While the Russians had attacked using missiles, staged air strikes and MLRS attacks towards the Ukrainian forces in the Kupyansk, Lyman, Novopavlivka and Avdiivka axis.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 12 May, RT reported on Russian troops launch of new offensive in Kharkiv region sparking intense fight and dynamic situation. According to the report, an active combat was present in the front and rear lines of Ukrainian army in the Kharkiv border while military facilities and infrastructure used by the Ukraine forces were damaged to a distance of 10 to 50 kilometres. Earlier Russian defence ministry had announced its northern units to have gained control of few settlements in Kharkiv and claimed on making an advance of 30 kilometres in the northeast of Kharkiv. It is viewed the second largest city with less than 40 kilometres from Russian border and was first attempted by Russian military to capture the city but failed due to poor organisation and less forces. This helped Ukraine form a “positional front” to launch attacks on Belgorod and nearby areas. Thereby capturing this would mean controlling Ukraine’s activities in Belgorod.
On 12 May, RT reported on Dmitry Peskov, Russian President Press Secretary comment showing support for newly appointed defence minister. The Federation Council announced the removal of Sergey Shoigu and replacement of Andrey Belousov who was First Deputy Prime Minister. According to Peskov, Belousov would be the best fit as he’s considered expert on dealing financial and economic ministries which could help Russian military. Peskov said: “…it is very important to integrate the economy of the military into the national economy.” The move comes as Russia’s military spending increased from three to 6.7 per cent of the GDP since 2022 and Russian economy stands at a critical juncture.
On 12 May, RT reported on death of 18 civilians from a Ukrainian strike using Tochka-U tactical missile system in Belgorod. The Same was confirmed by Vyacheslav Gladkov, Governor of Belgorod, who reported on Ukrainian forces “massive shelling.” He said: “an entire section of an apartment building – from the tenth to the first floor – collapsed as a result of a direct hit.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 11 May, Ukrinform reported on its interview with Anatoly Kutsevol, Ambassador of Ukraine to Latvia. In the interview, he expressed full support and assured to help Ukraine from cultural, diplomatic and military fronts. On the question of rehabilitation efforts for Ukrainian children, he expressed gratitude for “Children’s Hospital” foundation which took the right steps for rehabilitation and allowed children to testify and tell their stories. He also confirmed on Latvia joining the coalition to return Ukrainian children. On Latvia’s help to Ukraine in form on equipment and energy infrastructure, Kutsevol stated that the large companies such as “Latvenergo” and Rigas Siltums” help in collecting Soviet Union category equipment and transfer it to Ukraine.
On 10 May, the UK Ministry of Defence reported multiple cases of Russian fighter jets dropping ammunition inside Russia while launching attacks on Ukraine. For example, on 04 May 2024, a Russian fighter jet accidentally dropped FAB-500 munition at a civilian area of Belgorod region which caused many damages to civilians. The Ministry in a statement” "These incidents demonstrate Russia's continued failure to successfully use its munitions as intended. Such mistakes have devastating and deadly consequences for the Russian population."
References
“Syrskyi reports to Zelensky that Ukrainian Armed Forces deploying forces to Kharkiv direction,” Ukrinform, 11 May 2024
“More than 4,000 people evacuated from settlements in Kharkiv region where hostilities intensified,” Ukrinform, 11 May 2024
“Anatoly Kutsevol, Ambassador of Ukraine to Latvia,” Ukrinform, 11 May 2024
“Russia goes on the offensive: Here’s what’s behind the advance in Ukraine’s Kharkov Region,” RT, 11 May 2024
“Kremlin explains decision to change defense minister,” RT, 12 May 2024
“Scores killed and injured after Ukraine strikes Russian city,” RT, 12 May 2024