Photo : AP/ The Institute for the Study of War
Photo : AP/ The Institute for the Study of War
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 10 May, Ukraine’s military reported on Russian forces progress of one kilometre in the northeast of Kharkiv near Vovchansk. According to the report the Russian military had aimed to advance 10 kilometres with an objective to create a buffer zone. Earlier, Ukraine Defence Ministry reported on Russian forces attempt to breach the Kharkiv border by deploying armoured vehicles and heavy shelling. In a statement, the Ministry said: “At approximately 5 a.m., there was an attempt by the enemy to break through our defensive line under the cover of armored vehicles.”
On 10 May, Ukraine’s air force reported on Russia launching two S-300 and S-400 missiles over Kharkiv. The same was confirmed by Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv. The attack damages more than two dozen of buildings while Ukraine forces had claimed intercepting 10 Russian missiles launched across Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson. On the same Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President stated that Ukraine had “anticipated” the Russian attack and planned the response. He added: “Russia launched a new wave of counteroffensive actions in this area. Ukraine met them there with our troops, brigades and artillery... Now there is a fierce battle under way in this direction.”
On 10 May, in a press conference, Zelenskyy expressed confidence in the western weapons to help change Ukraine’s momentum on ground. He said: “We are putting maximum pressure on our partners to increase weapon deliveries.” He said that on increase in weapon delivery, Ukraine forces will be able to stop Russian forces in the eastern Ukraine. Roberta Metsola, European Parliament President responded acknowledging the urgent need of Ukraine for equipment and air-defence systems.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 10 May, RIA Novosti, reported on Ukraine’s strike on an oil refinery in Kulaga area. This resulted in fire in the Pervyi Zavod refinery damaging three containers with diesel and fuel oil. According to Vladislav Shapsha, Governor of Kaluga, no casualties were reported and the fire was extinguished immediately. Till now there have no claims from Ukraine but in response, Russia claimed on striking Kharkiv leading to death of two.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 10 May, the White House announced a new military aid to Ukraine worth USD 400 million as it continues the weapon supplies to Kyiv after the haul in congress. Joe Biden, the US President approved up to USD 400 million defence articles and services including artillery, munitions for NASAMS air defenses, anti-tank munitions, armored vehicles and small arms.”
On 10 May, in response to Ukraine’s report on Russia’s progress of one kilometre in Kharkiv, John Kirby, White House national security spokesperson provided the US predictions. According to the Kirby, Russia is expected to make advances in the coming weeks but stressed that it sees no breakthrough. He added that the gap will be filled by US assistance enabling Ukraine to defend the over the months in 2024. Kirby also said: “Russia will likely increase the intensity of fire and commit additional troops in an attempt to establish a shallow buffer zone along the Ukrainian border.”
References
Dan Sabbagh and Andrew Roth, “Russians try to break through Ukrainian defence lines north of Kharkiv,” The Guardian, 10 May 2024
“Russian attacks force hundreds to flee border area in Ukraine's Kharkiv region,” France 24, 11 May 2024
Alexander Ward, Paul Mcleary And Lara Seligman, “US to announce new $400 million military aid package for Ukraine,” Politico, 10 May 2024
“Ukraine updates: Russia launches Kharkiv ground offensive,” Deutsche Welle, 10 May 2024