Photo : Peter David Josek/Pool via REUTERS
Photo : Peter David Josek/Pool via REUTERS
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 30 May, Oleh Syniehubov, Ukraine’s regional governor reported on Russian missile strike on civilian infrastructure in Kharkiv. According to him, the missiles had targeted three spots in Kharkiv injuring 16 and killing three using S-300 missiles in an “double tap” format. This means soon after the first strike, the second strike was instantly delivered in the same site. He also claimed on destruction of stairwells, facades in Kharkiv.
On 30 May, Amnesty International released a report on how Russian authorities had targeted children and families opposing Russian invasion in Ukraine. According to the report, Russia used the children to threaten the adults on removal of parental rights and placing their children in institutions. Oleg Kozlovsky, Amnesty International’s Russia Researcher said: “Despite all the Kremlin’s talk about the value of the family, it is the very bond between children and their parents that is being shamelessly exploited to crush dissent.” The report also highlighted the repercussions faced by the families for showcasing their stance on war in Ukraine.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 31 May, RT reported on Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister warning on Russia strengthening its nuclear arsenal and removal of restrictions on missile deployment on US deployment of launchers in Europe and Asia. In an interview, Lavrov stated on Moscow probable response if the US deploys short-range and intermediate-range missiles in Europe and Asia. He added: “The implementation of the plans of the Americans to deploy ground-based [missiles] will not go unanswered.” Russia which claims to have followed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty 1987 after exit of the US. In 2019, the US exited the 1987 agreement which was signed to ban use of ground-based missiles and was found to have used medium-range missile system in the Philippines drill. On the same, Russia and China government released a joint statement condemning: “…highly destabilizing steps that pose a direct threat to the security of Russia and China.”
On 31 May, the TASS reported on Russia’s battlegroup North claim on capturing seven Ukrainian army commanders near Volchansk in Kharkiv oblast. According to the report, Russian troops captured “Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Department, four fighters of the Sonechko battalion, and also seven border guards.”
On the same day, the Russian defence ministry claimed on intercepting Ukrainian army’s attempt to regroup its forces in Kharkiv. In a statement: “An army aviation strike group of the Aerospace Forces consisting of a attack helicopter, a combat helicopter and a multirole helicopter successfully disrupted the rotation of Ukrainian troops within the area of operation of the Battlegroup North.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 31 May, Deutsche Welle reported on Joe Biden, the US President approval to Ukraine to use US-made weapons to counter Russia. The move comes as Ukraine demanded for use of US supplies weapons to strike inside Russian territory. According to the US officials, the grant will allow Ukraine to use its weapons only for limited purpose which is to counter-fire in Kharkiv. Ukraine can use only to counter Russian forces which have prepared to attack Kharkiv and the prohibition on usage of long-range strikes still remains. In response, Dmitry Peskov Russia’s spokesperson said: “"It will ultimately be very damaging to the interests of those countries that have chosen the path of escalating tensions.”
On 31 May, Deutsche Welle reported on Boris Pistorius, German Defence Minister announcement of new arms package for Ukraine worth EUR 500 million. One of the key demands from Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President was for more ammunition to support the air defence systems. The approved package will include ammunition for IRIS-T-SLM medium-range air defence system and short range SLS missiles. Pistorius said: “We will continue to support you in this defensive campaign.”
References
“Russia: Authorities targeting children in their crusade against anti-war dissent,” Amnesty.org, 31 May 2024
Illia Novikov, “Ukraine's army chief says Russia is augmenting its troops presence in the Kharkiv region,” abcNews, 30 May 2024
“Russia could scrap restrictions on missile deployment – Lavrov,” RT, 30 May 2024
“Russian assault forces capture seven Ukrainian commandos near Volchansk,” TASS, 30 May 2024
“Russian attack helicopters thwart Kiev’s attempt to rotate troops in Kharkov area,” TASS, 30 May 2024
“Biden allows Ukraine's use of US arms to hit Russia: reports,” Deutsche Welle, 30 May 2024
“Germany pledges €500 million in arms support for Ukraine,” Deutsche Welle, 30 May 2024