Photo : Vincent Thian/AP Photo/picture alliance
Photo : Vincent Thian/AP Photo/picture alliance
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 02 June, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President during his visit to Singapore is expected to talk on “Re-Imagining Solutions for Global Peace and Regional Stability.” He also held a meeting with Prabowo Subiant, Indonesia President and US Congress delegation calling support for the peace summit to be held in Switzerland between 15 and 16 June. He said: “It is very important for us to begin the process of establishing a just peace… Therefore, we must work together with the entire world to bring peace closer.”
On the same day, in his address, Zelenskyy mentioned his “disappointment” in international leaders who are yet to confirm their participation in the peace summit scheduled in Switzerland. He stated that confirmed received till now from 100 countries while China has announced its decision to not attend. He also thanked Germany, the US and the Netherlands for their military aid especially in providing air defence systems.
On 01 June, Ukraine’s air force reported on Russia’s massive missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy and critical infrastructure injuring 19. It claimed on shooting 35 out of 53 Russian missiles and 46 out of 27 drones since March. Whereas Ukraine’s energy operator reported on damage of the grid facilites across eastern, central and western. In response, Zelenskyy called for additional air defences. He said: “Our partners know exactly what is needed for this. Additional Patriot and other modern air defense systems for Ukraine.”
On 01 June, Deutsche Welle reported on Zelenskyy scheduled visit to Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. According to the report, his agenda includes winning support for Kyiv and garner more weapons to counter Russia. This continues as part of his previous visits to Spain, Portugal, Sweden and Belgium.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 02 June, Russian defence ministry reported on Russian forces capture of Umanskoye, a village in Donbas located on E50 highway near north of city of Donetsk and west of Avdiivka. The ministry confirmed on capturing using Russia’s “Center” group. According to the report in RT, Russian forces had already captured the village in May and its motorised brigade has been deployed. This was also evidenced in a video posted showcasing intense fight in the village using drones and artillery and Russian flag being hoisted. According to Igor Kimakovsky, Russian spokesperson, the Ukraine military had used the area to target the Russian captured zone in Donetsk and Russia’s hold would grant control to a key highway which leads to Pokrovsk in the west of Donbas. This move is considered significant as Ukraine’s supply routes, troops line would be difficult to continue.
On 01 June, RT reported on Russian military carrying out long-range strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and warehouses which consists western equipment. Russian defence ministry issued a statement on using high-precision air and sea based weapons to target the energy facilities which supports defence industrial operations. It stated that, the attacks were in response to Ukraine’s attempt to attack Russian energy and transport facilities. Earlier, Ukraine had claimed on striking oil processing plants across Russia and using US-supplies ATACMS missiles to target Crimean Bridge.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 02 June, in a meeting held with Zelenskyy, Llyod Austin, US Secretary of Defence reiterated the US commitment to maintain its support for Ukraine. In an official statement he said: “The two leaders pledged to further strengthen the strategic defense partnership between the United States and Ukraine.” During the meeting, Zelenskyy acknowledged discussion on defence needs, boosting Ukraine’s air defence systems, F-16 coalition and preparation of bilateral security agreement.
On 02 June, in an interview, Klaus Hoffmann, German advisor to Ukraine estimated that close to 133,000 war crimes were suspected on Russia on investigation. According to him, there was an increased war crimes totalling 56,000 by 2022, with most being “comprehensively recorded.” This included majorly Russian airstrikes on civilians, forced adoption and kidnapping of children which formed basis for International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Putin. He expressed his personal opinion on Russian action being “Terrorism against a civilian population.”
References
David Rising and Ken Moritsugu, “Zelenskyy accuses China of pressuring countries not to attend upcoming peace talks,” abcNews, 02 June 2024
“Ukraine updates: Zelenskyy seeks support for peace summit,” Deutsche Welle, 02 June 2024
“Russia strikes Ukrainian energy infrastructure – MOD,” RT, 01 June 2024
“Russia makes new gains in Donbass – MOD,” RT, 02 June 2024
“Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” US Department of Defence, 02 June 2024
“Ukraine updates: Russian energy grid attacks wound many,” Deutsche Welle, 02 June 2024
Henrik Rother, “Surge in Russian War Crimes in Ukraine, Says German Official,” Degens, 02 June 2024