Photo : Ukrinform
Photo : Ukrinform
By Neha Tresa George
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 04 June, Ukrinform reported on Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s daily address focusing on military personnel, the energy sector, and upcoming meetings with the officials to decide on Ukraine’s next steps in the war. According to Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, and Anatoliy Barhylevych, Chief of the General Staff, the majority of the battles and attacks were happening in the Donetsk region. He also added on to the advantages of long-range drones which boosted Ukraine’s strength and ability to derail Russia. Lastly, he emphasised the state’s readiness to respond to any form of attack along with the bid to consolidate the world for peace in Ukraine.
On 05 June, Ukrinform reported that around 4000 soldiers will be deployed for the Global Peace Summit to be held on 15 and 16 in Switzerland. They will be responsible for helping with various tasks such as site security, surveillance, command support, and logistics from 05 to 19 June. While the army will support the civilian authorities, the military personnel will assist the Nidwalden cantonal police in charge of protecting critical facilities and air transport. In addition, they will also provide surveillance on lakes and provide logistics and command support.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 04 June, Ukrinform reported on the UK and Latvia as part of the drone capability coalition for companies to supply first-person view drones to Ukraine. Members of this coalition include the UK, Latvia, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine with more countries considering joining. The competition aimed at producing drones at an affordable price to strengthen the Western industry. It was open to all industries from any country that were part of the Defence Contact Group. The companies were given a deadline of 28 June to submit their proposals followed by an evaluation by the members of the coalition. The succeeding companies will then receive orders to supply drones to Ukraine.
On 04 June, France24 reported on the upcoming meeting of Emmanuel Macron, France’s President with Zelenskyy to discuss the needs of Ukraine. According to the statement released by the Presidential palace Elysee: “As Russian strikes intensify on the front line and against energy infrastructure, the two presidents will discuss the situation on the ground.” Their meeting is expected to take place after D-Day commemorations. Zelenskyy will also visit the Franco-German arms group KNDS whose artillery guns were being used in Ukraine. He will also be scheduled to give a speech at France’s National. This was criticised by the opposition leaders saying that it was “inappropriate” to invite Zelenskyy to speak ahead of the elections. Since Macron’s announcement to provide more weapons and training to the Ukrainian army, he has faced criticism from his allies along with warnings from Moscow over a possible Russian strike.
On 03 June, POLITICO reported that Joe Biden, the US President decision to not attend the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. Instead, Kamala Harris, the Vice President, and Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor will represent the US according to a statement by the White House. In response, Zelenskyy said that the absence of the US “…would only be met by an applause by Putin — a personal, standing applause.”
References
“About 4,000 soldiers to provide security at peace summit in Switzerland,” Ukrinform, 04 June 2024
“Russian army shells Bilozerka in Kherson region, wounding man,” Ukrinform, 04 June 2024
Veronika Melkozerova, “White House says Biden will not attend Ukraine peace summit,” Politico, 03 June 2024.
“Macron, Zelensky to discuss Ukraine's needs in Paris on Friday,” France24, 04 June 2024
“UK, Latvia launch industry competition to provide thousands of drones for Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 04 June 2024
“Zelensky: Weeks ahead will define in many ways this year,” Ukrinform, 04 June 2024