Photo : Valentina Pevtsova/Sputnik
Photo : Valentina Pevtsova/Sputnik
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 05 June, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President arrived in Qatar for talks with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. They are expected to discuss on bilateral, economic and security issues.
On 05 June, The Kyiv Independent reported on Ukrainian forces claims on shooting down 22 Russian drones. According to the report by Ukraine’s air force, the drones were traced to have launched from Cape Chauda in Crimea and Kursk oblast which is 95 kilometres from Russia-Ukraine border. Mykola Oleshchuk, Ukraine’s air force commander said: “…anti-aircraft systems and electronic warfare units, as well as mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian air force had intercepted the drones over Mykolaiv, Kherson, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Poltava oblasts.”
On 05 June, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported on death of one and injury of five over Russian forces attack in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk area. Vadym Filashkin, Governor of Donetsk said: “One person was killed and five were wounded. These are the consequences of bombardments this morning in the Donetsk region.” According to a report, the attack was carried out as a separate aerial attack on Toretsk and Selydove.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
On 05 June, in a meeting with international news agencies, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President stated that Russia considered western supplied weapons as “asymmetric measures” and condemned the US for giving intelligence and target information. Putin said: “If someone deems it possible to supply such weapons to the war zone, to strike our territory… why shouldn’t we supply similar weapons to those regions of the world, where they will be used against sensitive sites of these countries?” He warned over continued escalations resulting in destruction of international relations and security. Putin stressed on if direct participation was observed against Russia it would “act in a similar way.” He stated that Ukraine’s Armed Forces had lost 50,000 service personnel which was viewed five times than Russia. He said that close to 1,348 Russian servicemen were held till now in Ukraine as prisoners while 6,465 Ukrainian servicemen were under Russian hold. On Ukraine’s mobilization Putin said: “…there aren’t very many volunteers… It doesn’t solve the problem. All of the people they are able to mobilize go to replace the battlefield losses”
On 05 June, Sergei Lavrov, during his visit to Africa warned on any French military instructor present in Ukraine to be “legitimate target” for Russian forces. In the joint conference with the Republic of Congo, he confirmed on the presence of French instructors in Ukraine and stated that they would not have immunity. He added: “Regardless of their status, military officials or mercenaries represent a legitimate target for our armed forces.” He also announced on sending additional military supplies and personnel to Burkina Faso to boost defence capabilities and counter terrorism. Lavrov following the visit said: “we have been very closely engaged in all areas of cooperation, including the development of military and military-technical ties.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 05 June, Joe Biden, US President arrived in Paris to take part in the D-day celebrations in Normandy. He is expected to give a high-profile speech and meeting Emmanuel Macron, France’s President and Zelenskyy to discuss on the war efforts to counter Russia. Apart from meeting Biden, Macron is also scheduled to meet Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister and British King Charles.
On 05 June, The Guardian reported on Donald Tusk, Poland’s Prime Minister announcement of a committee to investigate into Russian and Belarus influence in Poland. According to the report, Poland has been one of strong allies in aiding Ukraine but has been subject to increased cyber-attacks to deter European parliament elections. According to Poland, Russian hackers are suspected to be behind the disinformation spread. Tusk said: “what the real threats from Russia and Belarus look like today… We already know exactly that these two countries and their services are the most active in Poland.”
References
“Russian forces kill one, wound five in east Ukraine: Official,” Alarabiya news, 05 June 2024
“Putin outlines Russian response to long-range strikes,” RT, 05 June 2024
“Putin says Ukrainian losses five times higher,” RT, 05 June 2024
“Lavrov in Africa: How is Russia’s multipolar vision being realised?,” RT, 05 June 2024
Warren Murray, “Ukraine war briefing: Biden to meet Zelenskiy beside D-day shore of Normandy,” The Guardian, 05 June 2024
Amy Sedghi and Tom Bryant, “Russia-Ukraine war: Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskiy to meet for talks in Normandy – as it happened,” The Guardian, 05 June 2024
“Macron, Zelensky to discuss Ukraine's needs in Paris on Friday,” France24, 04 June 2024