Photo : Daniel Cole/AP/abcnews
Photo : Daniel Cole/AP/abcnews
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 06 June, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President arrived Normandy for the D-Day anniversary. The day is remembered in Normandy as France helped in winning the World War II against Nazi Germany. Zelenskyy said: “Allies defended Europe's freedom then, and Ukrainians do so now. Unity prevailed then, and true unity can prevail today.” During his visit in Normandy, he is expected to meet Joe Biden, the US President to discuss on how Ukraine can capture back Russian occupied territories. On the same day, Emmanuel Macron, France’s President and Zelenskyy are expected to sign two agreements worth EUR 650 million on loans and grants to support critical infrastructure such as energy and facilities damaged in Russian attacks.
On 06 June, Ukraine’s energy company, Ukrhydroenergo reported on launching of international arbitration demanding compensation against Russia’s destruction of Kakhovka dam and power plant. The dam was massively attacked in June 2023 where the company reported a damage of EUR 2.5 billion. It is one of the six dams located on the Dnipro River and the attack resulted in flooding of farmland and leaving people without drinking water. Such dams are critical to Ukraine’s energy as it generate electricity but has been subject to repeated Russian missile attacks.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
On 06 June, the TASS reported on Ukrainian armed forces attack on 11 districts in Belgorod region resulting in damage of civilian infrastructure. The same was confirmed by Vyacheslav Gladkov, Regional Governor. According to him, the Oktyabrsky and Maysky settlements and several villages inside Belgorod district were shelled. He also observed on kamikaze drone attacking an oil depot in Starooskol city resulting in explosion of tanks.
On 06 June, the TASS reported on Russian forces destruction of Ukrainian naval drone facility and an unmanned aerial vehicle. According to the report from Russian defence ministry, the forces used operational and tactical aircraft, missile troops and artillery of the Russian groups to destroy naval drone depot and Ukrainian army in 127 locations. The ministry also claimed on improved positions in the frontline where Ukraine’s 57th motorised infantry and other mechanizes brigades were present.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 06 June, in his speech at the D-Day memorial Joe Biden, the US President drew comparison of the fight for freedom in World War II and Ukraine. He said: “We will not walk away because if we do Ukraine will be subjugated and it will not end there.” On the same day, the US announced on sending USD 225 military aid to Ukraine which includes, munition. According to the report in the Associated Press, the military aid will include “High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) rounds, HAWK air defense ammunition, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, Javelin anti-armor systems, 155mm Howitzers, armored vehicles, trailers, patrol boats, demolition materials” and equipment. Along with this, Macron also assured to give Mirage 2000-5 combat aircraft. Macron said: “A new cooperation with Ukraine and the sale of Mirage 2000-5 [jets] … to allow Ukraine to protect its soil [and] airspace.”
On 06 June, in an address to the lower house of the parliament of Germany, Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor issued a statement on national security. He reiterated Germany’s support to Ukraine and said: “Peace does not mean capitulation.” He rejected: “to allow the return of war as the continuation of politics by other means.” Scholz said that if Gemmany had to accept imperialism it would threaten the security of Germany and whole Europe. His comment comes as Germany along with the US allowed Ukraine to use its weapons on targeting inside Russia.
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