Photo : Wall Street Journal
Photo : Wall Street Journal
By Shilpa Joseph
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 10 June, according to The Kyiv Independent, Ukrainian forces attacked Russian S-400 and S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems in several areas in Russia occupied Crimea overnight. According to the report, two S-300 anti-aircraft missile units were attacked near occupied Chornomorske and Yevpatoria, while one S-400 anti-aircraft missile unit was hit near Dzhankoi. Ukraine's General Staff claimed that Russian air defence earlier failed to intercept the missiles which struck the ferry crossing in occupied Kerch with US-provided long-range ATACMS missiles.
On 09 June, in an interview with Donbas Realia (Radio Liberty project), Serhiy Golubtsov, head of aviation of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine spoke about the modernized F-16 fighter jets. These are expected to be used for high-precision weapons that Ukraine would receive. Golubtsov said: “Along with the modernised planes, with an improved sight for detecting air targets, a special container will be provided, which allows you to find and direct missiles and bombs at ground targets.” He also added that a certain number of aircraft will be stored abroad to avoid them being hit in Russian attacks in Ukraine. He added: “This will be our reserve in case of need for replacement of faulty planes during routine maintenance.” As per the report, there is higher risk after Russia warned against NATO bases hosting aircrafts and weapons for Ukraine. While Golubtsov highlighted the requirement of more aircrafts to gain air superiority, the Ukrainian Air force is still undergoing the training of F-16 pilots in the West.
On 10 June, Politico reported on resignation of the head of Ukraine’s restoration and infrastructure development agency, Mustafa Nayyem who blamed the systemic obstacles in the government in performing his duties. He stated that his agency faced constant confrontation, resistance and artificial obstacles. Additionally, Oleksandr Kubrakov, Infrastructure Minister dismissal in May will lead to the absence of both infrastructure officials at the conference. The two management problems increased the doubt on Kyiv’s transparency and reliability. According to a government report, the total cost of rebuilding Ukraine over the next decade is estimated at USD 486 billion. After the Russian attacks on energy facilities, the reconstruction ability dropped and the government dismissed Kubrakov citing the need for ministerial reforms. However, both the ministers were popular for their performance among the Ukrainian civil society and also worked with the anti-corruption authorities.
On 10 June, Russia 24 TV reported on injury of three soldiers with a local territorial defence unit and a Russia 24 cameraman in Belgorod Region. Vyacheslav Gladkov, Governor of Belgorod confirmed the same and revealed on its occurrence in a town near the Russian-Ukrainian border where indiscriminate artillery and missile strikes were often witnessed during the conflict. Russian forces advanced into the Kharkiv Region in early May 2024, taking control of many border towns and villages in an attempt to establish a buffer zone to prevent further attacks on Russian territory.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 10 June, Russia’s defence ministry claimed on seizing control of another village in southern part of eastern Ukraine. The village located in Donetsk is partially occupied by Ukraine and according to the report, Russian troops continue to advance further into the settlement of Staromaiorske. In July 2023, Ukrainian troops had captured back the village during its counteroffensive but it gained only limited success. Staromaiorske which is located on southwestern of the Donetsk region experience fierce fighting at present.
On 10 June, YonhapNews reported on the upcoaming visit of Vladimir Putin, the Russian President’s plan to North Korea and Vietnam was confirmed by the Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora. After 24 years, Putin is expected to visit North Korea to strengthen military ties and cooperation following the leaders' summit. The visit would increase doubts over suspected provision of weapons and munitions to Russia in exchange for Russia's assistance in advanced military technologies.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 10 June, in a media conference on the Peace Summit in Bern, Swiss Federal Councillors, Ignazio Cassis and Viola Amherd stated that nearly 90 countries and organizations, confirmed attending the Ukraine peace summit. The Swiss President stated: “This is not about propaganda…This is about the basis of humanitarian aid provided by Switzerland, based on fostering peace (and) to provide a platform to initiate a dialogue.” while most of the top country leaders would be attending the summit, the representatives from US include Kamala Harris, US Vice President and Jake Sullivan, US national security adviser. The final list of participants is awaited and key developing countries like Turkey, South Africa, Brazil and India have not confirmed on their delegates. Since Russia was not invited for the peace talks which aimed at the Ukrainian proposals, China and Brazil relented to attend unless both sides take part equally. However, Cassis claimed that Russia would eventually join the peace process and that Switzerland is in frequent contact with authorities in Moscow about the conference. The summit’s agenda include nuclear security, humanitarian aid and food security. Around 4,000 military personnel are expected to be deployed to provide security and support air transportation, surveillance and roll out security fencing and steel wire for the event.
On 10 June, according to South China Morning Post, Belarus was starting the second phase of the exercises practicing the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons. Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin, the Belarusian Defence Minister claimed that they were proactive measures to increase readiness to use the nuclear weapons”. He also added: “We are a peaceful state, we do not threaten or seek confrontation with anyone, but we will keep our powder dry!” In 2023, Belarus hosted a few Russian warheads designed for use on the battlefield, which was a warning sign for the West against escalation.
On 10 June, according to ABC News, US and Poland launched an international operation in Warsaw to help Ukraine counter Russian disinformation. The new Ukraine Communications Group, including representatives from 12 countries comprising many NATO members and Ukraine, was inaugurated. James Rubin, a senior U.S. diplomat responsible for countering disinformation said: “The challenge in information warfare is not only to know what the Russians are doing, it’s to also figure out what are the best ways to combat it”. Poland, which is increasingly a target of sabotage and other disruptive measures by the Russian secret services joined the group initiated by the US.
References
Kateryna Denisova, “Ukraine hit Russian S-400, S-300 systems in occupied Crimea overnight, General Staff says,” The Kyiv Independent, 10 June 2024
Yaroslav Krechko, “Ukrainian Air Force General Says Some F-16s Will Be 'Stored Outside' Ukraine,” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 10 June 2024
Veronika Melkozerova, “Top Ukraine reconstruction official quits, citing ‘systemic obstacles’,” Politico, 10 June 2024
Kim Seung-yeon, “Putin to visit N. Korea, Vietnam as early as this month: report,” YonhapNews, 10 June 2024
Jamey Keaten, “About 90 countries to take part in the Swiss-hosted Ukraine peace summit. Russia won't attend,” The Washington Post, 10 June 2024
“Belarus to join Russia’s nuclear drills to practise deploying tactical nuclear weapons,” South China Morning Post, 10 June 2024
“The US, Poland to help Ukraine counter Kremlin disinformation,” ABC News, 10 June 2024