Photo : VIRGINIA MAYO / AP
Photo : VIRGINIA MAYO / AP
By Neha Tresa George
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 25 June, Ukraine’s air force reported that Ukraine shot down about 86 per cent of the 2,277 Shahed attack drones launched by Russia since 2024. The Ukrainian defence forces’ mobile groups were instrumental in this mission as they went to firing positions almost every night and shot down Russian UAVs with all the weapons they had. Currently, their system has been modified with night vision devices, thermal imagers, optics, laser pointers, searchlights, electronic warfare equipment, software, and off-road vehicles. This would help the Ukrainian soldiers to destroy the Russian targets more efficiently. Earlier their system was equipped with small arms, anti-aircraft guns, and man-portable air defence systems in service. Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Air Force thanked the mobile firing groups for their efficient work. He also thanked the charitable foundations, local communities, volunteers and activists, Ukrainians and the international community who contributed for increasing their capabilities.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 25 June, RT reported on Moscow’s response to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to issue arrest warrants against two prime Russian defence officials. Moscow framed the institution as a “mere tool of the West’s hybrid war efforts.” The ICC issued arrest warrants against Sergey Shoigu, ex-Russian Defence Minister and Valery Gerasimov, the current chief of the General Staff in conviction of carrying out “alleged international crimes” during the conflict in Ukraine. Russia’s Security Council condemned it as “void” and indicated that its jurisdiction did not extend to Russia. The accusations against them ranged from committing “international crimes,” namely “directing attacks at civilian objects,” as well as “causing excessive incidental harm to civilians.” Earlier, the ICC also targeted two top Russian military commanders, Lieutenant-General Sergey Kobylash of the Long-Range Aviation fleet and Admiral Viktor Sokolov of the Black Sea fleet on charges of air strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure. It had also issued an arrest warrant last year for Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, condemning him for “unlawful deportation” of Ukrainian children.
On 25 June, RT reported on Putin’s statement about his proposed ceasefire conditions. According to him: “Russia’s offer for a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine conflict is a realistic way to end the hostilities, but the West is simply ignoring it.” Earlier this month, Putin promised a ceasefire if Ukraine refused to seek NATO membership and withdrew its troops from all Russian-claimed territories which Kyiv immediately rejected. In an international forum organised by Russia this week, Yury Ashakov, Putin’s foreign policy aide and a diplomat called on the participants of the forum to examine the proposal thoughtfully and rationally while condemning that the West wanted to keep fighting with Russia. He also added that Russia was offering a chance for the peaceful settlement of the conflict and a solution for the loss of lives. He also cited the Sevastopol strikes carried out by the Ukrainian forces that injured over 150 people and killed four, as the “west-spurred military frenzy.” Moscow claimed that the US was directly involved in the attacks as Ukraine had used the US-supplied ATACMS missiles with cluster munition warheads. Some Russian officials also argue that the American military specialists had been directly involved.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 25 June, Le Monde reported on the EU launch of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova which aimed at signalling confidence in Ukraine. This will mark the start for screening the country’s laws and its adherence to EU standards. In response, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President said: “We will never be derailed from our path to a united Europe and to our common home of all European nations.” Earlier in 2023, Ursula Von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission issued a statement regarding the accession of Moldova into the EU. She talked about the annual report of the Commission on the enlargement of the bloc and its assessment of Moldova’s progress as a candidate. Her speech vouching Moldova in 2023 highlighted five points: First, The unprecedented financial support to Moldova. The leader promised the country an additional EUR 143 million apart from the EUR 1.2 billion which came in October 2021. The additional funding would go to the poor households in Moldova faced with high energy prices. Second, the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan. EUR 900 million had been invested in various Moldovan businesses and infrastructure in a bid to increase competitiveness, improve energy efficiency and lower the energy bills for citizens. For example, the Trans-European Network for Transport. Third, the package of support measures promised in May. The EU had been attempting to make Moldova stronger against the security threats. The armed forces were supplied with EUR 87 million worth of European Peace Facility support. The country is set to become one of the main beneficiaries of the EU’s Peace Facility. Fourth, the fully operational EU Partnership mission to Moldova. As part of securing energy security, the country had been made a part of the EU’s joint gas purchase platform allowing it to secure supplies and negotiate decent prices. Von der Leyen regards Moldova as a crucial ally in the bloc’s fight against various threats. Fifth, the plan to reduce roaming charges between the EU and Moldova for easy travel. It aimed to bring people together by easing the travel experiences and cost. The Union was also planning to waive the fees for EU programs like the Horizon Europe and Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism which were research initiatives.
On 26 June, Deutsche Welle reported on Russia’s ban on 81 EU news sources from 25 countries since its broadcasters were banned in the bloc. Moscow accused these media sites of "systematically distributing inaccurate information" about the Russian “special military operation” that was carried out in Ukraine. French news agency AFP, Germany's Der Spiegel, Spain's El Pais, and state broadcasters from Austria, Ireland and Italy along with Politico were among the Western media sites banned by the Kremlin. Russia, it was a criminal offense to call the conflict a war or invasion. The country has already shut down most independent media within its territories that were critical of Putin. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation confirmed that the move was in response to the banning of what Brussels called "Kremlin-linked propaganda networks," from being aired in the bloc. Russia condemned the decision to be “politically motivated.” It has also added that the ban would only be lifted if the EU reversed its decision on the ban on Russian outlets.
On 24 June, swissinfo.ch reported on the arrival of the approved artillery shells on the front lines of Ukrainian units from Washington. Since the conflict started in February 2022, there has been an increase in the demand for ammunition. The fresh arrival of weapons was due to the US Congress’s approval of USD 61 billion aid package. According to the Ukrainian soldiers, they had been forced to limit their use of 155 mm rounds against the Russians. According to them, there was ‘shell hunger’. They also highlighted the problem of the limited number of soldiers to fight. The country has launched a major mobilisation drive to replenish the depleted forces. The soldiers condemn Russia’s visit to North Korea and its recent diplomatic cooperation with China. They firmly believed that their forces would prevail over the Russian troops.
THE GLOBAL FALLOUTS
Responses of the US and Europe
On 25 June, the Global Times reported that China was urging the EU to lift the sanctions imposed on the Chinese companies over allegations of its links to Russia. The Ministry of the Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China said that the normal China-Russia cooperation does not affect any third party. It also pledged to take necessary counter-measures to protect the Chinese firms. This came amidst the protectionist measures taken against Chinese companies and products. According to media reports, the EU imposed sanctions on 19 Chinese businesses accusing it of "supporting Russia's military-industrial complex" in the Ukraine conflict. These companies would face restrictions on the sales of "dual-use goods and technology.” The bloc has planned for a heavy burden of additional tariffs on the Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) also. On the EU’s action, Mao Ning, spokeswoman and deputy director of information at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented that China had always opposed unilateral sanctions without any basis in the international law. If accelerated, the current situation could lead to a deteriorating China-EU economic and trade relations.
References
“ICC a ‘Western hybrid war’ tool – Moscow,” RT, 25 June 2024
“Russian proposal can end Ukraine conflict – Putin,” RT, 25 June 2024
“Russia bans access to over 80 Western media outlets.” Deutsche Welle, 26 June 2024
“China urges EU to scrap sanctions against Chinese firms, vowing to protect their legitimate interests,” Global Times, 25 June 2024
“Western arms reach Ukraine front lines, relieving some pressure,” Swissinfo.ch, 25 June 2024
“Commander of Ukraine's Air Force posts video of combat work: 1,953 Shaheds shot down in 2024,” Ukrinska Pravda, 25 June 2024
“Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Moldovan President Sandu,” European Commission, 12 October 2023