Photo : ASSOCIATED PRESS/picture alliance
Photo : ASSOCIATED PRESS/picture alliance
By Neha Tresa George and Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 27 June, Ukrinform reported on Donald Tusk, the Polish Prime Minister’s statement on a security agreement with Kiev. In a statement to the Polish journalists before a meeting of the European Council, he said, "We are finalising the preparation of a security agreement with Ukraine." He also had an important meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President before the European Council meeting. According to him, it was an important day for both Poland and Ukraine. He also highlighted the new priorities of EU policies which focussed on security, the fight against illegal migration, and the protection of the EU's external borders with Russia and Belarus by investing in their strengthening. He also believes these policies would pave the way for effective security of the Polish border.
On 27 June, President of Ukraine reported on the meeting of Zelenskyy with Gitanas Nausėda, the President of Lithuania and Kaja Kallas, the Prime Minister of Estonia. The meeting focussed on the importance of the EU’s decision to open up the negotiations on Ukraine’s formal accession to the bloc. They also discussed the war on the ground, defence necessities of Ukraine and the implementation of the Czech initiative to buy shells for the Ukrainian troops. Zelenskyy cited Ukraine’s need for seven additional systems to increase the air fence and long-range capabilities. Nauseda and Kallas promised their active involvement in the implementation of the Peace Formula. They also agreed to encourage other members to join the Joint Communiqué on a Peace Framework. They also discussed the NATO summit and agreed to pass decisions on a strong defence support for Ukraine.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 27 June, RT reported that Russian forces had targeted Ukrainian air bases that were set to equip the fighter jets supplied by the West and the US-designed F-16s. The group strike launched by Russia included long-range sea-based weapons, the Kinzhal hypersonic missile, and unmanned aerial vehicles to attack the airfield infrastructure of Ukraine according to the Ministry of the Defence of the Russian Federation. Although the ministry did not reveal the number or location of the airfields that were targeted, it added that “the goal of the strike had been achieved.” This came after the US, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands vowed to provide Ukraine with 60 F-16s by the end of the year. However, the deliveries had been held back as the Ukrainian pilots were only completing their training by the end of the year. Moreover, Ukraine faces a lack of maintenance crews to service the jets. Jake Sullivan, US National Security Adviser, had highlighted earlier that the F-16s would be based in Ukraine only, under a recently signed ten-year security agreement between Washington and Kiev.
On 27 June, TASS reported that Russian forces repelled the Ukrainian army personnel who were trying to dig in and get better positions near Belogorovka in the Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR). According to Andrey Marochko, their presence was revealed through aerial reconnaissance. They were found to be wearing chevrons of the Ukrainian army’s 3rd assault brigade. Joint strikes against the Ukrainians were delivered by the Artillery and UAV teams. They had to retreat from the area after suffering casualties.
On 27 June, TASS reported on Russia’s battlegroup that caused 190 casualties in the Ukrainian army in the Kharkiv area. According to the Ministry of the Defence of the Russian Federation, the northern battlegroup of Russia inflicted injuries and damage to manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian army’s 42nd and 57th mechanised, 113th, 125th and 127th territorial defence brigades in areas near Volchansk, Neskuchnoye and Liptsy in the Kharkiv Region. The attack affected 190 personnel including four armoured vehicles, three motor vehicles, two UK-made 155mm FH70 howitzers and three 122mm D-30 howitzers. Russia’s southern Battlegroup also improved their frontline positions and caused over 640 casualties to the Ukrainian army.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
The EU signed a security agreement with Ukraine. It pledges to deliver weapons, military training and aid to give Kyiv. The agreement outlines EU's commitment to help Ukraine in nine areas of security and defence policy. This includes “arms deliveries, military training, defence industry cooperation and demining.”
According to the agreement, in the situation of "future aggression," Ukraine can consult within 24 hours on Kyiv’s needs and determine next steps in line with the commitments. The document forms part of a broader effort by Ukrainian allied to prove their assurance to Kyiv. Although, there is no instant prospect of Ukraine joining the EU or NATO. Till now, the US, UK, France and Germany have secured the pact with Kyiv.
According to the EU, its commitments will continue "as Ukraine pursues its European path" and will be reviewed in 10 years. However, it did not provide details on the value or quantity of future assistance. It noted the EU’s agreed EUR five billion to a fund for Ukraine military aid in 2024.
References
“Russia strikes Ukrainian airfields set to house Western-supplied jets – MOD,” RT, 27 June 2024
“Russian forces destroy Ukrainian troops trying to entrench near Belogorovka, says LPR,” TASS, 27 June 2024
“Poland finalises security agreement with Ukraine – Tusk,” Ukrinform, 27 June 2024
“President Discussed Ukraine's EU Membership Path, Peace Summit, and Continued Defense Support with Lithuanian President and Estonian Prime Minister,” PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, 27 June 2024
“Russia strikes Ukrainian military airfields by precision weapons — top brass,” TASS, 27 June 2024
“EU and Zelenskiy expected to sign Ukraine security pact,” Reuters, 27 June 2024