Photo : UNICEF/Oleksii Filippov
Photo : UNICEF/Oleksii Filippov
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 03 July, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) published a new report on how Russia use of air-dropped bombs with increased range as cause for increasing civilian deaths between March and May. According to the report, the variety of munitions used had caused severe damage across civilian infrastructure and those located in the frontlines. In the report: “The vast majority of civilian casualties (96%) were caused by the use of explosive weapons with wide area effects in populated areas, such as artillery shells and rockets, bombs, missiles, loitering munitions and other explosive munitions dropped by unmanned aerial vehicles.” It also found 96 per cent of civilian casualties to have emerged from explosive weapons such as rockets, bombs, missiles, loitering munitions used in wide areas affecting the mass. According to OHCHR, Russian offensive in Kharkiv specifically had killed 78 civilians and injured 305 more since May. During March and May, close to 436 civilians were killed and 1,760 were wounded in Ukraine.
On 03 July, Deny Shmyhal, Ukraine’s Prime Minister confirmed on receiving two billion as aid from International Monetary Fund (IMF). This would be the fifth instalment of payment as part of the continuing loan programme which amounts to EUR 15 billion which is scheduled to be given across four years. This fund will be used by the government for its expenditures over welfare, wages to doctor and teachers.
On 03 July, Boris Filatov, Mayor of Dnipro city in the eastern Ukraine reported on Russian missile attacks and death of five civilians. According to the report, 43 others were injured as the attack damaged two schools and three kindergartens. He said: “Russian terrorists have struck our city again. As of now, five people have been killed, and thirty-four injured, including a child.” In response, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President demanded for advanced air defence systems and weapons with long-range capabilities. He said: “The world can protect lives, and it requires the determination of leaders. Determination that can and must make protection from terror the norm again.” Apart from this, the Ukrainian air force claimed on destroying five out of seven Russian missiles in Dnipropetrovk oblast. The missiles were observed to be Iranian-made combat drones.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 03 July, Russian parliament, the State of Duma and Federation Council voted to suspend Russia’s participation in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE PA). Highlighting the organisation’s discriminatory approached, double standards and Russophobia both chambers of the Parliament voted unanimously to stop paying the fee and its participation. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said: “We should not pay for something we did not participate in.” He argues over ignorance of OSCE leaders and criticised for “…politicized tool to deliberately implement an anti-Russian course, and also to intentionally distort,” amid war in Ukraine. Since the war began in 2022, Russia has avoided participating in numerous events held by the OSCE.
On 03 July, the Russian Navy claimed on intercepting two Ukrainian naval unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) which were deployed in Novorossiysk port. The Russian defence ministry issued a statement confirming the deterrence of speedboat type drones stationed at the naval base in the Black Sea coast of Krasnodar area. As per the released video, intense fire was targeted against the trespassing boats and were disabled. Mayor Andrey Kravchenko reported on minor damage following the fire but no casualties were observed.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 03 July, Dick Schoof, The Netherlands Prime Minister pledged to continue his support for Ukraine financially and militarily. He said: “Ukraine can continue to count on the Netherlands for financial, military and political support.” The independent candidate who succeeded outgoing Mark Rutte, Prime Minister assured to support at all levels and for long term. During Rutte’s tenure, the Netherlands signed a deal for EUR two billion as military assistance for Ukraine which will be given over 10 years and later added another EUR one billion. The Netherlands will also be one of the key parties pushing for supply of F-16s to boost Ukraine’s air defences.
References
“Ukraine: UN report reveals ‘horrific toll’ of Russian attacks,” United Nations, 03 July 2024
“Ukraine receives US$2.2 billion from International Monetary Fund,” Ukrainska Pravda, 03 July 2024
Matt Murphy, “Five killed by Russian strike in central Ukraine,” BBC, 03 July 2024
“Russia halts participation in OSCE Parliamentary Assembly,” RT, 03 July 2024
“Russian warships blow up Ukrainian naval drone (VIDEO),” RT, 03 July 2024
Molly Quell, “New Dutch leader pledges to cut immigration as the opposition vows to root out racists in cabinet,” Associated Press, 03 July 2024