Photo : Bloomberg
Photo : Bloomberg
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 22 July, Ukrainian government announced on signing an agreement with a group of creditors worth USD 20 billion in the form of international bonds and aimed to give financial breathing for Ukraine. The move comes after a week ahead of “two-year debt suspension” agreement singed in 2022 near expiry. According to the government, it had reached the deal in “principle on debt restructuring.” The creditors include BlackRock, Pimco and several other major investors. The deal was approved by the International Monetary Fund which has conditioned its financial aid to Ukraine on reduction of debt.
On 22 July, Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Foreign Minster announced his schedule to visit China between 23 and 26 July to discuss on ending Russian invasion. According to Kuleba: “…main topic of discussion will be the search for ways to stop Russian aggression and China's possible role in achieving a sustainable and just peace.” China’s foreign ministry has confirmed the same on holding talks with Kuleba.
On 22 July, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President applauded the delivery of another German Patriot system totalling to three missiles received till now. Zelenskyy stated how Ukraine will be able to utilise in air defence and yet more protection needed for Ukraine. On the same day, Zelenskyy also highlighted Joe Biden, US President decision to step out of presidential race. He thanked Biden for his “unwavering support” and stated how the Ukraine and Europe situation is challenging. He expressed hope for the US to continue its leadership and help in preventing Russian from winning the war.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 22 July, Russian defence ministry claimed destroying 75 Ukrainian drones using its air defence systems. According to the report, 47 drones were destroyed over Rostov in the southwestern, 17 over the Black and Azov seas and eight drones destroyed over Krasnodar region located near Tuapse in Black Sea. Apart from this, few were destroyed over Belgorod, Voronezh and Smolensk. As per the report from local authorities, the Tuapse oil refinery was reportedly hit. It has been regularly subject to attacks since 2022.
On the same day, following the frequent drones attacks, Vyacheslav Gladkov, Governor of Belgorod Oblast reported on death of a civilian from a Ukrainian drone attack. Ukraine is yet to respond or verify the claims of Russia.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the Europe and the US
On 22 July, the EU foreign ministers held a meeting in Brussels where they discussed on boycotting the talks in Budapest. This comes after Viktor Orban, Hungary Prime Minister’s solo visit to Moscow in an attempt to end the war in Ukraine has triggered the boycott. According tot Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s Foreign Minister called it as “ego trip.” The Gymnich meeting which takes place six months once across difference locations in Europe is used to discuss policy related issues. On the same, Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy announced that the next foreign and defence ministers meeting would be held in Brussels instead of Hungary. He said: “We have to send a signal, even if it's a symbolic signal.
References
“Zelenskyy says German Patriot air defence system has arrived Ukraine,” Ukrainska Pravda, 21 July 2024
“Russia's Tuapse oil refinery damaged in Ukraine drone attack, Russian officials say,” Reuters, 22 July 2024
“Ukrainian Drone Attack Sets Oil Refinery Ablaze, Russian Officials Say,” The Moscow Times, 22 July 2024
“Four settlements in Belgorod Region attacked by Ukrainian troops,” TASS, 21 July 2024
“Another Ukrainian drone shot down over Belgorod Region — defense ministry,” TASS, 21 July 2024
“Ukrainian foreign minister to visit China from July 23-26,” CGTN, 22 July 2024
Ella Joyner, “The EU is putting new pressure on Hungary's Orban over his outreach to Russia,” abcNews, 23 July 2024
Constant Méheut, “Ukraine Strikes Preliminary $20 Billion Debt Restructuring Deal,” The New York Times, 22 July 2024