Photo : The New York Times
Photo : The New York Times
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 26 July, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President reported on Ukrainian Armed Forces facing heavy pressure in east Ukraine. According to Ukraine’s military, this was observed especially near Pokrovsk in Donetsk oblast. Zelenskyy said: “This area has been and continues to be the focus of Russian attacks." He called for improving Ukraine’s defence positions.
On 26 July, Ukraine’s military claimed on targeting Russia’s airfield in Crimean. According to the report, Ukraine had increased its long-range strikes on Crimea and Russia’s navy Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol. This had led Russia to transit its naval ships to safer ports. In a statement, Ukrainian military General Staff stated that Russia’s Saky airfield was observed the most targeted and confirmed on assessing the aftermath of the strike.
On 26 July, Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s Prime Minister appreciated Ursula Von Der Leyen, European Commission President for its EUR 1.5 billion air to Ukraine’s “defence and reconstruction.” He said: “Together, we are turning adversity into strength and building a safer, more resilient Europe.”
The Moscow View
On 26 July, following several terrorism cases filed, Russia’s military court sentenced four suspects on finding them guilty helping Ukraine. According the court, one of the suspects had planned to attack Sheremetyevo Airport and was sentenced 15 years. It also claimed on Ukrainian intelligence offering USD 2000 to destroy airplane fuel tanks in the airport. Earlier, another 23-year-old was sentenced for planning treason and for being related to a terrorist organisation.
The West View
On 26 July, the European Commission approved EUR 1.5 billion proceeds from the frozen Russian assets to Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction. Von Der Leyen said: “Today we transfer €1.5 billion in proceeds from immobilized Russian assets to the defense and reconstruction of Ukraine. There is no better symbol or use for the Kremlin’s money than to make Ukraine and all of Europe a safer place to live..”
On 26 July, David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary stressed on China to avoid its companies engaging with Russian military. During the ASEAN Foreign Ministers event in Laos, the UK Foreign Ministry issues a statement: “Lammy set out that the government would cooperate where we can, compete where needed and challenge where we must." It also added on UK’s priority on national security and human rights. In response, Yi called for establishment for “right policy orientation…for balanced, pragmatic, open and cooperative attitude.”
On 26 July, Gergely Gulyas, Hungarian Prime Minister’s aide accused Ukraine for “blackmailing” Hungary and Slovakia for not allowing the oil deliveries. He said that Russian group’s Lukoil supply was stopped to both which stood for “peace and ceasefire.” He added: “If the situation is not resolved, there will be a fuel shortage... a solution must be found by September.” Both parties have approached the European Commission to resolve the issue with Ukraine. Hungary was supplied two million metric tonnes of oil from the Russian group every year which forms a third of its imports.