Photo : Russian Defence Ministry Press Service/AP/France 24
Photo : Russian Defence Ministry Press Service/AP/France 24
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 09 August, the Ukrainian army reported on targeting a Russian airfield in the Lipetsk region and claimed to destroy ammunition warehouses. Ukrainian General Staff confirmed on strike using guided aerial bombs at warehouses and several facilities. It observed ignition, fire and multiple detonations. According to the report, Su-34, Su-35 and MiG-31 aircraft were based in the Lipetsk
On 09 August, Ukraine’s Interior Ministry reported on putting out a large blaze as a result of Russian missile strike in Ukraine’s Donetsk area. In the blaze, 14 were reportedly dead and 43 injured, however rescue efforts continue to strike at Kostiantynivka town. In response Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President said: “Russia always knows exactly where its missiles strike; this is a deliberate and targeted act of Russian terror.”
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 09 August, the Russian Defence Ministry reported on deploying its forces and arms into the Kursk region and claimed on repelling the Ukrainian forces. According to Russian state media, it had transited BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers, artillery guns, tanks, heavy tracked vehicles and Samaz trucks into Sudzha district in Kursk. On ground, it continues to claim efforts to repel the Ukrainian incursion. The ministry said: “…continue to repel an attempted incursion by the Ukrainian armed forces into the territory of the Russian Federation.”
On 09 August, Ukrainian intelligence reported that special forces destroyed six Russian armoured vehicles and eliminated 30 soldiers in a raid in the Black Sea. According to the report, the raid took place on the Kinburn spit which springs out of the Black Sea area near Dnipro River. However, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed countering the attack and killing of 16 Ukrainian soldiers by mines and gunfire. The reason behind the attack, was the Russian military presence in the spit being a barricade for Ukraine’s exports to Mykolaiv and Kherson ports.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from Europe and the US
On 09 August, the US announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine for USD 125 million. On the same Antony Blinken, US Secretary of the State called the package as the most needed and said: “This support will help Ukraine protect its troops and its people and reinforce its capabilities across the front lines.” The package includes “air defence interceptors, munitions for rocket systems artillery, multi-mission radars, and anti-tank weapons.” In response, Zelenskyy called it critical for the US to continue its aid and “demonstrate leadership in protecting Ukrainian freedom and European stability.”
On 09 August, the US imposed sanctions on several entities and individuals in Belarus who were found to have given military support to Russia or helped Russia in circumventing sanctions. This includes 14 technology and logistics companies in Belarus and 19 senior people from the companies. In a statement, the US Treasury said that the targeted persons were engaged in war through “military resource production and transhipment of goods to Russia.” It criticised Alexander Lukashenko for supporting Russia against Ukraine. The sanctions also include Boeing 767 airliner of the presidential fleet of Belarus.
On 09 August, UK military analyst, Frank Ledwidge commented on Ukraine’s cross-border attacks in the Kursk. Ledwidge observed Ukraine to be capturing more lands at a fast pace while showing inability to hold control of the captured area. He added: “Over the next few weeks we will see counterattacks from the Russians and this will be a major combat zone I suspect.” According to him, the Kursk is critical for gas supply.
References
“Russians increasing grouping in Kharkiv region despite developments in Kursk region - Ukraine military,” Ukrinform, 08 August, 2024
“Civilian evacuation suspended in Sumy region amid massive Russian shelling,” Ukrinform, 08 August 2024
“Dmitry Kuleba and Manish Gobin have agreed to attract investment opportunities to Mauritius to rebuild Ukraine,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, 08 August 2024
“Russia should no longer hold back in Ukraine – Medvedev,” RT, 08 August 2024
“Russian forces destroy Ukrainian armor in Kursk Region – MOD,” RT, 08 August 2024
“Ukrainian forces attack civilians in Kursk Region – governor,” RT, 08 August 2024
“US says Ukraine didn’t notify about alleged Kursk incursion,” Euromaidan, 08 August 2024
“Rheinmetall amasses record orders amid Ukraine and Gaza wars,” Financial Times, 08 August 2024
“Ukraine updates: Russia scrambles against Kursk incursion,” Deutsche Welle, 08 August 2024