Photo : Reuters
Photo : Reuters
By Neha Tresa George
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 21 August, Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister ahead of his visit to Kyiv stated “peaceful resolution” to be the focus of the meeting. He said: “I look forward to the opportunity to ... share perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict.” The visit follows his trip to Poland. On the same day, Richard Verma, US Deputy Secretary of State called the decision to visit Ukraine by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India as important. He highlighted the principles of the “defence of liberty, freedom and the rule of law” while acknowledging India’s long-standing relationship with Russia.
On 21 August, Ukraine’s parliament ratified the Rome Statute to make it a party of the International Criminal Court (ICC). It was passed with 281 in favour with a temporary exception to Ukrainian military. This means the military would not be charged with war crimes for seven years from the official adoption. Kyiv also affirmed that the ICC requests for peace and cooperation would be made through diplomats and then to the Ukrainian state prosecutor or the Justice Ministry.
On 21 August, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine claimed on targeting Russian S-300 anti-aircraft missile complex near Novoshakhtinsk in Russia’s Rostov region. According to the report: “The joint combat efforts of all components of Ukraine’s Defence Forces on critical Russian military targets continue. More strikes will follow.” Explosions were recorded at the site. The extent of the attack and the casualties are yet to be reported.
On 21 August, The Hill reported on Ukraine’s pressure on the US to lift the ban on using US-made long-range artillery, Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to hit airfields and logistical hubs deeper into Moscow. Dmytro Zhmailo, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre commented: “Threat of escalation has actually no basis.”
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 21 August, the TASS reported on the statements by Dmitry Medvedev, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman. According to him, Moscow was not ready for any peace talks until Ukraine was completely defeated in the Kursk region. He also questioned the earlier peace talks coordinated by the Western countries and referred to them as “useless.” He also condemned the UK for supporting Ukraine on operations against Russia.
On 21 August, Moscow was attacked by nearly a dozen Ukrainian drones marking the largest drone attack since 2022. It was part of the surprise incursion carried out in the Kursk region. According to the reports in the TASS, Russian air defence forces intercepted 11 drones over the Moscow region, 23 over the Bryansk region, six over Belgorod and three over the Kaluga region in response.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from Europe and the US
On 21 August, Switzerland proposed to join the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO). According to a statement released by the Swiss government: “Membership of ECSO allows Switzerland to obtain important information on current technology decisions and developments as well as access to expert networks.” The move was intended to enhance Switzerland’s cyber security and greater cooperation with the EU. It is expected to have access to the working groups and technology papers they produce. ECSO is the EU’s only cross-sectoral and independent membership organisation working on cybersecurity.
On 21 August, Olaf Scholz, Germany’s Chancellor visited Moldova for the second time in two years. They are expected to discuss bilateral relations and security issues. It would also include Moldova’s accession to the EU and the consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war on them. According to Adrian Băluțel, head of the Cabinet of the President of Moldova, Germany had been the collaborator in “social, reconstruction, and infrastructure projects” and is expected to become a key partner in “economic development.”
On 21 August, Richard Verma, US Deputy Secretary of State called the decision to visit Ukraine by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India as important. He highlighted the principles of the “defence of liberty, freedom and the rule of law” while acknowledging India’s long-standing relationship with Russia.
References
“Ukraine pushes for long-range strikes as troops advance in Russia,” The Hill, 21 August 2024
“Ukraine targets Moscow with "one of the largest" drone attacks,” AXIOS, 21 August 2024
“Ukraine Targets Russian S-300 Air Defense Missile System in Russia’s Rostov Region,” Kyiv Post, 21 August 2024
“Medvedev rules out peace talks with Kiev until enemy completely defeated,” TASS, 21 August 2024
“Delighted by Modi’s visit to Kyiv, says senior U.S. official in charge of Ukraine’s recovery, The Hindu¸ 21 August 2024
“Ukraine's parliament approves Rome Statute to become party to ICC,” Daily Sabah, 21 August 2024
“Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger accuse Ukraine of supporting terrorism in Sahel,” Anadolu Agency, 21 August 2024
“German chancellor visits Moldova amid EU and security talks,” Moldova Political, 21 August 2024
“Switzerland to join European Cyber Security Organization,” Anadolu Agency, 21 August 2024