Photo : Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via REUTERS
Photo : Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via REUTERS
By Neha Tresa George and Samruddhi Pathak
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 31 July, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President signed the law No. 3880-IX to amend the budget. According to the proposed law, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, if necessary, can temporarily suspend payments on external public debt until 01 October 2024. It was adopted on 18 July and gave the government the right to put off payments on external debt if necessary. The law also makes it possible to include the public debt restructuring a series of Ukravtodor (State Agency of Automobile Roads of Ukraine) Eurobonds for 2021 for a total of USD 700 million with interest. According to Roksolana Pidlasa, the head of the parliamentary budget committee: "The IMF has routinely expressed support for this bill, as it will help strengthen Ukraine's debt sustainability.”
On 01 August, Interfax Ukraine reported on Zelenskyy's interview on engaging China in conflict resolution. He expressed Ukraine’s hope that China would pressure Russia rather than mediate the conflict. He wanted China to follow the US and the EU in its approach to Russia. He said: "If China wants to, it can force Russia to stop this war.” He also condemned China for not taking a strong stand and called on it to take a “principled position.”
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 01 August, Dmitry Peskov, the Press Secretary of the Russian Federation commented on the recent report of F-16 fighter jets delivered to Ukraine. He emphasised: “The jets would not influence the dynamics of events at the front.” He further added: “There is no “magic pill” for Kyiv and it will not have this “panacea” for long.” His comments come after Bloomberg reported on the arrival of the first US-made fighter jets in Ukraine. The report did not indicate the country which supplied the aircraft but noted that the number of jets was “small.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the Europe and the US
On 01 August, Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s foreign minister and a US official confirmed the arrival of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The number of delivered aircraft was reported to be six and is expected to increase in future. According to Oleksandra Ustinova, head of Kyiv's parliamentary commission on arms, Ukraine needs 120 F-16s to enhance its air capacity. Ustinova also added that at least 20 pilots would be ready to fly the jets by the end of 2024.
On 01 August, Moldova’s Foreign Ministry asked one of the employees in the Russian Embassy to Chisinau to leave in 48 hours. The move comes after Chisinau officials detained two Moldovan officials after a security raid in the parliament under suspicion of spying. In a statement, the ministry confirmed the summoning of Oleg Vasnetsov, Russian Ambassador, and its employee's declaration as “persona non grata.” According to the report in Radio Free Liberty, under Maia Sandu, Moldovo’s President has expelled 45 Russian diplomats out of 70 after an investigation revealed the gathering of intelligence information for Russia.
On 01 August, Euronews reported a significant reduction in Ireland’s weekly payments to refugees. The Government currently provides EUR 232 per week but from 01 September 2024 the amount will be reduced to just EUR 38.8. The left-wing parties have raised concerns against the reduction since it will increase child poverty. The reduction will affect 19,000 refugees.
References
“Zelenskyy says Kyiv hopes for pressure on Russia from China, not mediation – media, Interfax Ukraine, 01 August 2024
“Zelenskyy signs law on Cabinet's right to moratorium on public debt payments until Oct 2024, Interfax Ukraine, 31 July 2024
“Ukraine receives first batch of US-built F-16 fighter jets, officials say, France24, 01 August 2024
“US and Russia have carried out the biggest prisoner swap since the Cold War: Here’s who was involved,” RT, 01 August 2024
“F-16s no ‘magic pill’ for Kiev – Kremlin,” RT, 01 August 2024
“Moldova Expels Russian Diplomat Amid Spying Investigation,” RFERL, 01 August 2024
Ken Murray, “Ireland to reduce welfare payments to Ukrainian refugees,” Euronews, 01 August 2024