Photo : Ukrinform
Photo : Ukrinform
By Neha Tresa George and Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 05 August, Ukrinform reported on the redeployment of Russian units from the Luhansk region to the Kharkiv. According to Vitalii Sarantsev, the spokesperson for the Kharkiv Group of Forces, the 22nd Motor Rifle Regiment of the Russian armed forces were being deployed in the Luhansk region. He talked about the internal rotations carried out by the Russian forces involving volunteer units and foreign nationals. He believed them to be representatives of the Middle East, Central Asian, or African countries.
On 05 August, Ukrinform reported that Ukraine received a USD 3.9 billion grant from the US through the World Bank. According to Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s Prime Minister: “The funds will help finance priority budget expenditures such as salaries for teachers, doctors and rescuers, and social benefits.” He also added that this was the first tranche of direct support from the US. He believed that Ukraine would face the financial period confidently after the allocation of the funds. He also thanked the US for their attention and support throughout the war.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 05 August, RT reported on the destruction of Ukrainian Leopard tanks by the Russian forces. According to the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, they spotted the tanks in Kharkiv oblast, firing on Russian positions. The crew of a Russian Msta-S self-propelled howitzer destroyed them. However, the ministry was unclear about the destroyed variants of the tank. According to the report, Ukraine has dozens of Leopard tanks including Leopard 2A4 and older Leopard 1A5 tanks. Although, it is unclear on number of tanks available in the inventory.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from Europe and the US
On 05 August, LRT reported on allocation of EUR 8.7 million of the funds borrowed from the state to the Ministry of Social Security and Labour to help the Ukrainians. A total of EUR 10,000 was also allocated to the Health Ministry. The allocated money was for child benefits, social assistance for school children, social payouts, to partially cover heating and water costs and housing rental support. According to the Social Security and Labour Ministry, the country had allocated around EUR 114 million from the state budget to help Ukrainians.
THE GLOBAL FALLOUTS
Implications of the War
On 05 August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine responded to the decision of the Transitional Government of the Republic of Mali to break off diplomatic relations with Ukraine. According to the statement released, Ukraine as a member of the UN adheres to the norms of international peace. It rejected the accusations of Ukraine's support for international terrorism as put forward by the government of Mali. It reminded the Mali government about the increased role of Ukraine in the support of rights, independence and decolonisation of African people including the Republic of Mali. Lastly, it condemned the Mali government for not providing any proof to Ukraine’s involvement in the incident that happened in North Mali. It also rejected its claims and asked for a thorough study of military structures and groups controlled by Russia.
On 05 August, Ukrinform reported on the Republic of Botswana becoming a signatory of the Peace Summit joint communique. In response, Zelenskyy appreciated the support and contribution towards global security. On the same day, as a result of Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister meeting with Nancy Tembo, Malawian Foreign Minister signed a memorandum for political consultations and to advance their bilateral relations.
References
“Russian forces destroy two more Leopard tanks in Ukraine,” RT, 05 August 2024
“Russians redeploying units from Luhansk region to Kharkiv region - Defence Forces,” Ukrinform, 05 August 2024
“Lithuanian government allocates almost €9m for Ukrainian refugees,” LRT, 05 August 2024
“Ukraine receives $3.9B grant from U.S., Ukrinform, 05 August 2024
“Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the decision of the Transitional Government of the Republic of Mali to break off diplomatic relations with Ukraine, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, 05 August 2024
“Ukraine, Malawi sign memorandum on political consultations,” Ukrinform, 05 August 2024
“Botswana joins Peace Summit communique – Zelensky,” Ukrinform, 05 August 2024