Photo : Maxim Shemetov/Reuters
Photo : Maxim Shemetov/Reuters
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 09 September, The Moscow Times reported that Russian forces had captured the east Ukrainian village of Memryk, which is 20 kilometres away from the Pokrovsk region. According to Russia’s Foreign Ministry: “Units of the Tsenter grouping of troops liberated the settlement of Memryk.” Half the population of Pokrovsk has fled since the fighting intensified in the nearby areas. Russia claims to have captured several Ukrainian towns and villages near Pokrovsk in August and September.
On 09 September, Ukrinform reported on the latest military package announcement by Sweden. According to the Swedish government, the package was worth SEK 4.6 billion, including equipment, direct procurement and financial contributions. In a statement, the government: “Sweden enters a new phase of military support to Ukraine, with a greater focus on production instead of donation.” The package consists of combat military equipment, Robot System 70 anti-aircraft missile systems, and anti-tank weapons and mines over Ukraine’s special request. The government also aims to provide additional funds for the procurement of small-flying drones in Ukraine.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims from Russia
On 09 September, RT reported on the FAB bomb strike upon a Ukrainian command centre in the Kharkiv region. According to the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, the destroyed unit in the outskirts of a northeastern region was used by the Ukrainian troops as cover. They also released video footage showcasing the massive explosion that toppled the buildings near the settlement. However, the other buildings nearby were unharmed. The Ministry claimed that Ukraine had lost “up to 80 soldiers and eight pieces of military equipment” in the strike.
On 09 September, RT reported on the comments made by Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister at the meeting on strategic cooperation with the Arab states of the Persian Gulf. He said: “Zelenskyy’s initiative has become a pain in the neck for everyone, it is a pure ultimatum.” He condemned the western countries who supported Zelenskyy’s peace formula and argued that they did not intend to negotiate on equal terms. He added that Russia had never considered the peace initiative seriously. He clarified that Russia aimed for equal and humane treatment of people who are integral to the Russian world, Russian culture, Russian language, history and religion. He also urged to conclude the terms of settlement for the negotiation rather than figuring out the time and place.
On 09 September, Daily Sabah reported on the comments made by Dmitry Peskov, Press Secretary of the Russian President on Germany’s initiative to hold peace discussions. He dismissed the suggestion and said: “As far as a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine is concerned, no tangible contours have yet emerged.” These comments came as a response to Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor suggestion to include Russians in the peace conference.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 09 September, France24 reported on the EU’s claims over the alleged delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia. According to Peter Stano, EU spokesperson: “We are aware of the credible information provided by allies on the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia.” He confirmed that the EU would respond with substantial sanctions and restrictive measures against Iran if the claim was proven. These allegations were refuted by Iran’s foreign ministry, arguing that the country had always opted for neutrality. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has not made any direct denial of the claims.
On 10 September, The Moscow Times reported on Latvia’s claims over the crashed Russian drone in the region. The drone was found to be an Iranian-designed Shahed carrying explosives. According to General Leonids Kalnins, Latvian armed forces commander: “The explosive warhead stuck half a meter deep into the ground…avoiding detonation.” However, he did not reveal how and when the drone was deactivated. Colonel Viesturs Masulis, Latvia’s air force commander added that the drone was not aimed at any military target drifted to Latvia through Belarus. The Defence Ministry reported on sending additional mobile anti-aircraft units to the borderlands.
References
“Russia obliterates Ukrainian command center in Kharkov Region – MOD,” RT, 09 September 2024
“Zelensky’s ultimatums ‘a pain in the neck’ – Lavrov,” RT, 09 September 2024
“EU says it received 'credible' reports that Iran sent ballistic missiles to Russia,” France24, 09 September 2024
“Kremlin rejects Germany's suggestion of peace discussions with Ukraine,” Daily Sabah, 09 September 2024
“Latvia Says Crashed Russian Drone Was Fully Armed Shahed,” The Moscow Times, 10 September 2024
“Sweden announces new military support package worth over EUR 400M for Ukraine,” Ukrinform, , 09 September 2024
“Russia Claims Another Village in East Ukraine, Near Pokrovsk,” The Moscow Times, 10 September 2024
“Russia claims 'massive' drone attack on Moscow Oblast, other regions,” The Kyiv Independent, 10 September 2024