Photo : Euromaindan Press
Photo : Euromaindan Press
By Neha Tresa George
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 31 October, ABC News reported on the Russian attack in the Saltovsky district of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. The guided aerial bomb struck a residential building in the city which led to the death of three people and injury of 36 others. According to Ihor Klymenko, the Internal Affairs Minister of Ukraine, the attack injured almost 35 people while others could still be inside the rubble of the building. Oleh Syniehubov, the regional head said that dead people suffered from severe head injuries.
On 01 November, The Kyiv Independent reported on the rise in Russian drone strikes in Ukraine, recorded in October. According to the General Staff of Ukraine, among the 2023 drones launched by Russians, 1,185 were downed, 738 were "lost," and 29 flew back out of Ukraine's airspace. There was no information on the remaining 71. Since January 2024, Russia has launched 6987 strike drones. This estimate suggests that 29 per cent of it was launched in October. According to some experts, this escalation could be the preparation for an “unprecedented mass attack.”
On 31 October, The Kyiv Independent reported that Ukraine’s 2025 budget had passed its first reading in parliament. It allocated 26 per cent of the country’s GDP to defence and military spending. Denys Smyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine said: “The priority of next year's budget will also be security and defense.” He added that the tax collected would be used to strengthen the country’s military capabilities. Military and defence spending is expected to grow by Hr 46 billion (USD 1.6 billion) compared to 2024, reaching over Hr 2.2 trillion ($53.4 billion). Ukraine’s state budget depended upon “war bonds, IFI loans, and bilateral loans and grants” amid economic decline. The budget would go for additional rounds before receiving the final assent.
On 31 October, Reuters reported that Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine expressed his condemnation of the West’s poor reaction to the alleged deployment of North Korean troops in Russia. He blamed them for their “zero response” to the situation. He warned that with this weakened reaction, Putin would plan to accept more North Koreans to work for Russia. These statements came amidst NATO’s confirmation of the troops. However, the Western countries have not yet announced any retaliatory measures in response to this act.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 31 October, ARAB NEWS reported on the statements of Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister on the defence treaty set to be signed with Iran. He said: “The treaty on a comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Iran that is being prepared will become a serious factor in strengthening Russian-Iranian relations.” He confirmed that the agreement was in preparation to be signed in “the near future.” He also expected Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s President, to visit Moscow by the end of 2024. He said that the agreement would affirm greater cooperation in defence, peace and security at the regional and global levels. However, he did not elaborate on the defence ties between the countries. The growing relationship between Iran and Russia amid the wars in Ukraine and Palestine raises speculation, particularly among the West.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 01 November, CNN reported on the statements made by Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State along with Lloyd Austin, the US Defence Secretary and their South Korean counterparts on the alleged deployment of North Korean troops in Russia. They said that the troops had been given training in “artillery, UAVs, basic infantry operations, including trench clearing.” They announced that almost 8000 troops were expected to enter the war in Russia’s Kursk region. On this, Blinken warned that these troops who would engage in the war would become “legitimate military targets.” He added that the US would deliver additional military support to Ukraine in the coming days. Meanwhile, Austin said that the Ukrainians were capable to hold the territory even with the additional North Korean troops deployed. He cited Moscow’s losses in the war and said that these additional troops were “pales in comparison” to the casualties recorded regularly in Russia. Blinken and Austin further said that they were discussing with China on ways to curb this escalation.
References
“Russian bomb hits building in Ukraine's 2nd largest city, killing 3, including 2 teens,” ABC News, 31 October 2024
“Russia’s ‘comprehensive’ treaty with Iran will include defense, Lavrov says,” ARAB News, 31 October 2024
“Russian drone strikes on Ukraine soared to record monthly levels during October, military says,” The Kyiv Independent¸ 01 November 2024
“Ukraine’s 2025 budget clears first reading, allocates $53 billion for defense,” The Kyiv Independent, 31 October 2024
“US says it expects North Korean troops to enter combat against Ukraine in the coming days,” CNN, 01 November 2024
“Zelenskiy blasts allies for 'zero' response to North Korean deployment,” Reuters¸ 01 November 2024