Photo : SES
Photo : SES
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON GROUND
On 02 April, Russian forces launched an hour-long drone attack on Kharkiv region, deploying 17 Iranian-designed Shahed drones. According to the report in Reuters, the assault primarily targeted the Kyiv district, sparking several fires but causing no casualties. This was the second drone strike on Kharkiv that day, with earlier attacks injuring five people. Despite enduring multiple Russian assaults since 2022, Kharkiv has remained under Ukrainian control but continues to face frequent air raids, including recent drone strikes that also hit nearby towns like Derhachi and Cherkaska Lozova, causing additional injuries and fires.
On 02 April, a Russian ballistic missile strike on Kryvyi Rih has killed at least three people and caused significant damage to an enterprise in the city. The attack prompted a response from Head of the Defense Council of Kryvyi Rih, Oleksandr Vilkul confirming the casualties. The Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration also reported the attack, and the Air Force had warned of a high-speed target approaching from the south.
On 02 April, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held meeting with Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys. They discussed ongoing defense and security support for Ukraine, as well as plans for joint drone production. The two also talked about strengthening EU sanctions against Russia and advancing Ukraine's EU accession process. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Lithuania’s continued assistance, particularly in bolstering Ukraine's air defences, investing in long-range weaponry, and providing military training. He highlighted Lithuania’s significant support since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. The meeting, which took place on 01 April, reflects the deepening cooperation between Ukraine and Lithuania in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 02 April, Russian President Investment Envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, held meeting with the US officials in Washington as part of ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to facilitate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Dmitriev, a Stanford-educated former Goldman Sachs banker with deep US connections, is the highest-ranking Russian official to visit the US since 2022. Though the details of discussions remain unclear, his visit follows Trump's recent frustration with the slow progress of ceasefire talks and his threat of sanctions on Russian crude buyers. Dmitriev's visit, facilitated by a special US State Department license due to existing sanctions against him, could play a pivotal role in mending US-Russia relations. He was involved in early US-Russia contacts during Trump's 2016 election and helped broker relations between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Notably, the Trump administration excluded Russia from its new list of countries facing major tariffs, while Ukraine was hit with a 10 per cent levy. Dmitriev has also proposed potential areas for US-Russia cooperation, including energy, rare earths, space, and even partnerships with figures like Elon Musk.
On 02 April, Russia’s defence ministry reported on countering 93 drones launched across Russia. A Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber crashed in the Irkutsk region due to a technical malfunction, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence. The incident occurred during a scheduled flight near the village of Buret in the Bokhansky district. The crash took place in a "deserted area," causing no casualties on the ground, but a fire broke out following the impact. The bomber, which was carrying a combat load at the time, also hit power lines, leading to a localized power outage. The four crew members on board were being evacuated by a search and rescue team.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 02 March, Axios reported on US President Trump's tariff announcement. The tariff targets nearly all countries with tariffs of at least 10 per cent, notably excluded Russia. US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that Russia was omitted because the US sanctions already prohibited significant trade. However, the US still conducts more trade with Russia than Mauritius or Brunei. This also included countries like Cuba, Belarus, and North Korea which were also left out due to already existing tariffs. US-Russia trade has drastically declined from USD 35 billion in 2021 to just USD 3.5 billion in 2024 due to the sanctions imposed after war. While Russia has asked the US to lift some sanctions during ceasefire talks, which have stalled, Trump recently threatened secondary tariffs on Russian oil and expressed frustration with Russian President Putin. Leavitt mentioned that Russia could still face additional sanctions.
On 02 March, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported a cyber-attack on the information infrastructure of his Civic Platform (PO), suggesting that the attack may have been carried out by intelligence actors "from the East." Tusk emphasised the threat of foreign interference in Poland’s electoral process, highlighting the potential impact on upcoming elections. The Minister of Digitalization, Krzysztof Gawkowski, called the incident serious and confirmed that government agencies are working intensively to address the situation. Gawkowski previously stated that Russia has been the primary cyber aggressor against Poland, with Moscow aiming to influence the 2025 presidential elections. The first round of Poland's presidential election is set for 18 May, with Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski currently considered the front-runner.
On 02 April, NATO provided Ukraine EUR 20 billion in security assistance in the first three months of 2025. It reaffirms its commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, highlighted this during a press conference in Brussels ahead of a meeting of the military alliance's foreign ministers. He emphasised that NATO allies continue to pledge significant support, coordinating the delivery of security aid and training from their Wiesbaden command. Reflecting on the anniversary of Bucha massacre, Rutte condemned Russia’s ongoing war and commended efforts by the US, the UK, France, and others to work toward a lasting peace. He also warned of the global threat posed by Russia's collaboration with China, Iran, and North Korea, which destabilise societies through cyber-attacks, sabotage, and other actions. Rutte stressed that NATO must continue to grow stronger and more unified in response to these challenges. The two-day NATO defence ministers’ meeting in Brussels, starting 03 April, will focus on strengthening defence capabilities and increasing assistance to Ukraine. Additionally, a NATO-Ukraine Council meeting will include Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
On 02 April, Finland government donated nine ambulances and a shipment of humanitarian aid to Ukraine, delivered by Finnish volunteer organizations, including Pro patria Suomi-Ukraina Ry, Lions Clubs International, and the Society of Ukrainians in Finland. The Finnish Embassy in Ukraine announced the donation, which reflects Finland's continued unwavering support for Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale war. Finland’s Ambassador Tarja Fernandez emphasized that Finland will stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary. The ambulances, in collaboration with Ukrainian partners U-crane LLC and the Dobrobut Charitable Foundation, will be distributed to the areas most in need.
References
“Russian forces unleash hour-long drone barrage on Ukraine's Kharkiv,” Reuters, 03 April 2025
Dave Lawler and Barak Ravid “Trump's tariffs list is missing one big country: Russia,” Axios, 03 April 2025
“Russian ballistic missile strike on Kryvyi Rih enterprise kills three,” Ukrinform, 02 April 2025
Erin Banco, Humeyra Pamuk and Gleb Stolyarov, “Putin envoy Dmitriev, Trump envoy Witkoff meet in Washington,” Reuters, 03 April 2025
“Russian army loses another 1,410 troops in Ukraine over past day,” Ukrinform, 02 April 2025
“Cyberattack on Tusk's party platform - PM calls out "footprint from East,” Ukrinform, 02 April 2025
“Tu-22M3 bomber crashes in Russia,” Ukrinform, 02 April 2025
“NATO provided Ukraine with over EUR 20B in first three months of 2025 – Rutte,” Ukrinform, 02 April 2025
“Finland donates ambulances, humanitarian aid to Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 02 April 2025