Photo : Nato.int
Photo : Nato.int
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON GROUND
On 15 April, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recalled that recognizing any Russian-occupied territories as anything but Ukrainian is a firm "red line." He emphasized Ukraine’s sovereignty during a press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Odesa. He insisted that only Ukrainians have the ability to decide on the status of their land. Zelenskyy called the broader diplomatic discussions "positive." He also underscored Ukraine’s urgent need for air defence systems amid persistent Russian attacks, which have killed several civilians in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Rutte criticised the strikes on civilian areas and pledged steadfast support for Ukraine and long-term security.
On 15 April, Ukrainian military claimed responsibility for striking the Russian base in response to the missile attack on Sumy that killed 35. According to the report, Ukrainian forces targeted the 448th missile brigade of the Russian occupiers and detonated the ammunition. Meanwhile, Governor of Sumy, Volodymyr Artyukh, stated that the attack had targeted a military gathering, a claim Moscow made but Ukraine had denied. Additionally, Ukrainian military reported significant progress in weakening Russia’s logistics, destroying over 11,000 Russian military vehicles since 2025. It claimed to have disrupted the flow of supplies and equipment to Russian forces.
On 15 April, China’s government denied Ukraine’s claims on its citizen involvement in the war. It rejected saying "manipulation and hype" on capture of two Chinese nationals. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed verification by the government and urged all parties to understand China’s neutral stance. The two captured soldiers, who appeared at a press conference in Ukraine, expressed hope for a prisoner exchange.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 15 April, RT reported on Russia’s President Press Secretary, Dmitry Peskov accusation of the EU. He criticised the EU for its efforts to prolong the conflict, while Russia and the US engaged in "intense" diplomatic efforts to bring about peace. This comes after EU discussions about sending a "reassurance" force to support Ukraine, despite Moscow's constant warnings of escalation. Additionally, Peskov criticized the European Commission's recent proposal for an USD 840 billion rearmament plan to bolster military aid to Ukraine, which he suggested was part of a broader strategy to keep the war going. According to Peskov, European NATO members are continuing to express their intention to back Ukraine's fight, contrasting this with the diplomatic exchanges between Moscow and Washington aimed at peace. Furthermore, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov condemned plans by Western European nations to deploy troops to Ukraine. He accused them of using Ukraine as a tool to strengthen their anti-Russian influence rather than seeking a genuine settlement.
On 15 April, Russia’s Defence Ministry reported Ukrainian kamikaze drones targeting civilians in Kursk city. It criticised Ukraine for intentionally inflicting maximum casualties, with munitions packed to increase the damage. According to the report, the attack took place in residential area killing an elderly woman and injuring nine more. Governor Aleksandr Khinshtein condemned the attack. The Russian Investigative Committee labelled the strike as an act of terrorism, emphasizing that the Ukrainian drones were deliberately engineered to maximize civilian and infrastructure harm. Ball bearings were found at the impact sites, scattered across the area, further highlighting the deadly intent behind the attack. The Russian Defense Ministry also reported that 115 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones were countered, including 109 over Kursk Region, with air defences successfully repelling the assault.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 15 April, during his visit to Odesa, Rutte along with Zelenskyy released a joint statement. Rutte affirmed NATO’s “strong and unwavering support” for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing attacks. He called out the current violence in Ukraine, including the missile strikes Odesa, and ballistic missile attack in Sumy. Rutte criticised Russia’s repeated targeting of civilians, including hundreds of medical facilities and workers, calling it an "outrageous" pattern of behaviour. He reassured the people of Ukraine that NATO’s support remains “rock-solid” and that NATO’s commitment to Ukraine’s security would be both political and practical. He pointed out that NATO Allies have already pledged over EUR 20 billion in security assistance for 2025. Rutte emphasized that NATO’s goal is to help Ukraine remain strong and sovereign, capable of defending itself and deterring future aggression. He also addressed ongoing peace efforts, between the US and Russia, and how France and the UK, are prepared to play their part in securing peace at right time. Rutte concluded by reaffirming NATO’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, looking forward to a future where the Ukrainian people can live in peace, free from fear.