Photo : Etias
03 August 2024, Saturday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #901
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 02 August, Ukraine’s military spokesperson Vitalii Sarantsev reported on increasing battlefield operations in Kharkiv. He said: “The situation in the operational area of the Kharkiv Groups of Forces remains difficult, tense and has signs of escalating.” Russia which had launched a new set of offensives in northern Kharkiv in May was not able to make further advances due to Ukraine's continued defence however the situation is seen to changing. According to the spokesperson, Russian forces were observed to be rotating internally to improve their position in the border zones. The same was mentioned by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President when he stated the difficult position and Russia’s advance westward.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 02 August, RT reported on a video released by the Russian Defence Ministry to encourage citizens to enrol in the military. The video focuses on different ethnicities, religions joining together for the war. It shows the fierce battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces and how Russian soldiers guard under a trench praying in front of “small Orthodox icon of St. George.” It is one of the well-known figures indicating victory on the battlefield. Another short clip shows a tank crew member doing a Muslim prayer, and at the same time another army member reading a Buddhist mantra. Lastly, it says: “We are Russians. God is with us. Prayer is not just words; it is a powerful force.” Since the autumn of 2022, Russia has announced 300,000 to cover the front line in Ukraine and according to Defence Ministry records, 190,000 have till now joined in 2024.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from Europe and the US
On 02 August, ERR News reported on the Estonian government's announcement of customs control on the eastern border at Narva, Koidula and Luhamaa. This will be applicable from 08 August to prevent Russia from circumventing the sanctions. Kristen Michal, Prime Minister stressed doing everything to bar the transportation of sanctioned goods by tighter security. In a press conference, he confirmed Russia’s evasion of sanctions and transport of banned goods across Estonia’s borders but he assured of implementing strict control to tighten the supplies. To enforce, both local and transport companies were informed and were asked to shift from “risk-based checks to full customs control.” This would mean checking of every person and luggage crossing the border by any means.
References
“Turkey ratifies free trade agreement with Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 02 August 2024
“Russia could be escalating military operations in Kharkiv, according to Ukraine’s military,” Euronews, 03 August 2024
“‘God is with us’: WATCH new Russian Army recruitment video,” RT, 02 August 2024
“Turkey launches newly built anti-submarine warship for Ukraine,” Turkish Minute, 02 August 2024
“Estonia strengthens customs control on eastern border to stop sanctions evasion,” ERR News, 01 August 2024