Intense battles at the frontline during Ukraine summit in Odessa
Ukraine Secures More Arms Aid Amid Expansionist Russian Plans
Kyiv/Odessa - Ukraine secured additional defense package promises at the South-East Europe summit in Odessa, as reported by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha on television. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also highlighted the urgent need for reinforcement, pointing towards Russia's alleged broader conquest plans beyond the officially known ones.
During the Ukraine-South-East Europe summit, various heads of state and government gathered to discuss regional issues and coordinate aid for Ukraine. Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of beefing up air defense, political support, such as for Ukraine's aspired EU membership, and strengthening regional unity. He shared a video on Telegram, showing him laying flowers with several state guests for the fallen Ukrainian soldiers.
Zelenskyy Warns of Russian Corridor to Moldova and Romania
According to Zelenskyy, Russia's expansionist ambitions are not restricted to southern and eastern Ukraine. The Russian military reportedly eye-balls Odessa strategically and intends to use it as a stepping stone to invade Moldova and Romania, with the goal of sowing chaos in the region to weaken Europe overall.
Shortly after Russia's invasion in February 2022, high-ranking Moscow General Rustam Minnekayev designated control over southern Ukraine and the land route to the Moldovan region of Transnistria as war goals. Although Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to officially acknowledge this, Zelenskyy claims such expansionist plans are underway.
Caution of Widening Conflicts
Zelenskyy voiced concerns that Russia's interests do not cease with Ukraine. He claims that Russia is stoking ethnic conflicts in the Balkans, interfering in Romanian elections, and seeking control over the former Soviet republic of Moldova.Should the pro-European camp lose to the Russia-friendly opposition in Moldova's September parliamentary election, this would embolden Russia to interfere more in the affairs of other European states.
First Serbian Presidential Visit Since War Began
Serbian President Alexandar Vucic traveled to Ukraine for the first time since the war began due to the summit. Vucic opposes sanctions against Russia and blames the West for Putin's war against Ukraine. Last month, Vucic attended the military parade in Moscow. According to media reports, he promised to assist in rebuilding one or two Ukrainian cities or regions. Serbia supports Ukraine's territorial integrity, he claimed. However, he opted out from signing the final declaration of the Odessa summit, citing the inclusion of sanctions against Russia.
Historically friendly relations between Serbia and Russia have recently encountered some tension, with Russia's foreign intelligence service alleging that Serbia has been selling ammunition to Ukraine.
Ukraine Under Persistent Pressure
Apart from arms, Ukraine has been grappling with troop mobilization. The superiority of the large neighbor Russia perpetually pressures Ukraine on the front, resulting in around 200 clashes in the last 24 hours alone. The Donetsk region remains under aggressive Russian attacks, with over 60 advances around the strategically important city of Pokrovsk. In the vicinity of Novopavlovsk, there were reportedly around 30 attacks. Bombardment of the rear areas continues relentlessly, and overnight into Thursday, drone attacks occurred in several Ukrainian regions.
Prisoners Swaps Expected
Following two prisoner exchanges at the beginning of the week, both warring parties anticipate handing over additional prisoners on Thursday. According to reports from Moscow, these are seriously injured individuals.
- The urgent need for political support, such as for Ukraine's aspired EU membership, and strengthening regional unity, as emphasized by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the Ukraine-South-East Europe summit, is crucial amidst the expanding Russian plans and War-and-conflicts in the region.
- In the context of the widening conflicts, there are concerns that Russia's interests do not cease with Ukraine; instead, they are stoking ethnic conflicts in the Balkans and seeking control over the former Soviet republic of Moldova, potentially exerting influence on the pro-European camp in Moldova's September parliamentary election, as voiced by President Zelenskyy.
