THE WIRE OF SEPTEMBER 23: A Ukrainian attack on the headquarters of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea, in annexed Crimea, has created tensions between the two countries. While the governor of Sevastopol initially warned of a possible new missile attack on the city, he quickly announced that the danger had passed. Additionally, senior Russian commanders were reportedly killed in the attack.
On another note, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a stopover in Poland where he presented honorary distinctions to two Polish volunteers. However, this visit was not marked by a meeting with representatives of the Polish government. Indeed, the two countries are currently in conflict over the trade in Ukrainian grain.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov rejected UN proposals to revive the deal on Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea. According to him, these proposals are unrealistic and do not meet Russia’s demands.
For his part, Lavrov accuses the West of “fighting directly” Russia in Ukraine. He mentions in particular financial aid, armaments and mercenaries from Western countries.
At the same time, President Zelensky announced that he had met the head of the Sudanese army during a stopover in Ireland. They discussed common security challenges, including the activities of illegal armed groups financed by Russia. Zelensky also called on Sudan to support Ukraine’s initiatives to continue grain exports via the Black Sea despite the Russian blockade.
Finally, it should be noted that the former boss of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, Dmitri Rogozin, was appointed senator of the occupied region of Zaporizhzhia. This appointment follows local and regional elections organized by Russia in the Ukrainian regions it has claimed as annexed. These elections were condemned as illegal by Ukraine and the West.
In conclusion, the situation between Ukraine and Russia remains tense, with constant attacks and tensions. The actions of the different parties continue to have political and economic repercussions.