Major Russian ballistic missile strike on Poltava & Mongolia refuses to arrest Putin despite Ukraine’s demands
Sep 3, 2024
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In this discussion, David Knowles, a seasoned journalist, and Dominic Nicholls, a defense expert, delve into the dire consequences of a Russian missile strike in Poltava, resulting in tragic casualties. They emphasize the urgent need for enhanced air defense systems. Meanwhile, Francis Dearnley and James Crisp highlight the political shifts in Germany, particularly the rise of the far-right party AFD and its implications for Ukraine support. The conversation also touches on Russia's evolving influence in Europe and Mongolia's refusal to act against Putin.
The recent Russian missile strike on Poltava highlights the urgent need for enhanced air defense capabilities in Ukraine to protect civilians.
Germany's shifting political landscape, with rising support for the far-right AFD party, raises concerns about the future of European military support for Ukraine.
Deep dives
Devastating Missile Strike in Poltava
A recent Russian missile strike on Poltava resulted in significant loss of life, with 41 fatalities reported and over 180 individuals injured. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that two Iskander ballistic missiles hit the area, specifically targeting the Military Institute of Communications, which has raised concerns about military civilian gatherings during such attacks. The rapid timeline between the alarm and the missile strikes left many people vulnerable during evacuation efforts. This incident has intensified calls for improved air defense capabilities in Ukraine to prevent future tragedies of this scale.
Shifts in German Political Landscape
The political climate in Germany is changing, with indications that Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government may be losing support amid rising discontent regarding the country's stance on Ukraine. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AFD) party achieved significant gains in recent elections, reflecting a growing skepticism among voters about the continuing military support for Ukraine. The AFD's success in regions that are economically disadvantaged has led to a backlash against the economic repercussions of the Ukraine conflict. This shift suggests a potential decline in Germany's unified support for Ukraine, raising concerns about future European policies regarding the war.
Turkey's Balancing Act in Global Alliances
Turkey's recent application to join the BRICS nations reflects its attempt to navigate complex geopolitical waters, balancing ties with both Western nations and Russia. President Erdogan's strategy aims to strengthen Turkey's position as a mediator while maintaining alliances with diverse global powers. Tensions have emerged due to Turkey's open criticism of Western policies, particularly related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. This careful balancing act underscores the challenges facing NATO members as they grapple with internal divisions regarding support for Ukraine and relations with Russia.
Military Aid Developments and Concerns
The international military aid landscape for Ukraine is evolving, with the UK and the US demonstrating continued support through significant financial commitments. The UK announced more than £1 billion in military aid, including a contract for artillery shells, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities. However, there is skepticism about the effectiveness of such pledges, as concerns grow over the timing and actual delivery of promised support. Moreover, the anticipation of long-range missile shipments from the US poses questions about operational permissions for Ukraine as it contemplates further action against Russian targets.
Today, we bring you the latest news from Ukraine where a major Russian ballistic missile strike on the city of Poltava kills at least 41 people, we look into more detail at the German elections and analyse reaction to Vladimir Putin's visit to Mongolia.
Contributors:
David Knowles (Journalist). @djknowles22 on X.
Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor, Defence). @DomNicholls on X.
Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X.
With thanks to James Crisp (Europe Editor). @JamesCrisp6 on X.
Articles Referenced:
Putin, cash and guns prompt ‘explosive’ rethink of Swiss neutrality (POLITICO):
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