These are attacks by Russian partisans, who are against Russian policy and the Russian war. “The impression is that these groups use Belgian weapons in their actions”. Not surprising, Hammelburg says. “It happens in almost all conflicts that weapons mysteriously end up in the hands of other parties or even the enemy.”
The Washington Post also reports that the rebels used vehicles originally supplied to Ukraine by the United States and Poland. And also the rifles made in Belgium and the Czech Republic.
The question is whether this can have consequences, and if so, which ones. “The Belgians are very strict in their policy and claim that they only supply weapons for defense and perhaps for attacks from their own territory.” Belgium wants nothing to do with all other forms of arms suppliers or arms requests, as also stipulated by laws and regulations, Hammelburg knows. “This is a clear violation of that, but I can’t imagine De Croo stopping aid to Ukraine.”
The offensive
Russia says it has repulsed a major Ukrainian offensive. 250 Ukrainian soldiers were reportedly killed and several armored vehicles and tanks were reportedly destroyed. Ukraine is silent about this and, according to Hammelburg, it is unclear whether this is also part of the Ukrainian counter-offensive. “It’s the question we have every day.” This also makes any interpretation of the messages difficult. “You can never believe any of these reports. Maybe the Russians are right and so are the Ukrainians who say nothing».
According to a Russian commander, a good battle was fought, but that doesn’t mean a Ukrainian offensive is over in one fell swoop. ‘This confirms an image that has been discussed more often. A Ukrainian offensive is nothing like what happened in Normandy in 1944,” says Hammelburg. Rather think of a piling of dots back and forth, with Ukrainians trying to take back occupied territory. “This may have been one of those stings pin.”
Crimea
Ukraine wants to regain the four territories claimed by Russia. “We have to pay attention to what is happening with De Krim,” Hammelburg continues, based on various military experts. “If it really happens, you can expect a very big attack with drones or with those new British long-range missiles. With such a serious attack on the Crimea, where the population is supposed to be evacuated, an offensive has really begun. But that too is speculation.”
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