Russian-backed forces launch biggest offensive in Donbas since February

The heaviest fighting since mid-February erupted in Donbas on June 3 as Russian-backed forces bombarded with heavy artillery the towns of Maryinka and Krasnohorivka, both located 28 kilometers east of Donetsk. The fighting killed two Ukrainian soldiers and three civilians, and injured 39, reported on his Facebook page on June 4 Yuriy Biriukov, an advisor to the president. Up to 50 Russian-backed forces were killed and more injured, reported on June 3 the pravda.com.ua news site, citing Vladyslav Seleznev, a spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Russian-backed forces also bombarded Shyrokyne, the coastal town 23 kilometers east of the strategic port city of Mariupol. It was targeted with 30 attacks during June 2 and 3 that employed heavy artillery, mortars, tanks and rifle fire, reported the press service of the Anti-Terrorist Operation.

The U.S. Defense Department is seeking to weaken sanctions against the Russian Federation with the goal of renewing acquisitions of rocket engines for its space-deployed satellites, the New York Times reported on June 3, citing anonymous sources in the Pentagon. Additional Russian engines will be needed for at least a few more years to ensure access to space for the U.S.’s most delicate defense and intelligence technology, the report said. The Pentagon’s position is supported by the director of national intelligence, James Clapper Jr., and the biggest military contractors, Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

Zenon Zawada: The Russian-backed forces in the Donbas region are acting on the direct orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin when engaging in any major assault, we are safe to assume. Putin uses these attacks to raise the stakes and intimidate Western diplomats during negotiations, which could be very well occurring at present, behind the scenes, without public knowledge.

Putin is well aware that Western politicians are dependent on what their constituents see on television, and he is using that to his advantage. Disturbing images of warfare in the Western media prompt many of the residents of these countries to want a resolution to conflict, no matter what the long-term costs. This was demonstrated by the U.S. public’s reaction to images from the Iraq war, which was a major factor in President Barack Obama’s surrender of territory to Islamic militants.

So by placing Western politicians in a position to be pressured both by their own constituents, and by Russian diplomats, Putin is angling to gain concessions – especially the easing of sanctions – in exchange for a frozen conflict. Behind the scenes, Western diplomats have less confidence in the Ukrainian government to be a reliable partner in the conflict with Russia, which could also prompt concessions from their end. What can turn things around for Ukraine is a political breakthrough that could renew Western confidence, perhaps led by former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.