Photo : Sergei Bobylev / TASS
Photo : Sergei Bobylev / TASS
War in Ukraine: Day 554
Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 01 September, according to the Ukraine’s Infrastructure Ministry, two bulk carriers, carrying pig iron and iron ore, departed Pivdennyi Port in Odesa Oblast, Ukraine, through a corridor facilitated by the Ukraine’s Navy. These vessels, managed by a Singapore-based firm, had been stranded in Ukraine’s Black Sea ports due to the conflict. Although Ukraine proposed this route to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), concerns remain over Russia’s military threats towards merchant ships in the region.
On 01 September, police in Kyiv, Chernivtsi, and Poltava received bomb threat reports for educational institutions on the first day of the school year. Around 400 people were evacuated in Poltava, but no dangerous objects were found. Lviv introduced online drone operation lessons as part of a new subject called Defence of Ukraine. UNICEF reports that only a third of Ukraine’s children attend school in person due to ongoing Russia’s attacks and damage to educational institutions, with another third learning fully online, and the remainder following a hybrid approach.
On 01 September, according to Ukrainska Pravda, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend a UNSC meeting in September 2023, marking his first visit to the UN since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ferit Hoxha, Albania’s Permanent Representative to the UN, mentioned the event scheduled for 20 September, chaired by Edi Rama, Albania’s Prime Minister. The meeting will discuss the global repercussions of the conflict in Ukraine, its impact on international peace, the UN, and food security.
On 01 September, Russia's army launched two Kalibr missiles at Ukraine, with one being intercepted over the Kropyvnytskyi region. After a nighttime attack in the Vinnytsia region, victims of Russia’s missile strike are receiving assistance, as confirmed by Serhiy Borzov, Head of the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration. One missile was destroyed and the other hit a private enterprise.
On 01 September, Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, defended Ukraine’s counteroffensive, stating it was not failing but moving forward. He emphasized the difficulties soldiers face and criticized those questioning the speed of the operation. Kuleba stressed the importance of understanding the challenges on the ground, expressing his support for the troops.
On 31 August, according to Ukrainska Pravda, Ukraine’s military counterintelligence, reportedly using cardboard drones, launched an attack on Russia's airbase in Kursk. These drones are said to be undetectable by Russia’s radar and can cause significant damage. During the attack, kamikaze drones targeted several aircraft and air defence systems, impacting the airbase.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 01 September, journalist Dmitry Muratov, a Nobel Prize co-recipient, was labeled a foreign agent by Russia’s Justice Ministry. This move is commonly used to silence critics and requires disclosure of funding sources and tagging of all publications. Muratov was accused of disseminating opinions against Russia’s policies through foreign platforms.
On 01 September, Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief claimed the recent drone attack on Pskov airport in western Russia, damaging transport planes, originated from Russian territory. Four Russia’s military transport planes were hit, according to Budanov, but independent verification is pending. Satellite imagery suggests damage to Russia’s military aircraft.
On 01 September, according to TASS, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s President, are set to hold talks in Sochi on 04 September. This meeting follows the discontinuation of a grain deal between the two countries and marks their first in-person meeting since October 2022.
On 01 September, according to Mikhail Vedernikov, Governor of Pskov Oblast, an unidentified object above Pskov, Russia, was detected and subsequently shot down. Air defence systems in the area did not engage further, and no damage on the ground was reported.
On 31 August, Russia’s air defences intercepted a drone approaching Moscow, according to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. The drone’s origin was not specified initially. Russia’s Defence Ministry later stated it was of Ukraine’s origin. No casualties or damage were reported, but over 100 flights at Moscow airports were delayed.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 01 September, according to the BBC, Ukraine had made “notable progress” against fortified Russia’s positions in the south, according to the US government, particularly near Zaporizhzhia. While Kyiv’s forces are advancing, they acknowledge the difficulty of the fight. Russia claims to have taken strategic heights near Kupiansk in the northeast. Progress in the south has been hampered by Russia's complex defences, including trenches, tunnels, minefields, and anti-tank barriers.
On 01 September, Denmark requested that Russia reduce its embassy staff in Copenhagen to match the number of Danish staff in Moscow. This decision follows failed negotiations over increasing the numbers, primarily due to Russia’s efforts to include visa requests for intelligence officers. Denmark has set a deadline of 29 September for Russia to comply. Additionally, reports suggest that a Russia’s military intelligence officer was posted as a diplomat in Copenhagen.
On 01 September, in an interview with Deutsche Welle, as the Ukraine’s counteroffensive continues, experts suggest Ukraine may increasingly employ domestically made drones for attacks against Russia’s positions. The recent thwarted drone strike on Moscow reportedly used Ukraine’s-made drones, offering several advantages, including reduced risk to Ukraine’s lives and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional missile strikes. Analysts point to drones like the UJ-22 and Beaver as potential models used in such operations, highlighting the challenge of identifying the production sources.
On 01 September, according to the UK’s defence intelligence war update on Ukraine, Russia’s forces were reportedly reinforcing the Crimean bridge. Russia is using passive defences like smoke generators and underwater barriers, along with active defence measures like air defence systems. Satellite imagery shows the creation of an underwater barrier using sunken ships to block sea drones.
References
Elsa Court, “Two more merchant ships leave Ukrainian port through navy corridor,” The Kyiv Independent, 01 September 2023
Dinara Khalilova, “Police report bomb threats in educational institutions as learners start new academic year,” The Kyiv Independent, 01 September 2023
“UN "almost confirms" Zelenskyy's participation at Security Council meeting in September,” Ukrainska Pravda, 01 September 2023
“Enemy missile hits private enterprise in Vinnytsia region at night, injuries reported,” Ukrinform, 01 September 2023
“Partners aware Ukraine "moving forward" in counteroffensive - Kuleba,” Ukrinform, 01 September 2023
Valentyna Romanenko, “Ukraine's security service attacked Russian airbase with cardboard drones,” Ukrainska Pravda, 31 August 2023
“Russia Brands Nobel Winner Dmitry Muratov a 'Foreign Agent',” The Moscow Times, 01 September 2023
“Drone Strike on Pskov Airport Launched From Inside Russia, Says Ukraine,” The Moscow Times, 01 September 2023
“Putin, Erdogan to meet for talks in Sochi September 4 — Kremlin spokesman,” TASS, 01 September 2023
“Unidentified target detected, shot down above west Russia’s Pskov,” TASS, 01 September 2023
“Russia Downs Drone Heading for Moscow,” The Moscow Times, 31 August 2023
Laurence Peter, “Ukraine war: US sees 'notable progress' by Ukraine army in south,” BBC, 01 September 2023
“Danes orders Russia to reduce embassy staff to the same number that Denmark has in Moscow,” Associated Press, 01 September 2023
“Military analyst points to Ukraine's domestic drone arsenal,” Deutsche Welle, 01 September 2023
Gabriel Gavin, “Russia fortifies defenses around Crimea bridge, UK says,” Politico, 01 September 2023
In Brief
Genesy Balasingam
HUNGARY
Budapest Pride challenges LGBT propaganda law
On 01 September, Euronews reported that Budapest Pride was faced with criticism for displaying their pride community advertisement in an event. A cheery animated film portraying two vibrantly colored people skating and rollerblading at a festival was banned from airing during daytime hours in Hungary earlier this year and was relegated to the graveyard slot at night. Budapest Pride is filing a legal appeal to this judgment, saying that some elements of the paedophilia statute conflict with other laws in the country that protect free speech and artistic expression. The country’s media council reclassified an advertisement for Budapest Pride’s Community Festival and Parade from “advertising for a social purpose” to ostensibly instructional material, and so unsuitable for children. Orban’s government had outlawed LGBT propaganda, claiming to protect children from immoral content. In 2021, Viktor Orban, Hungary’s Prime Minister’s Fidesz party revised the law on paedophilia and child safety to limit children’s exposure to material “promoting homosexuality,” gender reassignment, and LGBT depiction in the media or public arena. Law violations are punishable by penalties or imprisonment. Budapest Pride, on the other hand believes they have the right to display commercial advertising for their events. (“Una Hajdari, “Budapest Pride challenges Hungarian ‘LGBT propaganda’ law in court,” Euronews, 01 September 2023)
ICELAND
Fitch gives ‘A’ rating to Iceland
On 01 September, the Government of Iceland published a report confirming Iceland’s ‘A’ Ratings by Fitch. Fitch's report stated that Iceland’s ‘A’ rating is supported by its very high per capita income and governance indices that are more compatible with those of higher ratings. The country has developed significant buffers to lessen its exposure to external shocks and balance-of-payments risks. However, the grade is restrained by Iceland’s small economy. Fitch’s rating is primarily based on gross debt. The report suggested that increasing the capacity of Iceland’s export industries and diversifying its domestic sectors will assist in minimizing the country’s vulnerability to external shocks. Iceland is also ideally positioned to boost its worldwide competitiveness in fish aquaculture. The Icelandic government also announced anti-inflationary measures to support deflationary initiatives. (“Fitch Affirms Iceland at ‘A’; Outlook Stable,” Government of Iceland, 01 September 2023)
THE NETHERLANDS
Foreign Minister resigns
On 01 September, according to the report published by the Government of the Netherlands, Wopke Hoekstra resigned as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Hoekstra was Foreign Minister from 10 January 2022 to 01 September 2023. Liesje Schreinemacher, the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation will take over until a successor is appointed. Hoekstra, has been appointed as a Commissioner-designate for Climate Action. Reports suggest that he will be responsible for preparing a small team with the assistance of EU Commission officials to work on Climate Action.(“Wopke Hoekstra resigns as foreign minister of the Netherlands,” Government of the Netherlands, 01 September 2023)
Amsterdam Airport to achieve climate goals
On 01 September, the Dutch government announced its desire to reduce the number of flights at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport beginning next year. Schiphol Airport currently handles over 500,000 flights per year, but the Dutch government wants to limit it to 452,500. By reducing the number of aircraft, the government intends to reduce noise pollution and CO2 emissions. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) advised the Dutch caretaker administration not to go ahead with the plan in advance of a November national election. Critics stated that the outgoing government will not be held accountable for the severe consequences that may result from the Schiphol decision therefore creating internal conflicts. (“Dutch government plans to cut Amsterdam airport's flights,” Deutsche Welle, 01 September 2023)
SPAIN
Case against Rubiales over forcible kiss
On 02 September, Spain’s highest administrative court for sports opened a formal complaint against Luis Rubiales, Spain's Football Federation (RFEF) president, for his behaviour at the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney, Australia. Nearly two weeks after forcibly kissing Jenni Hermoso, World Cup player, on the lips during a globally televised ceremony. He has refused to resign. The Spanish government has called for his immediate suspension. Rubiales was charged with serious misconduct by the Sports Administrative Tribunal (TAD). Rubiales issued a statement shortly after the TAD announcement, calling the public anger a “witch hunt” by “false feminists.” Players unions in Spain also announced a two-game walkout in the women’s domestic league in response to the Rubiales case, as well as a general strike to protest the treatment of female players and their wages. The uproar of the case overshadowed Spain’s historic Women’s World Cup victory. (“Spain: Sports court opens case against Rubiales over kiss,” Deutsche Welle,02 September 2023)
SWITZERLAND
Two new projects introduced to strengthen Swiss space policy
On 31 August, the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research announced the selection of two research and innovation projects as part of national space operations. The projects were chosen for their multidisciplinary nature, potential and ability to produce results that can be incorporated into the European Space Agency’s activities. The project selection process comprised a thorough scientific and technological evaluation. The goal of the open SPACE project is to develop a European nuclear simulation platform for space applications and idea studies. They contribute to the strategic goals of developing specialist skills for the space sector inside higher education research centres and to the implementation of Swiss space policy. Through these projects, the government aims to strengthen Switzerland’s position in the space sector. It also aims to promote national and international collaboration. (“Two new multidisciplinary research and innovation projects in the space sector,” The Federal Council, 31 August 2023)
REGIONAL
EU proposes renaming and expansion of powers
On 01 September, a group of European legislators proposed a long-shot change of the EU’s core treaty that, if accepted, would fundamentally alter the way the EU operates. The draft proposal, dated 17 August was drafted by six members of the European Parliament, who suggested decision-making authoritative changes in the EU Council. It promoted qualified majority vote and normal legislative procedure in a variety of sectors such as defence, taxation, and foreign policy. The proposal also suggests calling the European Commission the “European Executive” and significantly expanding Parliament’s powers, as well as handing EU institutions sole competence to decide on environmental and climatic issues. The idea was described as a completely ill-considered and disproportionate shift in decision-making which moved towards escaping democratic structures. (Nicholas Vinocur, “EU lawmakers pitch sweeping treaty reform,” Politico, 01 September 2023)
Wildfire update
On 01 September, the Federal Council reported that Switzerland will be dispatching army helicopters and aid to support and help Greece which is still ravaged by wildfires. In response to Greek authorities’ calls for assistance, Switzerland will be sending three army helicopters and people to reinforce fire fighting operations on the ground. Despite the efforts of numerous EU countries, the flames have not been put out, and Switzerland has chosen to join the international effort. Around 30 Swiss professionals will be involved in this operation. The overall management of this operation is in the hands of Swiss Humanitarian Aid. Switzerland had already sent Super Puma helicopters to Greece in the summer of 2021 to combat wildfires. (“Wildfires in Greece: Switzerland dispatches army helicopters,” The Federal Council, 01 September 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
French citizen killed by coast guards
On 01 September, according to France’s authorities, Algerian coast guard personnel shot and killed a French citizen and imprisoned another after they wandered into Algeria’s seas on water scooters from Morocco, where they were vacationing. They drifted into Algeria’s waters due to a lack of gasoline in their water sport vehicle. They possessed dual French-Moroccan citizenship. Algerian officials have not yet responded to the shooting. The Algeria’s government severed diplomatic relations with Morocco in 2021, partially in response to Morocco’s closeness with Israel and partly in protest at Morocco’s rapprochement with Israel. (Aurelien Breeden and Aida Alami “French Citizen Killed After Straying Into Algerian Waters,” The New York Times, 01 September, 2023)
Libya chooses French candidate to lead EU mission
On 01 September, Libya rejected Italy’s choice to command the EU mission and is poised to select a French ambassador. This is a setback for Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s right-wing Prime Minister, who has made increased engagement with North African countries a fundamental plank of her foreign policy agenda. The development comes amid a long-running battle for influence in Libya between Italy and France for resources. The former Italian colony is strategically important for the EU since it is a major oil source and a significant departure point for migrants making their way to Europe. Patrick Simmonet, the French nominee, has no prior experience in Libya, but he has recently served as the EU’s envoy to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman. (Gregorio Sorgi, “Libya rejects EU envoy from Italy, prefers French candidate,” Politico, 01 September 2023)
Northern Bastion exercise to improve financial resilience
On 01 September, the Ministry of Finance of Finland reported on an exercise called Northern Bastion which was held in Helsinki, Finland. The goal of this exercise was to improve financial sector resilience in the Baltic Sea region by developing and testing approaches for maintaining business continuity through cross-border coordination and cooperation. Government representatives from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the US took part in the event. The event provided an opportunity for participating governments to examine and develop their respective policies and overall readiness to respond to physical infrastructure and cyber damages in the region which disrupts the financial sector’s digital processes. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, as well as changes in the security climate in the Baltic Sea region, necessitate stronger cooperation among our allies and partners. Jaakko Weuro, Head of the Banking and Financial Infrastructure Unit at the Ministry of Finance of Finland stated that financial sector authorities had an important role in bolstering shared resilience. (“Finland conducts financial sector resilience exercise with US and regional partners,” Finnish Government, 01 September 2023)