Photo : Reuters

War in Ukraine: Day 558

War in Ukraine: Day 558
Rishika Yadav

War on Ground
On 04 September, Oleksii Reznikov, Ukraine's Defence Minister, submitted his resignation after Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's President, announced his dismissal. Reznikov highlighted achievements during his 22 month tenure and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve during the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy cited a need for new approaches and transparency within the Defence Ministry amid recent procurement scandals. Rustem Umerov, the chairman of the State Property Fund of Ukraine, is nominated as Reznikov's replacement.

On 04 September, Oleg Nikolenko, Spokesman for Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reported that Russia led airstrikes on the port of Izmail in Ukraine's Odesa region, Russia's Shahed drones fell and detonated on Romania's territory. Ukraine's forces recently destroyed 23 Russia's attack drones in the southern and eastern regions.
 
On 04 September, Davyd Arakhamia, head of Ukraine's Servant of the People party faction, announced that Ukraine's parliament will vote next week on the resignation of Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov and the appointment of Rustem Umerov as his successor. The parliament will also vote on matters related to official declarations and changes to laws concerning Politically Exposed Persons.
 
On 03 September, Zelenskyy announced a significant agreement with France during his recent conversation with Emmanuel Macron, France's President. The agreement focuses on training Ukraine's pilots in France, enhancing the coalition of modern fighter aircraft, and strengthening defence efforts in the Odesa region. This development is part of broader discussions on defence support and bilateral security guarantees between the two countries.

The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 04 September, Vladimir Putin, Russia's President, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's President, discussed various aspects of their countries' cooperation during their meeting. They talked about trade, energy, agriculture, and tourism. They also addressed the "Black Sea Initiative" for grain exports. Putin stated Russia's readiness to resume the grain deal if obligations are met, while Erdogan suggested sending one million tons of grain to the poorest African countries. They expressed their willingness to continue diplomatic efforts in the Ukraine conflict. Putin stated that Ukraine's counteroffensive to reclaim territory from Russia appeared to be a "failure." Putin noted that the situation seemed unfavourable for Ukraine but hoped it would persist.
 
On 04 September, Russia's Defence Ministry announced the destruction of four of Ukraine's military boats carrying troops in the Black Sea, similar to an attack on 30 August. Ukraine's drones were also intercepted and destroyed over the Black Sea near Crimea.

The West View
Responses from the US and Europe  
On 04 September, Putin announced that Russia is close to finalizing an agreement to supply up to one million metric tons of grain to six African countries through Turkey, with financial support from Qatar. This initiative is aimed at addressing global food crises, especially in Africa. However, Putin emphasized that it is not an alternative to the Black Sea grain deal, temporarily suspended due to disagreements between Russia and Ukraine. Erdogan also supported reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative and proposed new solutions in consultation with the UN to address Russia's concerns.

On 04 September, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, head of Germany's Bundestag's defence committee, criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany, for blocking the supply of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine within the coalition. She emphasized the urgency of the situation in Ukraine and questioned Scholz's delay in making a decision, while Friedrich Merz, Party leader of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany, suggested a joint European decision on the matter.

References
Dinara Khalilova, "Defense Minister Reznikov submits resignation," The Kyiv Independent, 04 September 2023
"Russia's Shahed drones fell and detonated on Romanian territory – Ukraine's MFA," Ukrinform, 04 September 2023
"Head of leading political party reveals when Ukrainian parliament will vote for replacement of Defence Minister," Ukrainska Pravda, 04 September 2023
Kateryna Tyshchenko, "Zelenskyy: France will train Ukrainian pilots," Ukrainska Pravda, 03 September 2023
"Press conference following Russian-Turkish negotiations," President of Russia, 04 September 2023
"Russia Says Destroyed 4 Ukrainian Military Boats Carrying Troops in Black Sea," The Moscow Times, 04 September 2023
"Two Ukrainian drones downed by Russian air defenses over Kursk Region and Black Sea," TASS, 04 September 2023
"Erdoğan-Putin meeting ensures free grain deal to African nations," Daily Sabah, 04 September 2023
"Strack-Zimmermann calls Scholz's hesitation on Taurus cruise missiles "irresponsible"," Deutschlandfunk, 04 September 2023

In Brief
Genesy Balasingam 

DENMARK
Mayor urges tourists to stop buying marijuana 
On 04 September, following a gang turf fight over the marijuana trade that killed a 30-year-old man, Copenhagen's mayor warned foreign tourists in Christiania to desist from purchasing drugs and Cannabis. Rival gangs, the Hells Angels and the banned Loyal to Family are fighting to control the region's cannabis sales. Christiana has grown in popularity as a tourist destination, fueling illegal trade. Because city officials have not presented tangible answers to the drug trade, drug-selling gangs have emerged despite police repeatedly turning them down. Many tourists and visitors have relocated to Copenhagen to avoid falling into the traps of shootouts and gang vicinities. ("Copenhagen mayor urges foreigners to stop buying marijuana at city's drug oasis following shooting," Associated Press, 04 September 2023)

GEORGIA
Impeachment campaign against President
On 04 September, the Georgian majority party initiated an impeachment campaign against President Salome Zourabichvili. He is accused of breaking the constitution by travelling to EU countries without the government's consent. The party was also offended by Zourabichvili's recent remark that Georgia did not deserve (EU) candidate status last year. Impeachment requires the approval of 100 of the parliament's 150 members; Georgian Dream and its supporters have 84 seats. The Georgian presidency, which has notably limited powers, is set to transition from a directly elected position to one chosen by a college of electors that includes members of parliament in 2024, allowing members of parliament to select their preferred President. The lack of this ability is the sole thing preventing the majority party from impeaching the President. ("Georgia's majority party in parliament pushes to impeach the president but is unlikely to succeed," Associated Press, 04 September 2023)

HUNGARY
Budapest officials impose restrictions 
On 04 September, Euronews reported that Budapest officials had begun to take action to prevent anti-social behaviour in the city's "party district," which has harmed the lives of many citizens. Stag parties with yelling people dropping rubbish and even human fluids on the streets - this is a normal weekend in Budapest's so-called party area. Many locals object to the term "party district," claiming it is a residential area with schools, physicians' offices, and people going about their daily lives. Residents, particularly students, in the regions have been affected by the party trend, as loud noises have disrupted their sleep. The locals dislike the culture since it affects the youngsters and the decorum and cleanliness of the surroundings. Authorities have indicated that they have already warned tourists about the penalties that would be imposed for misbehaviour and disturbances, as well as loitering in public places. Because the town is underfunded, local cafe and nightclub operators must pay security to clean the environment. (Nóra Shenouda with Philip Andrew Churm, "Budapest acts to reduce anti-social behaviour in 'party district'," Euronews, 04 September 2023)

SPAIN
Flash flooding claims three lives, and several others missing
On 05 September, heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in central Spain, killing three people with several others missing. The raging winds and hail caused widespread infrastructure and environmental damage. The emergency services were called to approximately 1200 events in only one night. Pedro Sanchez, Spain's Prime Minister, hailed emergency personnel for their efforts and encouraged citizens to remain cautious. The weather office AEMET issued a red notice on Sunday and has now reduced it to a yellow alert as the storm moves away from the country. Following the storm's low strength, several subway lines and high-speed railway links have resumed service. The extreme floods are attributed to climate change caused by the combustion of fossil fuels. ("Spain flooding: 3 dead, 3 missing after heavy rainfall," Deutsche Welle, 05 September 2023)

THE UK
Weight loss drug launched in the UK market
On 04 September, the weight-loss medicine Novo Nordisk arrived in the UK in limited quantities, where people suffering from obesity and at least one additional ailment will be eligible for the Wegovy injection containing the medicine semaglutide. According to a statement from the Danish corporation, some goods will also be offered for private purchase. The medication is only available in conjunction with a diet and fitness routine. The corporation is increasing pharmaceutical manufacturing but is adopting a cautious approach to expanding Wegovy into other areas. The trial results revealed that those who took the treatment lost 15 per cent of their body weight, and this has greatly increased its demand in the market. Social media influencers have already started to promote the medication, and subsequent research proving further heart health benefits has added to its mythology. Wegovy has been released by Novo Nordisk in the US, Denmark, Norway, and Germany. However, supply has been constrained in the US, with the industry preferring existing patients over new ones. (Helen Collis, "Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug launches in UK," Politico, 04 September 2023)

Police chief quits
On 04 September, the chief of Northern Ireland's police force quit after being accused of mishandling two incidents involving rank-and-file officers. Reports say he had illegally reprimanded two junior policemen who attempted to enforce coronavirus laws at an Irish Republican rally in 2021. The court deemed him to have surrendered to political pressure from the Irish republican party- Sinn Fein. Mark Hamilton, Deputy Chief Constable, has been announced as a temporary replacement for his position. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which had called for Byrne, the Irish Police Chief's resignation after he refused to accept the court's verdict, applauded his decision to quit freely. Jeffrey Donaldson, DUP leader, referred to his party's persistent failure to resurrect a power-sharing government with Sinn Fein at Stormont. Donaldson expressed his hope that the next appointment will restore lost confidence and work impartially. (Shawn Pogatchnik, "Northern Irish police chief quits over claims he sought 'to appease Sinn Féin," Politico, 04 September 2023)

TURKEY
Turkey hits highest inflation since 2022
On 04 September, Euronews reported that official figures indicated inflation statistics. According to the numbers, the country hit 58.9 per cent in August, the highest level since December 2022. Since the end of 2019, Turkey has experienced continuous double-digit inflation, making the cost of living difficult for families across the country. While prices soared by about 60 per cent compared to last August, they increased by 9.1 per cent compared to the previous month, fueled by the Turkish lira's depreciation. Following an eight-month drop, inflation began to rise again in July, reaching 47.8 per cent year on year. To combat inflation, the Turkish Central Bank, whose mandate is to maintain price stability, has hiked its primary important interest rate from 8.5 per cent to 25 per cent since June. The bank amended its predictions, predicting that inflation will reach 58 per cent by the end of the year. ("Inflation in Turkey jumps to 59%," Euronews, 04 September 2023)

REGIONAL
Sami people introduce election campaign ahead of polls
On 04 September, the Sámi Parliament in Inari introduced a month-long election campaign to enable recognized indigenous people in the EU to go to the polls to elect 21 members of the Sámi Parliament. It is an important entity for the Sami people because of the lack of a specific government minister or national representation. The Sami parliament acts autonomously to represent the interests and desires of the Sámi people in Sámi in areas like education, language, and culture; amidst their limited powers, it is the only way to raise local voices about sensitive issues. One of the most pressing challenges confronting the future Sámi Parliament is political participation outside the traditional homeland territory. The campaign comes just months after Sanna Marin, former Prime Minister's government, failed to pass key human rights reforms, a major controversy between the traditional Sámi homeland area, Sámi, and Helsinki. Campaigning in Sami is different because of its smaller population. Actively participating in the community shows the work, making it easier for people to choose whom to vote for. The UN has often chastised Finland, which was judged in 2022 to have breached an international agreement on racial discrimination regarding the political rights of the Sámi people. (David Mac Dougall, "EU's only indigenous people vote in Finland's Sámi Parliament elections," Euronews, 04 September 2023)

INTERNATIONAL
Iran imprisoning officials to use them as diplomatic pawn
On 04 September, The New York Times reported that a Swedish citizen working for the EU diplomatic corps had been imprisoned in Iran for over 500 days, making him a valuable bargaining piece for Tehran as it seeks concessions from the West. The arrest, whose details have been kept a secret for nearly a year by Swedish and EU officials, has been criticized as a part of a macro plan known as Iran's hostage diplomacy. Tehran has been gathering up dual Iranian nationals and foreigners on false charges to exchange them for Iranians imprisoned in Europe or the US or to use them as bargaining chips in exchange for money and other concessions. In a similar incident, the US agreed with Iran to release five Americans jailed there in exchange for USD 6 billion in withheld Iranian oil profits and the release of Iranian inmates in the US. The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not commented on the specifics of the case due to the necessity for confidentiality and the consequences. (Matina Stevis-Gridneff, "EU Official From Sweden Imprisoned in Iran for Over 500 Days," The New York Times, 04 September 2023)