Photo : Kremlin
Photo : Kremlin
War in Ukraine: Day 558
Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 05 September, Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, approved the resignation of Oleksii Reznikov, Ukraine's Defence Minister, with 327 votes in favour. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's President, announced Reznikov's dismissal, and Rustem Umerov, nominated by Zelenskyy, will take over as defence minister on 06 September. Reznikov's term was marked by procurement controversies, including a report that USD 33 million for "winter" clothing was spent on summer attire.
On 05 September, according to the Cluster Munition Coalition annual report, in 2022, Ukraine witnessed over 900 casualties resulting from cluster munitions, primarily due to extensive Russia's use of these banned weapons. It caused global casualties to reach a record high of 1,172. Ukraine recorded 916 deaths and injuries, mostly among civilians. Cluster munitions, known for their indiscriminate and long-lasting threat, were used in Syria, Myanmar, and other countries, causing 987 casualties in total. Notably, the US decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine in July 2022 raised concerns as these weapons are banned by the majority of countries.
On 05 September, the Ukraine's Defence Forces continued their offensive in the Bakhmut and Melitopol sectors, as confirmed by Ukraine's General Staff. Gains have been made in Robotyne and Novoprokopivka, with artillery support and counter battery fire against enemy positions. In the Bakhmut direction, Ukraine's forces advance, inflicting substantial losses on Russia. Defensive efforts were held against Russia's forces in Avdiivka and Marinka, with the latter's failed assault attempts.
On 05 September, during a visit to the Donetsk region, Zelenskyy met with combat brigades defending Ukraine in the Bakhmut sector, including the 93rd mechanized brigade Kholodnyi Yar, 28th mechanized brigade Knights of the Winter Campaign, and 92nd mechanized brigade Kish Otaman Ivan Sirko. Zelenskyy awarded them Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi and Orders of Princess Olga for their valor and defence of Ukraine's sovereignty. He expressed gratitude to the soldiers and their families, praising their dedication and sacrifice for the country's independence.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 05 September, according to Sergey Sobyanin, Moscow's Mayor, Russia's Air Defence Forces successfully intercepted and destroyed Ukraine's attack drones approaching Moscow. The drones were neutralized over the Kaluga region and Istra District in the Moscow region. Although there were no reported injuries or infrastructure damage, debris from a downed drone caused damage to a household in the Istra District.
On 05 September, according to The Moscow Times, Russia's border agents foiled Ukraine's sabotage groups' third attempt in a month to infiltrate the Bryansk region. Alexander Bogomaz, Governor of the Bryansk region, shared photos of seized weapons and ammunition. No casualties were reported, but Russia's far-right militia claimed to have killed two Federal Security Service (FSB) officers, with conflicting reports on the date of one officer's death.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 05 September, according to Germany's Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community, the Russian Federation is actively disseminating disinformation and propaganda in Germany and its partner countries, including in the EU and NATO, to influence public opinion. Since the onset of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, disinformation has increased from Russian-controlled media, pro-Kremlin websites, and official diplomatic channels. Sanctions targeting Russia's pro-government media have led to increased use of social media for spreading disinformation. Russia's government entities employ various communication channels, including official press releases, social media, and embassy websites, to shape perceptions of their unlawful war in Ukraine and portray the West negatively.
On 05 September, Harald Buschek, Chief Program Officer of Diehl Defence, reported that Diehl Defence, a German arms manufacturer, plans to increase production of its IRIS-T air defence system due to rising demand amid Russia's conflict in Ukraine. By 2025, the company intends to produce at least eight systems, up from three to four this year. Missile production will triple this year and double again next year, with an expected output of 400 to 500 missiles from 2024. Ukraine has effectively used IRIS-T to counter cruise missile attacks, and NATO allies are now seeking to procure the system for their defences.
On 05 September, according to the BBC, Cuba exposed a human trafficking ring allegedly recruiting Cubans to fight for Russia in the Ukraine conflict. While Cuba is a close ally of Russia, it emphasized it's not involved in the Ukraine conflict. Reports suggest Cubans in Russia joined Russia's forces in Ukraine, possibly in exchange for Russia's citizenship. Cuba condemned the use of mercenaries and pledged legal action against those recruiting its citizens.
The Global Fallouts
On 05 September, NK news reported that Kim Jong Un, North Korea's leader, may meet with Vladimir Putin, Russia's President, at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok from 10 to 13 September. Though not confirmed, experts suggest several factors make such a meeting likely. North Korean labour could help address Russia's labour shortage. Arms deals between the countries have been hinted at, though their impact is debated. It is seen as an opportunity for the two countries to strengthen diplomatic ties and counter trilateral military cooperation between South Korea, the US, and Japan.
References
"Ukraine's parliament approves Reznikov's resignation as defense minister," The Kyiv Independent, 05 September 2023
"Over 900 Cluster Munition Casualties in Ukraine in 2022: Monitor," Kyiv Post, 05 September 2023
"Ukraine keeps pushing Russia back in Bakhmut, Melitopol directions - General Staff," Ukrinform, 05 September 2023
"Zelensky visits brigades fighting in Bakhmut sector," Ukrinform, 05 September 2023
"Air Defense Forces down Ukrainian attack drones over Kaluga, Moscow regions, says mayor," TASS, 05 September 2023
"Russia Says Thwartered Cross-Border Incursion From Ukraine," The Moscow Times, 05 September
"Disinformation related to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine," Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community, 05 September 2023
"UPDATE 1-German arms maker Diehl to ramp up production of IRIS-T air defence system," Devdiscourse, 05 September 2023
Vanessa Buschschlüter, "Cuba uncovers Russia-Ukraine war trafficking ring," BBC, 05 September 2023
Arius Derr, Chad O'Carroll and Joe Smith, "What to make of reports that Kim Jong Un will visit Russia for summit with Putin," NK news, 05 September 2023
In Brief
Genesy Balasingam
BELARUS
New passport renewal rules
On 06 September, Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus' President, forbade citizens from renewing their passports while abroad, potentially forcing individuals who fled the country amid rising repression to return to keep their travel documents. Major protests against a rigged election that re-elected Lukashenko forced an estimated 200-300,000 Belarusians to flee the nation. According to the new norm, only when the holder was a registered resident before leaving the country can they get permission to renew their passport. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, an opposition leader who fled to Lithuania after opposing Lukashenko in the 2020 presidential election, cautioned Belarusians, saying, "even if your passport expires, you should not return to your home country if you risk persecution." Various journalists and activists in Belarus have suffered widespread repression under Lukashenko's governance. ("Belarus bans citizens from renewing passports abroad, spreading fear among those who fled repression," Associated Press, 06 September 2023)
FRANCE
School denies entry to girls who wear Muslim abaya dress
On 05 September, nearly 300 pupils arrived at school wearing the Muslim abaya dress following the education minister's announcement of an abaya ban in schools. The girls, mainly aged 15 and above, were not allowed to start classes. Despite dialogue with the teachers, around 67 girls refused to accept the ban. A further dialogue with the families of these girls has been arranged. Refusal after the familial dialogue would lead to expulsion of these girls from the school. (Hugh Schofield, "French state schools turn away dozens of girls wearing Muslim abaya dress," BBC, 05 September 2023)
MACEDONIA
Protests after cancer treatment drugs sold on black markets
On 05 September, thousands of people staged a protest outside the government buildings in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. The protests are over allegations that patients at a public cancer hospital were denied life-saving treatment because employees stole the pricey drugs to sell on the black market. Demonstrators demanded the resignation of the country's health minister, Fatmir Mexhiti, and chastised the hospital administration. The government and hospital officials have attempted to reassure the public that cancer patients are not in danger while prosecutors have investigated the allegations. The demonstrators were largely victims of individuals who did not receive effective chemotherapy treatment because the medications were stolen. (Konstantin Testorides, "Thousands march in North Macedonia over claims cancer hospital staff stole drugs meant for patients," Associated Press, 05 September 2023)
POLAND
Central bank to reduce interest rates ahead of upcoming elections
On 05 September, Poland's central bank is likely to lower interest rates for the first time in more than three years, providing relief to a government in the midst of a contentious election campaign. The inflation tide has already turned in Central Europe, where central banks responded quicker to the price spike that began in 2021 than the European Central Bank and others. The National Bank of Poland (NBP) is expected to lower its key lending rate by 0.25 per cent to 6.50 per cent in response to a recent drop in inflation from a peak of 18.4 per cent. Analysts say that if the NBP cannot drop rates, it will be vulnerable to significant losses while the European Central Bank continues to raise them. Russian aggression against Ukraine and the pandemic were to blame for inflation. (Geoffrey Smith, "Polish central bank weighs first rate cut as crucial poll nears," Politico, 05 September 2023)
SPAIN
Separatists give PM an ultimatum
On 05 September, Carles Puigdemont, the separatist leader, issued an ultimatum to Pedro Sánchez, Spain's Prime Minister. Spain is in political limbo after the July elections failed to produce a clear winner. Sánchez is best set to keep his job as Prime Minister, but he will need the support of Puigdemont's Junts party to keep his Socialist administration afloat. Puigdemont departed Spain for Brussels in 2017 after calling an illegal referendum on Catalonia's independence as president. Spanish authorities charged Puigdemont and his supporters with several offences following the vote. Sánchez will not be able to govern without the support of Puigdemont's Junts party. The Catalan leader stated that he was not interested in reaching a patch but in forging a historic agreement. Yolanda Diaz, deputy Prime Minister, also travelled to Brussels to speak with Puigdemont and reassured that the meeting was solely as the leader of her left-wing Sumar alliance and not as an ambassador of the Madrid administration. Despite their attempts, Sánchez and Daz failed to convince Puigdemont that they could be trustworthy partners. (Aitor Hernandez Morales, “Spain’s Pedro Sánchez faces Catalan ultimatum,” Politico, 05 September 2023)
TURKEY
Government policies narrowing space for the LGBTQ+ community
On 05 September, in the presence of Ebrar Karakurt, a notable LGBTQ+ star, Turkey's ladies' volleyball team won the European title. The sporting event became a type of protest because of the ruling party's systematic hate speech against Karakurt. Since sharing romantic images of herself with a girlfriend on her Instagram account in 2021, Karakurt has been a target for extreme Islamist groups. Since then, pro-government media in Turkey and ultraconservative Islamists have targeted her as a "homosexual deviant." The government has been accused of doing little to protect Karakurt from Islamist-led homophobic violence. Karakurt has defended her rights and personal liberties in response to the ongoing homophobic attacks. To safeguard the public from being tainted by the community's ideals, government policies have shrunk the space for LGBTQ+ expressions and gatherings. Since 2015, the country's Pride marches have been prohibited, and security forces have been commanded to prevent any social or political activity that promotes the cause. (Elcin Poyrazlar, "LGBTQ+ volleyball champion hits a nerve in Turkey's culture war," Politico, 05 September 2023)
REGIONAL
Vestager keeps her options open if the EIB bid fails
On 05 September, Margrethe Vestager revealed her intention to run for the chair of the European Investment Bank (EIB). Following this announcement, Didier Reynders, Justice Commissioner, announced that he would take over as the European Commission's competition leader. The Renew group has formally endorsed Vestager's EIB candidacy. Vestager had previously promised to take a leave of absence when her candidacy for the EIB became public. If she is chosen to lead the lender by finance ministers at a meeting on 15 to 16 September, she will quit, and Denmark will choose a new commissioner. If she does not obtain the job, she will return to her current position as director of digital and competition policy. Her temporary absence has resulted in significant reorganising the Commission's portfolios. (Barbara Moens and Aoife White and Giovanna Faggionato, "Reynders to take over as EU competition chief," Politico, 05 September 2023; Giovanna Faggionato, "Margrethe Vestager goes on leave from the European Commission," Politico, 05 September 2023)
Turkey and Greece to build new relations after strains for more than a decade
On 05 September, Deutsche Welle reported that the foreign ministries of Greece and Turkey declared a new era of brotherly cooperation following a high-level meeting in Ankara. The two Mediterranean neighbours have historically had strained relations, especially over maritime borders and Cyprus's status. However, they have recently attempted to restore relations. Greece's humanitarian contributions in the aftermath of the catastrophic Turkish earthquakes and Turkey's sympathies following a fatal train tragedy in Greece indicate the willingness to mend their bilateral ties. Giorgos Gerapetritis, Greece's foreign minister, stated that Athens would consider backing Turkey's EU membership quest if it met the human rights standards. As part of the agreement, both ministers have set a road map for future ties, which includes a series of confidence-building measures. ("Turkish, Greek foreign ministers hail 'new era' of relations," Deutsche Welle, 05 September 2023)
New innovation chief to bolster Europe in the competitive game
On 05 September, Iliana Ivanova, Bulgaria's European Commissioner candidate, promised to enhance the EU's leadership in new technologies in her campaign to manage the bloc's innovation and research portfolio. Ivanova intended to increase EU investment, enhance education and skills, and promote European culture. She also advocated for greater transparency in expenditure and less red tape for research institutes when obtaining funds. She vowed to enhance engagement with like-minded countries in the face of a complex geopolitical situation. She expressed concern about "deteriorating basic skills and challenges in the teaching profession," committing to push EU measures to improve skills critical for green and digital transitions, such as the Digital Education Action Plan. In response to the recent controversy in Spain over the Football Federation President's non-consensual kiss with a female football player, she said that she would use the Commission's High-Level Group on Gender Equality in Sport as a potential tool to ensure equal participation. (Mared Gwyn Jones, "Incoming EU innovation chief vows to sharpen Europe's competitive edge in parliament hearing," Euronews, 05 September 2023)