Photo : Evan Vucci/AP
Photo : Evan Vucci/AP
War in Ukraine: Day 560
Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 06 September, in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, 17 people were killed and 32 injured in an attack by Russia. The attack struck the central market, resulting in civilian deaths including children. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President, noted that the pattern of Russia’s forces targeting civilians was when Ukraine’s defence makes strides on the frontlines.
On 06 September, Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s Parliament, voted in favor of appointing Rustem Umerov as the new defence minister following Oleksii Reznikov’s resignation. Umerov, an Uzbekistan-born Crimean Tatar, previously served as head of the State Property Fund and contributed to peace talks with Russia. He received overwhelming support, with 338 lawmakers voting in favor and one abstaining.
On 06 September, Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, announced a meeting with Zelenskyy in Kyiv. During his visit, he discussed on Ukraine’s counteroffensive, assistance, and recovery efforts.
On 06 September, in the Kyiv region, Russia’s missile attack caused damage to commercial establishments, private cars, and building facades. A truck and an excavator were destroyed. The attack resulted in grass fires but no casualties or damage to critical infrastructure were reported. Falling debris affected a medical facility and police station. Air defence successfully intercepted all incoming targets during the attack. Railway traffic was unaffected, with no threats were reported.
On 06 September, the UN human rights office reported over 9,500 casualties in Ukraine since the invasion, but the actual numbers are believed to be higher. Russia’s strikes, including one on a market in Kostyantynivka, resulted in civilian casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure in Ukraine. Denise Brown, UN Humanitarian Coordinator, expressed deep concern over the attacks, emphasizing the suffering caused by Russia’s invasion. Brown called for respect for international humanitarian law and an end to the devastation in Ukraine.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 06 September, according to The Moscow Times, in southern Ukraine, Russia’s forces withdrew from the village of Robotyne, which Ukraine claimed to have recaptured on 28 August. Yevgeny Balitsky, the Kremlin-appointed governor of the occupied Zaporizhzhia region, stated that Russia's army tactically abandoned the settlement. Balitsky suggested that holding the village, which had been the site of intense battles, no longer made sense for Russia’s forces. The situation near Robotyne remains uncertain, with reports suggesting Ukraine’s forces are advancing in the area. The village’s capture could enable Ukraine’s forces to push further into Russia’s held territories toward Crimea.
On 06 September, Russia’s Defence Ministry reported on Russia’s Aerospace Force precision night-time strike on Ukraine’s sabotage group training base. Russia’s forces repelled ten Ukraine’s army attacks in the Donetsk area, eliminating approximately 285 Ukraine’s troops. In the South Donetsk area, Russia’s forces destroyed around 180 Ukraine’s servicemen and five tanks. Russia’s troops operating in the Zaporizhzhia region repelled four Ukraine’s attacks. In the Kupyansk area, Russia’s forces improved tactical positions. In the Krasny Liman area, they repelled two Ukraine’s attacks, eliminating about 50 Ukraine’s soldiers. Additionally, Russia’s forces eliminated up to 65 Ukraine’s servicemen in the Kherson area.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 06 September, the EU strongly condemned Russia’s deadly attack on a market in east Ukraine as “heinous and barbaric.” The missile attack in Kostyantynivka killed at least 17 people, including a child, and injured many others. The EU highlighted an escalation of such attacks across Ukraine, causing over 410 civilian casualties in the past two weeks. The EU labelled intentional attacks on civilians as war crimes and vowed accountability for all involved in such atrocities.
On 06 September, the US Department of Defence (DoD) announced further security assistance for Ukraine to address its critical defence needs in countering Russia’s aggression. Valued at up to USD 175 million, this package includes air defence equipment, artillery munitions, anti-tank weapons, depleted uranium rounds for Abrams tanks, and more.
On 06 September, NATO expressed “strong solidarity” with Romania after parts of a possible Russia’s drone fell on its territory during an attack on Ukraine. Romania initially denied this but later found drone debris and called for an investigation. Russia's intensified attacks on Ukraine’s Danube infrastructure have raised regional concerns.
On 06 September, Blinken visited Kyiv, he reaffirmed US support for Ukraine’s counteroffensive, emphasizing progress and promising over USD one billion in new aid, including financial and humanitarian assistance.
On 06 September, the UK announced to designate the Wagner Group as a terrorist organization, criminalizing membership, support, and the use of its logo. Assets linked to the group can be seized as “terrorist property.” Breaching this order could lead to 14 years in prison or a fine of up to GBP 5,000. Suella Braverman, UK’s Home Secretary, stated that Wagner poses a global security threat.
On 06 September, in an interview with Deutsche Welle, Falko Drossmann, German lawmaker, expressed concern over a reported meeting between the leaders of Russia and North Korea, suggesting it reflects Russia’s desperation to acquire new weaponry. Drossmann emphasized the impact of sanctions on Russia and its reliance on outdated weaponry, which North Korea still possesses.
References
“Rescue operation in Kostiantynivka completed: 17 killed,” Ukrinform, 06 September 2023
Martin Fornusek, “Parliament approves Rustem Umerov as new defense minister,” The Kyiv Independent, 06 September 2023
“Zelensky, Blinken hold meeting in Kyiv,” Ukrinform, 06 September 2023
“Rocket attack in Kyiv region: commercial establishment and cars damaged, debris falls near railroad tracks,” Ukrinform, 06 September 2023
“Russia Announces ‘Tactical’ Withdrawal From Ukraine’s Robotyne,” The Moscow Times, 06 September 2023
“Russia’s Aerospace Force hits Ukrainian saboteur training base — defense ministry,” TASS, 06 September 2023
“EU Condemns 'Heinous' Russian Strike On Ukraine Market,” Barron’s, 06 September 2023
“Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine,” US Department of Defense, 06 September 2023
“Nato pledges ‘strong solidarity’ with Romania over likely Russian drone debris,” The Guardian, 06 September 2023
“Blinken Says US To 'Maximise' Support To Ukraine,” Barron’s, 06 September 2023
Claudia Chiappa, “UK to label Russia’s Wagner Group a terrorist organization,” Politico, 06 September 2023
“Putin 'desperate' if he's turning to Pyongyang, says German lawmaker,” Deutsche Welle, 06 September 2023
“Ukraine: Latest Russian attack ‘another example’ of civilian suffering,” United Nations, 06 September 2023
In Brief
Genesy Balasingam
DENMARK
Government reports the influence of pharmaceutical industry
On 06 September, government reported that the Denmark’s GDP had increased by 1.7 per cent in the first six months of the year, although it would have decreased by 0.3 per cent if the new pharmaceutical industry had not contributed. Denmark’s laboratory Novo Nordisk, has reshaped the Scandinavian country’s economy, with revenues surging and production straining to keep up with the exponential demand for anti-obesity pharmaceuticals. The two flagship products; the popular anti-diabetic Ozempic and the anti-obesity Wegovy, have benefited employment rates and stockholders. Novo Nordisk is presently benefiting from a 157 per cent increase in sales of anti-obesity therapies. Its revenues were valued at EUR 23.7 billion in 2022 and now are expected to increase by 30 per cent in 2023. This is mainly due to the lab’s continued efforts to combat diabetes. (“Denmark's economy boosted by anti-obesity treatments,” Euronews, 06 September 2023)
IRELAND
Budget watchdog criticizes government’s public spending limit
On 06 September, BBC reported that the employment rate is at a record high and the domestic economy is forecast to grow by more than three per cent this year. Despite the strong economic performance, the governing coalition is struggling in the polls as high housing costs and strained public services have made people feel less involved in the country’s prosperity. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) has released its research ahead of the budget next month. In response, the Budget watchdog warned the Irish government of overheating the economy despite recovering strongly since the COVID-19. The watchdog suggested that pressures should be funded sustainably and reiterated that new spending commitments should be offset with tax increases. The watchdog has also reiterated its criticism of the administration’s desire to deviate from its guideline that core government spending should not rise by more than five per cent per year. (John Campbell, “Irish government warned it risks overheating economy,” BBC, 06 September 2023)
NORWAY
Court supports fine imposed on Meta over ad privacy concerns
On 06 September, Meta lost a judicial battle to overturn a Norwegian prohibition on its advertising tactics, which came with heavy daily fines. In July, Norway’s Datatilsynet announced a “temporary ban” on Facebook and Instagram’s behavioural advertising. According to Datatilsynet, such practices without proper authorization breach user privacy and are prohibited. It also stated that the prohibition would last three months or until Meta complied with the law. In an attempt to fight this, Meta had filed a temporary injunction, claiming that Datatilsynet lacked legal grounds for its hurried decision, citing reasons such as inadequate notification. (Wyatte Grantham Philips, “Court sides with Norwegian regulator’s $100K daily fine imposed on Meta over ad privacy concerns,” Associated Press, 06 September 2023)
ROMANIA
Two-day summit to boost ties with EU member states bordering Ukraine
On 06 September, a two-day meeting in Romania brought together 12 EU member states which were largely formerly communist countries to strengthen ties amid Russia’s war in Ukraine. The summit intends to increase interconnection in the transportation, energy, and digital sectors. Sandu stated that Moldova, which borders Ukraine, is prepared to contribute to Europe’s connectivity and unity. According to the initiative’s website, the initiative was introduced based on shared interests in developing transport, energy, and digital infrastructure connections on the EU’s north-south axis. (Stephen Mcgrath and Vadim Ghirda, “Romania hosts summit to boost ties between 12 EU countries and partners,” Associated Press, 06 September 2023)
REGIONAL
Prime Minister finalises agreement to re-join Horizon scheme
On 06 September, Politico reported that the UK and the EU are expected to announce a post-Brexit agreement on rejoining the bloc’s flagship Horizon science funding initiative. According to Bloomberg, Rishi Sunak, UK’s Prime Minister, has directed authorities to finalize a Horizon agreement. When Britain formally left the EU in January 2020, it abandoned the EU’s science financing structure. Talks about re-joining Horizon as a third country were halted in Northern Ireland because of a heated dispute over post-Brexit trade regulations. The new agreement would follow the Sunak approach of calming all rumors about an EU agreement before releasing the final product with a bang, as the Windsor Framework did. His government’s priority and preference is to associate with Horizon on terms that are both fair and equitable. (Esther Webber and Vincent Manancourt, “Britain to unveil deal on rejoining EU’s Horizon scheme within days,” Politico, 06 September 2023)
Deadly storms and floods after extreme heatwaves
On 06 September, Deutsche Welle reported that new storms killed more than a dozen people in Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria, after a spell of severe heat in the region gave way to torrential rainstorms. The central region of Magnesia in Greece had record rainfall. According to the governor’s office, in the course of six hours, Turkey’s largest metropolis received rainfall approximately similar to what it would expect for the entire month of September. Ali Yerlikaya, Interior Minister stated that search and rescue activities were underway along with financial assistance to flood-affected families. Heavy rain and thunderstorms have forced rivers to overflow, breaking bridges and blocking off access in the region south of the seaside city of Burgas, stranding holidaymakers. According to the meteorological department, the storms are expected to last till Thursday afternoon. (“Deadly storms and floods rage in Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria,” Deutsche Welle, 06 September 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
Collaboration between UK and Japan’s export credit agencies
On 06 September, Nippon Export and Investment Insurance, a Japanese export credit agency, signed an Memorandum of Understanding with UK Export Finance to provide the groundwork for future collaboration and cooperative projects between the two G7 export credit agencies. The signing is part of the first UK-Japan Strategic Economy Policy and Trade Dialogue, which aims to facilitate additional deals that benefit exporting businesses. It will set out revised parameters of collaboration that complement the Hiroshima Accord, the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With an emphasis on export credit policies and co-investment initiatives, the two ECAs’ sustained collaboration aims to boost the international competitiveness of UK and Japanese enterprises seeking to access global trading possibilities. The collaboration is expected to promote long-term, inclusive, and resilient growth. (“UK Export Finance strengthens ties with Japan’s export credit agency NEXI,” Government of UK, 06 September 2023)
EU targets big techs with tighter restrictions
On 06 September, the EU pressurised six big tech giants, including Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft to fight their digital dominance with far-reaching rules which aim at providing people more options and making competition fairer. Facebook owner Meta and TikTok parent company ByteDance were designated as online gatekeepers subject to the tightest restrictions of the EU’s Digital Markets Act. The list of “do and do not” aims to keep tech behemoths from monopolizing digital marketplaces, with the possibility of massive fines in order to operate in Europe. This means that European users of Big Tech social media or chat services may soon be able to send messages to rival platforms and choose which search engine or browser they want rather than being stuck with the default version. (Kelvin Chan, “EU targets Apple, Amazon, Meta and other Big Tech in next phase of digital crackdown,” Associated Press, 06 September 2023)
Syrian family challenges Frontex in EU Court
On 06 September, a EU court in Luxembourg dismissed a claim for damages filed against the bloc’s border control agency Frontex by a Syrian family who claimed they were deported in violation of international law on individuals seeking asylum. According to the family’s lawyer, the flight was supposed to take them to Athens, Greece, rather than Turkey. Furthermore, members of the family were separated during the journey and were not allowed to ask questions which reinstated the fact that the children were not treated in accordance with international law. The family sought compensation for both material and intangible losses caused by the return operation. (“EU court rules Frontex not liable in pushback damages case,” Deutsche Welle, 06 September 2023)