Photo : MICHAEL KAPPELER/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo : MICHAEL KAPPELER/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
War in Ukraine: Day 562
By Rishika Yadav
War on the Ground
On 08 September, according to Barron’s, thousands of Ukrainians have signed a petition urging Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President to restore public access to officials’ online asset declarations, emphasizing the need for transparency during wartime. The petition follows recent corruption scandals resulting in arrests and dismissals of public figures. It calls for a veto on a draft law that would reinstate electronic asset declarations for officials but keep them private for another year.
On 08 September, Ukraine’s foreign ministry criticized Russia’s recent voting held in Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea, terming them as “fake elections,” aimed at delegitimizing Russia’s legal system. Ukraine called the international partners to condemn Russia’s actions, not recognize any “administration” resulting from these votes.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 08 September, regional elections commenced across Russia, including the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Over 4,000 elections will take place, with 21 regions electing regional heads, 20 regions choosing regional lawmakers, and 17 regions electing members of municipal legislatures. Elections will last three days in most regions. This marks the first-time parliamentary elections will be held in these regions under Russia’s electoral laws, adapted for conflict conditions.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 08 September, Denmark’s armed forces reported on the delivery of that the first batch of ten Leopards tank to Ukraine. These tanks were pledged as part of a donation of 100 German-made tanks by the three countries. Denmark’s troops in Germany are also training Ukraine’s forces on how to operate these vehicles.
On 08 September, the EU imposed sanctions on six individuals involved in human rights violations in Russia’s Federation and occupied Ukraine’s territories. This includes prosecutors and judges, two Federal Security Service (FSB) members and those involved in persecuting the Crimean Tatar community and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Europe’s sanctions now apply to a total of 67 individuals and 20 entities under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. Sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans. Europeans and companies are prohibited from providing funds to those listed.
On 08 September, Ukrainska Pravda reported on Romania's National Committee for Emergency Situations approved protection measures against Russia’s attacks. These measures, authorized by the Ministry of National Defence, include issuing Ro-Alert messages to warn of potential falling debris from conflict-related means of warfare. Local emergency inspections will educate residents on how to respond to threats, and shelters will be constructed in various settlements, such as Plauru and Ceatalchioi.
On 08 September, Institute of Study of War reported on Russia's forces enhancing their command-and-control infrastructure in Ukraine. According to the report it was carried out by moving headquarters out of range of Ukraine’s strike systems and placing command posts underground. They have also improved communication with field units. However, horizontal integration remains a challenge due to the diverse forces deployed. Artillery constraints are pushing Russia to prioritize accuracy over volume in its fires doctrine. It also observed Russia’s adaptation to electronic warfare deployment for wider coverage, whereas Ukraine’s forces continue offensive operations but have made no confirmed gains.
References
“Zelensky Says Putin Killed Wagner Chief Prigozhin,” Barron’s, 08 September 2023
“Ukrainians Petition For Transparency On Officials' Assets,” Barron’s, 08 September 2023
“Russia’s attack on Kryvyi Rih: Dozens of buildings damaged, 52 people injured,” Ukrinform, 08 September 2023
“Ukraine downs 16 of 20 attack drones Russia launched at Odesa, Mykolaiv regions,” Ukrinform, 08 September 2023
“Ukraine Condemns 'Fake Elections' In Russian-occupied Areas,” Barron’s, 08 September 2023
“Regional elections to begin in Russia,” TASS, 08 September 2023
“Denmark says first Leopard 1 tanks have arrived in Ukraine,” The Local dk, 08 September 2023
“Global Citizen Awards go to Zelenskyy, Scholz,” Deutsche Welle, 08 September 2023
“Human rights violations in Ukraine : EU sanctions six individuals under Global Sanctions Regime,” European Council, 08 September 2023
“Romania builds shelters in towns bordering Ukraine attacked by Russia,” Ukrainska Pravda, 08 September 2023
“Cuban authorities arrest 17 people over allegedly luring citizens to fight for Russia in conflict against Ukraine,” ABC NET News, 08 September 2023
“Russian offensive campaign assessment, September 8, 2023,” Institute for Study of War, 08 September 2023
IN BRIEF
By Sreeja JS
FINLAND
Government survives no-confidence motion over racism scandals
On 08 September, Riika Pura, Finance Minister and Willie Rydman, Economy Minister, survived a non-confidence motion after the far-right Finns Party (member of the ruling coalition) amidst repeated racism scandals during the summer this year. According to Politico, 106 MPs supported the government; 65 MPs voted against it. Around 21 MPs submitted blank voting forms; seven MPs were absent during the voting session. Both far-right Finns Party ministers accused of making racist and xenophobic remarks would remain in office. Finland’s opposition parties called for votes of confidence on 06 September following the discussions on the government’s plan to crack down on racism. (Laura Hülsemann, “Finnish government and top ministers survive confidence votes over racism scandals,” Politico, 08 September 2023)
GREECE
Floods: Deaths increase to ten
On 09 September, Deutsche Welle reported that the death toll caused by the floods had increased tenfold in Thessaly (330 kilometres north of Athens). Four people were reported missing, and around 1,700 people were rescued. Meanwhile, a massive forest fire broke out in northern Greece. According to meteorologists, storm Daniel was the worst storm to hit the country since the records began in 1930, devastating not only Greece but Turkey and Bulgaria for three days killing 12 people. Quoting scientists, Deutsche Welle noted that Greece is on the front lines of climate change, and unusual weather patterns are becoming more common now. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece’s Prime Minister, said that his government would do “everything humanly possible” to support the regions devastated by floods as he was inspecting Kradista. (“Floods in Greece: Death toll rises to 10,” Deutsche Welle, 09 September 2023)
UKRAINE
Kyiv denied access to Starlink to avoid complicity in a “major act of war,” says Elon Musk
On 08 September, BBC quoting Elon Musk (founder of SpaceX) said that he refused to give Kyiv access to his Starlink communications network over Crimea to avoid complicity in a “major act of war.” His comments followed an allegation in Walter Isaacson’s new book on Musk that claimed that the billionaire switched off Starlink to thwart Ukraine’s drone attack on Russia’s fleet in Crimea fearing that it could provoke a nuclear response from Moscow. SpaceX, where Musk remains the largest shareholder, began providing thousands of Starlink satellite dishes to Ukraine shortly after Russia launched its full-scale assault on Ukraine in February 2022. He added that there was a request from Ukraine’s government to activate Stralink to Sevastapool with the intent to sink most of Russia’s fleet at anchor. He did not agree to the request because “then SpaceX would be explicitly complicit in a major act of war and conflict escalation.” Earlier, Musk said that even though Starlink turned out to be the “connectivity backbone of Ukraine all the way up to the front lines,” he would not allow it to be “used for long range drone strikes.” (Dearbail Jordan, “Elon Musk says he withheld Starlink over Crimea to avoid escalation,” BBC, 08 September 2023)
THE UK
Government agrees on strategic partnership with Singapore
On 09 September, according to the Government of UK, Rishi Sunak, UK’s Prime Minister, agreed on a new strategic partnership with Singapore to enhance shared security and bolster the UK's economy. Sunak would meet Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore’s Prime Minister along the sidelines of the G20 summit India to sign the agreement. Following the strategic partnership, both countries would work to conclude a new and modern bilateral investment treaty to bolster the confidence of Singapore’s companies to invest in the UK and vice-versa, creating jobs and growing economies. Additionally, the partnership would strengthen security cooperation, science and technology innovation and research and development. Singapore is one of the UK’s closest and most dynamic partners in Southeast Asia accounting for almost 40 per cent of its total trade with the region. In 2022, both countries signed a Digital Economy Agreement to help businesses seize new trade opportunities. (“UK agrees new strategic partnership with Singapore,” GOV.UK, 09 September 2023)
Government to host global food security summit to tackle hunger and malnutrition
On 08 September, the government announced it would host a global food security summit with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) to tackle world hunger and malnutrition. The summit would involve governments, international organizations, scientists, NGOs and the private sector. It would also explore how innovation, partnerships and technological advances can ensure long-term food security and improved nutrition for vulnerable countries. The key focus would be on identifying new approaches to tackle preventable deaths among children, building a climate-resilient and sustainable food system, supporting early action to prevent and reduce the impact of humanitarian crises and using science and technology to boost food security. Additionally, the UK has been helping to find solutions to address global food and climate challenges through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s science and research partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. (“UK to host a global summit to turn the dial on world hunger,” Gov.UK, 08 September 2023)
GERMANY
Parliament passes bill to phase out oil and gas heating systems
On 08 September, Germany's lower house of parliament passed a bill phasing out oil and gas heating systems, part of the country's drive to become climate-neutral by 2045. The bill aims to cut greenhouse emissions in Germany's building sector, which was responsible for 112 million tonnes of greenhouse gases last year, or 15 per cent of the country's total emissions. The bill was strongly criticized by conservatives for being too costly and by the environmentalists for being weak. It even triggered a dispute within the ruling coalition between the Greens party and the pro-business FDP party. In June 2023, following the pressure from FDP, the ruling coalition agreed to dilute the bill to give more time for citizens and landlords to switch their boilers. The bill requires heating systems installed in new developments and old buildings to run on 65 per cent renewable energy. Gas heaters could be installed from 2024 onwards if they can be converted to hydrogen, including in new buildings if they are not part of the new developments. Further, the renewable heating systems switch requirement would not come into effect until municipalities submit their building heat plan, not expected before 2026 in smaller districts and 2028 in larger districts. (Riham Alkousaa and Christian Kraemer, “German parliament passes law to phase out gas and oil heating,” Reuters, 08 September 2023)
UKs climate goals at risk as offshore wind projects fail to attract investments
On 08 September, Reuters reported that the offshore wind power developers warned that Britain’s climate goals could be at risk following the failure of offshore wind projects off British shores to draw investments after a subsidy auction. The UK aims to develop 50 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2030 against the present 14 gigawatts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Developers also warned that the guaranteed price offered for power generated at the auction was too low for the developers. Further, Tom Glover, UK Country Chair of RWE added that the UK’s ambitions for a five-fold offshore wind growth by 2030 and a net zero power system by 2030 are unlikely to be fulfilled without decisive government action. The government raised the funding available by GBP 22 million for the auction but turned out to be insufficient. Later, it said that the auction had succeeded in supporting other technologies such as solar, tidal and onshore wind projects capable of generating 3.7 gigawatts, powering around two million homes. (Susanna Twidale, “UK climate goals seen at risk after offshore wind spurns auction,” Reuters, 08 September 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
The UK-India free trade deal ‘not guaranteed’ says Sunak
On 08 September, Rishi Sunak, the UK’s Prime Minister said that a trade deal with India is “not guaranteed” as he prepares to meet Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister along the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi. Sunak is hoping to overcome several hurdles including the politically sensitive question of visas for Indian workers and students coming to the UK. Adding that it is vital for the UK to deepen ties with India, in particular economic ties, he stressed that an ambitious comprehensive free trade deal is “not a given” and takes “a lot of work and a lot of time.” Earlier, Sunak’s immediate predecessors, Liz Truss and Boris Johnson tried to push for an agreement by October 2022 but was delayed by arguments over everything from visas to the rules governing intellectual property. According to The Guardian, both countries would be able to reach an agreement on the visa issue, although Sunak faces stiff opposition from his allies in the house. Insisting on never hastening the deal, he added that “…we shouldn’t sacrifice quality for speed” and “…we need to end up with something that works genuinely for both sides.” (Kiran Stacey, “UK-India trade deal ‘not guaranteed’, says Sunak before Modi meeting,” The Guardian, 08 September 2023)