Photo : Aphostrophe.ua
Photo : Aphostrophe.ua
War in Ukraine: Days 565
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 11 September, in a press briefing Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed his concerns over the explosions that took place in Zaporizhzhia. He said: “I am very concerned about that. The artillery activity is almost constant at the moment. As we have been pointing out in our report, we are following very closely the situation.” He also revealed the start of technical issues due to the shutdown of the plant.
On 11 September, Ukraine’s military intelligence reported on regaining control of many drilling platforms (Petro Godovenets, Ukraina, Tavryda, and Syvash) in the Black Sea. These platforms were said to be used by Russia for placing helicopters and radar activity. According to Ukraine’s defence ministry, a “stockpile of helicopter ammunition and a Neva radar system” were detained. The drilling platforms were earlier purchased and built in 2011 near Odesa gas field which was later taken control by Russia in 2015 during the annexation of Crimea.
On 11 September, Ukraine’s deputy defence minister reported on the advances made by Ukraine's military on the ground. According to the report, Ukraine’s forces had taken back two square kilometres of land in the eastern city of Bakhmut and a part of the village in the south. Since the counteroffensive, 49 square kilometres have been recaptured from Russia. Similarly in the Sea of Azov, 1.5 square kilometres had been taken back. The Sea of Azov is a “strategic waterway” that links the Black Sea and many of Ukraine’s ports.
On 11 September, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President met Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs. The discussion focused on the energy sector, fulfilling Ukraine’s defence force’s battlefield requirements, and the progress of its EU membership candidature status.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 11 September, Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported on the taking down of two UAVs near the Belgorod area. The same was confirmed by Vyacheslav Gladkov, Belgorod Governor: “There were no casualties. Fragments of one of the drones fell on the roadway near a private residential building. All emergency services are on site.”
On 11 September, Russia’s government released a statement indicating the upcoming visit of Kim Jong-Un, North Korea’s leader. On the same Dmitri Peskov, Russia’s spokesperson stated that the talks are expected to be between delegations from both sides.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 11 September, Baerbock visited Kyiv and pledged to support Ukraine in joining the EU. She urged Russia’s president to allow the return of children taken from Ukraine. The issue is expected to be highlighted by Baerbock in the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting next week. According to Ukraine, till now 20,000 children have been moved into Moscow. Apart from this Baerbock also assured to give EUR 20 million as humanitarian aid. She said: “Russia's perfidious goal is to starve the people again this winter and to let them freeze to death.”
On 11 September, the EU along with Lithuania, warned Russia for holding elections in the areas occupied in Ukraine. In a statement, the EU condemned Russia’s act to legitimize its illegal control in the self-claimed territories. The EU said: “Russia's political leadership and those involved in organizing them will face the consequences of these illegal actions." On the same Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister stated that the international community would not recognize the result of the elections and would continue to support Ukraine.
On 11 September, upon the German government’s commission, Rheinmetall, the defence company will provide 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles. The cost amounts to two-digit million euros, the company is attempting to revamp its older models with the latest Marder IFVs.
On 11 September, the UK government found Russia’s military to be behind the target of a Liberian-flagged cargo ship that carried civilians in the Black Sea in September. It reported “multiple missiles” being targeted by Russia which was countered by Ukraine.
References
Oliver Towfigh Nia “IAEA chief voices concern over Ukraine nuclear power plant shelling,” Anadolu Agency, 11 September 2023
Olesia Safronova, “Ukraine Says Black Sea Platforms Used by Russian Forces Captured,” Bloomberg, 11 September 2023
“Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany,” President.gov.ua, 11 September 2023
“Kim Jong-un Will Visit Russia in ‘Coming Days,’ Kremlin Says,” The New York Times, 11 September 2023
“Russia Says 2 Ukrainian Drones Downed Over Belgorod,” The Moscow Times,” 11 September 2023
“Ukraine updates: Germany's Baerbock visits Kyiv,” Deutsche Welle, 11 September 2023
“Russia targeted civilian cargo ship with cruise missile – UK,” BBC, 11 September 2023
“EU warns Russia after ‘illegal’ vote in occupied Ukraine,” Euractiv, 11 September 2023
“Lithuania considers illegal Russia's pseudo-elections on occupied Ukraine,” Ukrainska Pravda, 11 September 2023
“Another 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine,” Rheinmetall, 11 September 2023
IN BRIEF
By Rishika Yadav
DENMARK
Apologizes for decades of abuse against children with disabilities
On 11 September, Pernille Rosenkrantz-Theil, Denmark’s Minister for Social Affairs, apologised for the abuse suffered by children and adults with disabilities between 1993 to 1980. This included forced sterilization and sexual assault. Victims were committed to state institutions for various reasons, and the abuse is a dark chapter in Denmark’s history. A government inquiry in 2020 revealed a series of abuses, including violence and psychological and sexual abuse. The apology was made during an event attended by victims, offering recognition and closure for those affected. Denmark’s apology represents a step towards reconciliation and accountability. (Richard Connor, “Denmark apologizes for abuse of people with disabilities,” Deutsche Welle, 11 September 2023)
POLAND
Opposition party threatens legal action against Central Bank Chief over inflation
On 10 September, according to Politico, Poland’s leading opposition party, Civic Platform, pledged to put Adam Glapiński, the country’s central bank chief, on trial if it wins next month’s election. Glapiński was accused of “destroying the independence” of the National Bank of Poland and failing to control inflation. Civic Platform also plans to hold other senior officials, including the prime minister and president, accountable at state tribunals if they come to power. The move follows the central bank’s surprising rate cut, raising suspicions of political interference. Despite trailing in recent polls, Civic Platform aims to challenge the ruling law and Justice Party. Civic Platform’s threat against the central bank chief highlights political tensions over monetary policy and inflation control in Poland’s upcoming election. (Edith Hancock, “Polish opposition threatens to go after central bank chief over inflation,” Politico, 11 September 2023)
RUSSIA
Putin introduces Arctic vessels showcases its long-term strategy
On 11 September, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President visited the Zvezda shipbuilding complex for the naming ceremony of two new vessels, Alexey Kosygin, an Arctic gas tanker, and Valentin Pikul, a shuttle tanker. These vessels, designed to operate in extreme cold and ice conditions, hold strategic importance for Russia’s Arctic ambitions, energy security, and global transport routes. The ceremony also highlighted the importance of domestic production and technological advancements in shipbuilding. Putin praised the modern capabilities of these vessels and emphasized their role in Russia’s long-term Arctic strategy. The shipyard has an extensive order portfolio of around 60 vessels. Putin’s visit underscores Russia’s commitment to expanding its presence and capabilities in the Arctic region, where it sees economic and strategic opportunities. (Primorsky Krai and Bolshoy Kamen, “Visit to the Zvezda shipbuilding complex,” Kremlin.ru, 11 September 2023)
SWITZERLAND
International Energy Agency urges Switzerland to accelerate energy transition
On 11 September, according to the Federal Council of Switzerland, the International Energy Agency (IEA) called on Switzerland to expedite its transition to sustainable energy. The IEA recommends swift licensing procedures for energy infrastructures, early definition of climate measures from 2030 onwards to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and consistent incorporation of energy efficiency measures in policies. The report commends Swiss responses to the global energy crisis and supports measures in the Secure Electricity Supply from Renewable Energy Sources bill. It also recommends Switzerland align its electricity market regulations with the EU and establish a regulatory authority for gas supply. Skilled workforce, slow licensing, and supply chain disruptions are identified as key challenges. The IEA’s recommendations underscore the importance of an agile transition to renewable energy and alignment with broader European energy policies. (“International Energy Agency (IEA) recommends that Switzerland speed up the restructuring of its energy system,” The Federal Council, 11 September 2023)
REGIONAL
Switzerland concludes firefighting operations in Greece
On 10 September, Switzerland’s deployment to aid Greece in battling forest fires and managing flood aftermath concluded. Initially, Swiss army helicopters assisted Greek firefighting operations for five days, followed by a focus on flood-affected areas in central Greece. Three Super Puma helicopters transported individuals and distributed aid materials. The Swiss intervention, comprising 23 Swiss Armed Forces members and three specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit, totalled 27 flying hours in firefighting operations and 23 hours in flood relief, transporting 36 flood victims. The operation, in coordination with Greek authorities, concluded with a commendation from Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Greece’s president. (“Swiss aid operation in Greece concluded,” The Federal Council, 11 September 2023)
EU scraps plan to redistribute multinationals’ profits among member states
On 11 September, according to Politico, the European Commission abandoned its plan to redistribute profits of multinationals among EU countries. Instead, the Commission will suggest that companies with annual revenues over EUR 750 million pool their tax bills in an aggregate tax base, excluding oil and gas, shipping, and aviation groups. The aim is to provide more certainty to businesses operating across borders regarding their tax bills and facilitate cross-border compensation of losses. The proposals come as all 27 EU countries signed a global tax deal, including a minimum corporate tax rate of 15 per cent. The shift in the EU’s approach to taxing multinationals reflects ongoing efforts to harmonize tax rules and ensure fair contributions from large corporations, although some stakeholders remain critical of the proposed changes. (Paola Tamma, “Brussels drops tax plan to distribute multinationals’ profits across EU,” Politico, 11 September 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
Cleverly meeting with Netanyahu ensures bilateral cooperation
On 11 September, in a meeting, James Cleverly, UK’s Foreign Secretary and Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, emphasized on robust bilateral relationship and ongoing free trade negotiations. They stressed the alignment of democratic values and urged judicial reforms to be pursued through broad consensus. The UK reiterated its support for Israel’s right to self-defence within international law and expressed solidarity amid terrorist attacks. The meeting reaffirmed UK’s commitment to its relationship with Israel while addressing concerns about the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. (“Foreign Secretary meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, September 2023,” Government of UK, 11 September 2023)
UKs project in Honduras aims to conserve endangered species in Atlantic Coast
On 11 September, Nick Whittingham, British Ambassador to Honduras during his visit the project funded by the UK. The project is “Strengthening ecological and socioeconomic resilience in the Atlántida Seascape, Honduras” project. It aims to support 23 coastal communities in the Atlántida Seascape, addressing issues like illegal poaching, pollution, and climate change. Key actions include enhancing marine habitat protection, promoting responsible fishing, engaging national authorities, and building community resilience to climate change. With a budget of approximately USD 675,000 from the British government and local contributions, the three-year project seeks to conserve threatened species and sustain livelihoods. (“UK promotes sustainable fishing and environmental protection in the Atlántida Coast,” Government of UK, 11 September 2023)
France aims to strengthen bilateral ties with Bangladesh
On 11 September, during his visit to Bangladesh Emmanuel Macron, France’s Prime Minister, aimed to bolster strategic partnership in climate action, resilience, and prosperity. During the meeting swift implementation of the Paris Pact for People and the Planet, and endorsing principles for inclusive global financial governance were under focus. France pledged support for Bangladesh’s energy transition, while both called for climate finance acceleration. Enhanced trade, defence cooperation, and cultural exchanges were also prioritized. (“Joint Statement Bangladesh – France : Partnership for Peace, Prosperity and People,” Elysee, 11 September 2023)