Photo : Ilkka Kemppinen / Yle
Photo : Ilkka Kemppinen / Yle
War in Ukraine: Days 563 & 564
By Sreeja JS
War on the Ground
On 10 September, Ukraine’s General Staff of Armed Forces reported on Ukraine’s forces “partial success” in the villages of Klishchiivka (Donetsk) and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia). According to the report, Ukraine’s forces are also conducting successful counteroffensive operations in Melitopol and Bakhmut. On the same day, Ukrainska Pravda reported on Ukraine's blitz operation. Ukraine’s forces had recaptured a part of the settlement of Optyne towards the South of Avdiivka.
On 09 September, Oleg Nikolenko, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson expressed disappointment with the G20 declaration. He added that if Ukraine was allowed to participate in the summit it would have allowed the summit participants to have a better understanding of the situation. He also cited a portion of the text of the declaration with suggestions such as “war in Ukraine” to “war against Ukraine” and “Ukraine crisis” to “Russia’s war or aggression against Ukraine.”
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 10 September, The Moscow Times reported on destruction of three US-made military speed boats by Russia’s forces. The boats were reportedly carrying Ukraine’s troops in the Black Sea. According to Russia’s Ministry of Defence, the soldiers were going towards the Crimean Peninsula. Russia’s armed forces said that eight drones launched by Ukraine’s forces were shot down over Crimea and Byransk, near Ukraine’s border.
On 10 September, Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister noted that the Western countries had failed to make the G20 summit in New Delhi revolve around the conflict in Ukraine. According to RT, he claimed that the participants stood up “to protect their legitimate interests,” which prevented “the West from once again Ukranizing the entire agenda.” He stated that the joint declaration mentioned the Ukraine crisis, but “only in the context of the need to resolve all conflicts” following the principles of the UN Charter. The declaration acknowledged the divergent views of countries regarding the war while highlighting the human suffering and the negative impacts of the Ukraine war on global food and energy security, supply chains, macro-financial stability, inflation and growth.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 10 September, satellite images found by Yle revealed three large halls at the Alakurti garrison (50 kilometres from Finland border) and a large equipment warehouse in Petrozavodsk built by Russia for maintenance and storage. These halls are predicted to be the "largest fleet concentration" near Finland border that can accommodate one battalion of combat vehicles. According to Marko Eklund, Finland's military intelligence spokesperson said: "This is the first time that this technology has reportedly been used in the northern region. Apparently, the material can withstand severe frost." According to report, these projects were the first concrete sign that Russia has begun investing in its military targets near its borders with Finland after long years of inactivity.
On 10 September, Victoria Nuland, US Deputy Secretary of State at the Yalta European Strategy (YES) annual meeting said: "This counter-offensive has been kilometre by kilometre but we are impressed by the progress made, especially in the south.” She added that close cooperation between the governments of the US and Ukraine is necessary for breaking the strong defences Russia has built in the occupied Southern Ukraine.
On 10 September, General Mark A Milley, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told BBC that the colder conditions would make it difficult for Ukraine’s forces. He said that Ukraine's counter offensive was slower than expected but was “at a very steady pace.” According to General Milley, there is “Still a reasonable amount of time, probably about 30 to 45 days’ worth of fighting” left for Ukraine’s forces to recapture the territories. Kyiv’s long-awaited counter-offensive was launched in June 2023 and has made only small gains so far.
On 10 September, Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the charge of affairs of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bucharest. Iulian Fota, Romaina’s Secretary for Strategic Affairs, expressed protest against the violation of Romania’s airspace as drone fragments similar to those used by Russia’s forces were found near its border with Ukraine. He condemned Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and firmly requested Russia to cease actions against Ukraine, including those that threaten the security and safety of the Romanian citizens in the region.
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 Rishika Yadav
POLAND
Contesting parties present election promises
On 09 September, political parties unveiled their campaign promises ahead of the 15 October parliamentary election. The ruling Law and Justice party aims for an unprecedented third term, pledging increased spending on social and military matters. The main opposition Civic Coalition vows to mend relations with the EU and address foreign and domestic issues, including media freedom. Opinion polls suggest Law and Justice may gain the most votes but may need a coalition partner, potentially the far-right Confederation. Poland’s upcoming election highlights ongoing divisions and EU tensions within the country, with the ruling party facing challenges to maintain control. (“Poland’s political parties reveal campaign programs before the Oct 15 general election,” Associated Press, 09 September 2023)
SERBIA
Pride activists defy anti-gay sentiments
On 09 September, in Belgrade, Pride activists gathered amid police presence and opposition from conservative leaders and far-right groups. The event faced anti-gay sentiment, with last year witnessing clashes. Participants carried banners advocating LGBTQ+ rights and criticized rainbow capitalism. Aleksandar Vucic, Serbia’s President, opposed same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ symbolism. Ana Brnabic, Serbia’s Prime Minister has rarely supported LGBTQ+ rights. Ahead of the event, 25 countries and the EU delegation in Serbia issued a joint statement in support of Pride and LGBTQ+ rights. The Pride event’s defiance in the face of opposition underscores the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Serbia amid conservative leadership and social divisions. (Marko Drobnjakovic, “Hundreds of Pride activists march in Serbia despite hate messages sent by far-right officials,” Associated Press, 09 September 2023)
THE NETHERLANDS
Climate activists’ arrested after highway blockades
On 10 September, Netherlands' police detained thousands of climate activists who blocked the A12 highway to The Hague for two consecutive days. Around 10,000 activists protested government subsidies to fossil fuel companies, leading to 2,400 arrests on 09 September and another 500 on 10 September. Extinction Rebellion vows to continue until fossil fuel subsidies end, highlighting an annual sum of EUR 37.5 billion. The protests emphasize growing concerns about climate change and call for immediate action. A significant number of arrests indicates the urgency and commitment of climate activists in demanding climate policy changes. (“Netherlands police detain thousands of climate protesters,” Deutsche Welle, 10 September 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
UK deploys search and rescue teams to assist Morocco earthquake
On 10 September, in response to Morocco’s request for assistance following a 6.8 magnitude earthquake, the UK dispatched 60 search and rescue specialists, four search dogs, rescue equipment, and a medical assessment team. This support includes RAF aircraft to aid Moroccan-led rescue efforts. The UK’s swift deployment of resources demonstrates solidarity and cooperation in times of crisis, strengthening international relations. ("UK deploys search & rescue teams to Morocco following earthquake," Government of UK, 10 September 2023)
Meloni meets Qiang despite uncertainty over Belt and Road initiative
On 09 September, in the G20 Summit, Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister met Li Qiang, China’s Prime Minister. The discussion focused on "deepening relations" while omitting talks on the Belt and Road initiative. Italy, which was the first G7 country to join the project in 2019, is now considering abandoning it, given strong economic ties. In the last five years, China's trade with Italy has increased from USD 50 billion to USD 80 billion and still maintains that Italy will continue to trade. Meloni and Qiang stated that both countries will develop relations in the areas of common interest. (“Italy’s Meloni meets with China’s Li as Italy’s continued participation in ‘Belt and Road’ in doubt,” Associated Press, 09 September 2023)