Photo : WB GROUP
Photo : WB GROUP
War in Ukraine: Days 568
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 14 September, a spokesperson from Ukraine’s military reported on destroying Russia’s advanced air defence systems in Crimea. The location is considered critical to Russia’s military and the latest strike proves to complicate its logistics as per Wall Street Journal. According to the report, a Ukraine produced Neptune missiles has targeted down S-400 missile system near western Crimea.
Neptune missiles which were initially given to Ukraine by the West was officially confirmed to have produced by Ukraine. It is known as “ground-launched anti-ship missile,” and was used before in targeting Moskva flagship in April 2022.
On 14 September, spokesperson from Ukraine’s military claimed destroying Russia’s submarine located in the Black Sea port of Sevastopol in Crimea with UKs cruise missiles. In the attack the Rostov-on-Don was reported to be severely damaged along with two warships in Minsk. According to Andriy Yusov, spokesperson of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence stated that the damage “cannot be restored.” The same was confirmed by Ukraine’s Air Force, which confirmed using storm shadow missiles in the attack.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 14 September, Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed on defending 11 aerial drones launched by Ukraine in Crimea. On the same it published satellite images showing the destruction of one “missile launcher” of S-400. It also reported on destroying five sea drones of Ukraine which attempted attacking its naval vessel in the Black Sea.
Apart from this, the ministry also claimed on taking down many Ukrainian drones near the borders areas of Bryansk and Belgorod districts. Alexander Bogomaz, Bryansk governor assured no damages or casualties. Defence ministry added shooting down of drones launched over Belgorod district.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 14 September, Kai Wegner, Berlin’s Mayor and Vitali Kitschko Kyiv’s Mayor held a meeting. In the meeting both signed agreements to make both capital cities as “twin towns.” Wegner stressed on achieving a peaceful Europe through “ree and territorially sovereign Ukraine." Upon signing of the document, Kyiv will be the 18th partner city.
On 14 September, BBC reported on the increased use of sea drones in Ukraine war. According to the report on the “seaborne technology,” it states how it is gaining momentum. The drones which operate above and below the water surface can also be used in military for clearing mines, surveillance and detonate targets. Of the categories of sea drones, key features include “built-in explosives and camera,” which help the operator with images. Long-range targets are pre-programmed and later guided by human according to Sidharth Kaushal from Rusi, a defence think tank. The nature of operations and programme is known, the cost factor remain undisclosed. Ukraine had earlier disclosed the price to be USD 250,000 and was observed to have used it at minimum 13 attacks targeting Russia’s naval base and harbour.
References
James Marson, “Ukraine Says It Eliminated Advanced Russian Air-Defense System in Crimea,” Wall Street Journal, 14 September 2023
Veronika Melkozerova “Ukraine says it wrecked Russian submarine with British cruise missiles,” POLITICO, 14 September 2023
“Kyiv, Berlin strike twin town deal as Mayor Klitschko visits,” Deutsche Welle, 14 September 2023
Joshua Cheetham, “Sea drones: What are they and how much do they cost?,” BBC, 14 September 2023
“Ukraine: Kim talks show Putin's isolation, Klimkin says,” Deutsche Welle, 14 September 2023
“Russia says 11 drones destroyed over Crimea: RIA,” CGTN, 14 September 2023
“Russia Repels Overnight Wave of Ukrainian Drones in Border Regions,” The Moscow Times, 14 September 2023
IN BRIEF
By Rishika Yadav
The UK
Parents prioritize independence and imagination over obedience in child rearing
On 15 September, according to The Guardian, a study of 24 countries revealed that modern UK’s parents place less importance on instilling obedience in their children compared to other countries. The research indicates a shift in parenting values since the 1990s, with Britons increasingly valuing qualities such as hard work, independence, and imagination over obedience. The UK ranked 20th for emphasizing obedience and 23rd for responsibility as qualities to teach children. Conversely, teaching children not to be selfish, fostering imagination, and promoting good manners were prioritized. This shift reflects broader cultural changes away from security values towards self-expression. Changing parenting values in the UK indicate a cultural shift towards valuing individuality and creativity in child rearing. (Rachel Hall, “Britons place low value on teaching children obedience, study finds,” The Guardian, 15 September 2023)
REGIONAL
Baltic states ban Russia’s license plates
On 13 September, Estonia joined Latvia and Lithuania in prohibiting vehicles with Russia’s license plates from entering their territories in line with updated European Commission directives. The move, a response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, aims to collectively raise the cost of aggression. Exceptions include transit traffic to Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and diplomatic vehicles. The status of Russia’s registered cars already in Estonia remains to be addressed. The European Commission’s recent guidelines also extend to seizing high-value items from Russia’s citizens upon entry to the EU. Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s Deputy Head of Security Council denounced the move as “racist,” prompting tensions. Moreover, five EU member states, including Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, share borders with Russia. These Baltic states and Poland are prepared to close their borders if necessary. (“Baltic states shut borders to Russia-registered cars,” Deutsche Welle, 13 September 2023)
EU parliament adopts electricity market reform position despite objections
On 14 September, the European Parliament officially adopted its position on reforming the EU’s electricity market. This mandate, based on a report by Nicolás González Casares, Spain’s Member of the European Parliament (MEP), seeks to counter soaring energy prices linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite objections from over 180 MEPs, the objection to the Parliament’s position was rejected, solidifying the Casares report as the Parliament’s stance in negotiations with the European Commission and Council. Christophe Grudler, France’s MEP, who initiated the objection, expressed disappointment but noted that it demonstrates a lack of unanimity in Parliament, potentially affecting future trilogue discussions. (Paul Messad, “Divided EU Parliament adopts weakened stance on electricity market reform,” Euractiv, 14 September 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
India and Russia explore new maritime corridors and training for seafarers
On 13 September, India and Russia engaged in discussions to expand maritime cooperation during a meeting at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Both countries explored the potential of new transport routes, such as the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) connecting Vladivostok to Chennai. They also agreed to train India’s seafarers in Polar and Arctic waters using simulators at the Russia’s Maritime Training Institute in Vladivostok. Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ayush, emphasized India’s interest in NSR development for improved connectivity and trade. A.O. Chekunkov, Russia’s Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, expressed eagerness to strengthen ties with India across various sectors, focusing on cargo like coking coal, oil, LNG, and fertilizers. (Dinakar Peri, “India, Russia exploring use of Northern Sea Route, Eastern Maritime Corridor,” The Hindu, 14 September 2023)
EU launches anti-subsidy probe amidst surge in Chinese electric car imports
On 13 September, according to Politico, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, initiated an anti-subsidy investigation against China’s electric car imports. It is escalating concerns over state-backed China’s electric vehicles flooding global markets at artificially low prices. Von der Leyen cited the distortions caused by these subsidies, posing a threat to the EU’s auto industry. The move was met with approval from France’s ministers but raised concerns in Germany's automotive sector, heavily invested in China's market. The EU aims to prevent China’s companies from dominating the growing electric vehicle market. Valdis Dombrovskis, EU’s Trade Commissioner, will negotiate with China on this matter on 25 September. The EU’s probe into China’s electric car subsidies reflects concerns about market fairness and may lead to significant trade tensions. (Joshua Posaner, Barbara Moens and Stuart Lau, “EU risks trade war with China over electric vehicles,” Politico, 13 September 2023)
UK, France, and Germany to maintain sanctions over Iran
On 15 September, according to BBC, the UK, France, and Germany declared their intention to uphold sanctions on Iran, aiming to dissuade Iran from supplying drones and missiles to Russia. Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal allowed for the easing of certain sanctions, due to happen next month. However, European countries allege that Iran violated the accord by enriching and stockpiling uranium, which can be used in nuclear weapons. Iran has termed this move “illegal and provocative.” The European powers will incorporate expiring UN sanctions into their laws, targeting Iran’s development and export of ballistic missiles and drones. Iran argues this decision violates its obligations under the nuclear deal and UNSC Resolution 2231. The European countries’ decision to maintain sanctions reflects their concern over Iran's nuclear activities and potential arms sales to Russia. (James Landale & Aoife Walsh, “UK, France and Germany to keep nuclear sanctions on Iran,” BBC, 15 September 2023)