Photo : Filip Singer/EPA
Photo : Filip Singer/EPA
War in Ukraine: Day 607
By Rishika Yadav
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 22 October, Russia’s Foreign Ministry accused the west for “hoarding” Russia’s fertilizer. In a statement, it reported that more than 96,000 tons of fertilizer was blocked at the ports of Latvia, Estonia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. According to Russia the fertilizers were scheduled to be delivered to poor countries in Africa.
On 23 October, Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister visited Tehran for discussions with regional foreign ministers, including those from Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. These talks occurred amidst Middle East tensions and unresolved conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Russia has increasingly turned to Iran for military and economic support in response to Western sanctions. Western countries have accused Iran of supporting Russia’s military actions in Ukraine by supplying drones and weaponry.
On 23 October, Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist working for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, has been ordered to remain in pre-trial detention until December. She faces charges of failing to register as a foreign agent in Russia, which could lead to a five-year prison sentence if found guilty. Kurmasheva’s case is the first instance of someone facing criminal punishment for this offense in Russia.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 23 October, Turkey submitted Sweden’s NATO accession bid to its parliament for ratification, potentially marking progress in a lengthy deliberation process. The protocol was signed by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s President, and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressing optimism about NATO membership. Turkey had previously blocked Sweden’s bid due to concerns about harboring Turkey’s opposition groups deemed “terrorists.” While Turkey had agreed to send the bid to parliament in July, there have been recent calls for anti-terrorism measures in Sweden. The timeline for Turkey’s parliamentary approval remains uncertain, with Sweden’s NATO aspirations delayed for months. The deal comes following the deal with the US to acquire 40 F-16s and revival of Turkey’s accession into the EU.
On 23 October, in a meeting held by Foreign Ministers Council, EU ministers discussed on concrete steps to boosting security of Ukraine. Josep Borrell, EU foreign policy chief, suggested an annual commitment of up to EUR five billion from 2024 to 2027. It included funds for fighter jets and missiles.
On 23 October, in its intelligence update, UK’s Ministry of Defence reported on the increase in Russia’s defence spending in the 2024 budget. According to the report, it reached six per cent of GDP, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Conversely, education and healthcare budgets remained frozen at 2023 levels, causing real-term cuts. It further reported that the increasing numbers of wounded soldiers and their families’ healthcare needs will strain finances. Sustained military spending may lead to inflation and financial burdens on businesses, while reducing military expenditure risks economic challenges amid sanctions.
References
“Russia's Lavrov to Visit Iran for Talks Monday,” The Moscow Times, 23 October 2023
“Russian Court Extends U.S. Journalist’s Pre-Trial Detention Until December,” The Moscow Times, 23 October 2023
“Latvia's foreign minister says Europe 'must keep focus' on Ukraine,” Deutsche Welle, 23 October 2023
“EU foreign ministers discuss further Ukraine military aid,” Deutsche Welle, 23 October 2023
“Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 23 October 2023,” UK’s Ministry of Defence, 23 October 2023
“EU states hoarding Russian fertilizer intended for poor countries – ministry,” RT, 23 October 2023
“Foreign Affairs Council, 23 October 2023,” Council of Europe, 23 October 2023
Stuart Lau, “Erdoğan, at last, sends Sweden’s NATO bid to Turkish parliament,” POLITICO, 23 October 2023