Photo : Ministry of Defence of the Federation of Russia
Photo : Ministry of Defence of the Federation of Russia
By Neha Tresa George
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 14 October, Ukrinform reported on the statements of Andrii Kostin, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General to the Brazilian authorities. He said that he had received intelligence information regarding Putin’s visit to the upcoming G20 summit in Brazil next month. He said: “Due to information that Putin may attend the G20 summit in Brazil, I would like to reiterate that it's an obligation for the Brazilian authorities as a state party of the Rome Statute to arrest him if he dares to visit.” He argued that failure to arrest him would in turn suggest that leaders accused of crimes could travel anywhere. However, the Brazilian authorities had informed that Putin had not responded to the invitation.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims from Russia
On 14 October, RT reported on the statements made by Dmitry Peskov, Press Secretary of the Russian president on the potential nuclear talks with the US. He said that Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President considered these talks necessary to minimise nuclear threats. He said: “We must consider all security issues as a whole, taking into account the current state of affairs.” He stressed that the scope of the talks should be broader as nuclear powers like the US, UK and France were involved directly or indirectly in the war. Earlier, the US had shown interest in opening dialogue with Russia, China and North Korea over nuclear security issues.
On 14 October, The Moscow Times reported on the meeting between Andrei Belousev and Dong Jun, the defence ministers of Russia and China respectively. On his visit to China, Belousev called for “strengthened military cooperation” between the countries. According to the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, Belousev was set to “hold a number of negotiations with the country's military and military-political leadership.” Meanwhile, Dong Jun called for a “deepened strategic collaboration” and “advanced military relations.” He also highlighted the growing relationship between the two countries by referring to it as “a model for major power relations.”
On 14 October, The Moscow Times reported on statements by Tatyana Moskalkova, Russia’s presidential human rights commissioner. According to her, Ukrainian troops had forcibly taken over 1,000 residents from Russia’s Kursk region since their incursion. She said: “We know nothing about their fate. This is a gross violation of their rights and international norms of treatment of civilians.” She added that she intended to raise the issue in the next meeting of her Ukrainian counterpart. While reporters could not independently verify her claims, Ukraine did not respond to the accusations.
On 14 October, The Moscow Times reported that the Kremlin refuted the claims of Moldova’s authorities that it was interfering with the country’s presidential elections and the referendum on joining the EU. According to Dmitry Peskov: “There are still many people in Moldova who support having good relations with our country.” He added that these people were restricted from having their own political representation and politicians were banned from showing their alliance to Russia. Earlier, a police investigation in Moldova had discovered a vote-buying scheme that was found to be influenced by Russia.
On 14 October, RT reported on Vladimir Putin’s decision to ratify the treaty on the comprehensive strategic partnership with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. It was signed during his visit to Pyongyang back in June. The treaty involves both countries to assist each other in case of any foreign aggression. Further, it put forward “cooperation with each other to ensure regional and international peace and security.” They also concluded to not sign any agreements against the sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, the right to free choice and development of political, social, economic and cultural systems and other key interests of the other Party with any third countries.” According to Russian media agencies, the proposal for ratification was being registered in the State Duma’s docket.
On 14 October, RT reported on the Kremlin’s response to “Steadfast Noon,” NATO’s annual nuclear exercise currently being conducted in Western Europe. Dmitry Peskov said that the drill was “untimely” against the backdrop of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He added that the exercise would only escalate the tensions between the parties. Russia had always considered this system to be against the principle of nuclear non-proliferation.
THE WEST VIEW
On 14 October, France24 reported that David Lammy, the UK’s Defence Minister will attend the Foreign Affairs Council held in Luxembourg on the invitation from Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This marks the first visit of a UK Defence Minister to the EU in two years. It came as part of the EU’s aim to “reset” relations with the UK. Lammy said: "This visit is an opportunity for the UK to be back at the table, discussing the most pressing global issues with our closest neighbours and tackle the seismic challenges we all face.”
On 15 October, Reuters reported on the statements of Mark Rutte, NATO’s Secretary General on his first visit to the alliance’s Ukraine mission in Wiesbaden. He said that NATO would not be intimidated by Russia’s nuclear threats and continue its strong support to Ukraine. He said: “The message is that we will continue, that we will do what's necessary to make sure that he will not get his way, that Ukraine will prevail.” He spoke at Clay Barracks, a US base that hosts the headquarters of the new mission, NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU).
On 14 October, NATO began “Steadfast Noon,” its annual nuclear exercise in Western Europe. It will involve more than 60 aircraft taking part in training flights. It is set to continue for two weeks and involves fighter jets capable of carrying US nuclear warheads although it does not involve live weapons. Mark Rutte, NATO’s Secretary General said: “Steadfast Noon is an important test of the Alliance's nuclear deterrent and sends a clear message to any adversary that NATO will protect and defend all Allies.” The exercise will have flights mainly over the host countries Belgium, the Netherlands and over the airspace of Denmark, the UK and the North Sea. This marked NATO’s ways to take steps to ensure its “safety, effectiveness and credibility.”
References
“Ukraine’s Prosecutor General urges Brazil to arrest Putin if he attends G20 summit,” Ukrinform, 14 October 2024
“Putin asks MPs to approve ‘strategic partnership’ with North Korea,” RT, 14 October 2024
“NATO holds annual nuclear exercise: Steadfast Noon,” NATO, 14 October 2024
“Kremlin comments on NATO nuclear drill,” RT, 14 October 2024
“NATO will not be intimidated by Russia's threats, Rutte says at Ukraine mission HQ,” Reuters, 15 October 2024
“UK foreign secretary to join EU ministers for talks on Mideast and Ukraine,” France24, 14 October 2024
“Kremlin Denies Meddling in Moldova’s Upcoming Election,” The Moscow Times, 14 October 2024
“Russia Accuses Ukraine of Forcibly Taking 1K Kursk Region Residents Since Incursion,” The Moscow Times, 14 October 2024
“Moscow and Beijing Pledge to Strengthen Military Ties as Russian Defense Minister Visits China,” The Moscow Times, 14 October 2024
“Kremlin comments on prospect of nuclear talks with US,” RT, 14 October 2024