Photo : Valery Sharifulin/TASS
Photo : Valery Sharifulin/TASS
War in Ukraine: Day 328
War on the Ground
On 17 January, Ukraine President’s Office Deputy Head Andriy Smyrnov called for a special tribunal to investigate the role of Russian military and political leaders in the Ukraine war. Smyrnov during a World Economic Forum Meeting (WEF) on ‘The Black Book of Russian War Crimes: Facts of Genocide’ said that the tribunal will ensure that suitable arrest warrants and indictments can be issued against the leadership. He urged allied countries to set up the tribunal to investigate “Russia’s crime of aggression against Ukraine.”
On 17 January, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that nine thermal power plants (TPP) were destroyed due to Russia’s latest attack. Shmyhal said that in the nine TPPs, one unit was destroyed in eastern Ukraine and the rest were destroyed in western Ukraine. He added that the attack also damaged three key substations and one overhead line.
On 17 January, Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska presented Ukraine’s Peace Formula at the Congress Centre of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Zelnska said that the presentation was about the role of the Formula in the humanitarian and human dimensions. The Peace Formula was presented by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the G20 and contains ten points to achieve peace in the Ukraine conflict. She advocated for the swift implementation of the Peace Formula.
On 17 January, Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the rescue operation in Dnipro was completed. Zelenskyy said that the final count of casualties totalled 45 dead out of which six were children and 79 were injured. Dnipro was attacked by Russia on 14 January with a Kh-22 missile which hit a nine-story residential building.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 17 January, the Russian Foreign Ministry levied fresh sanctions on EU officials as a response to the ninth-EU sanctions package. The Ministry outlined that it had extended the number of EU officials banned from entering Russia. Additionally, sanctions now include EU law enforcement agencies that are training Ukrainian troops and European state and commercial weapons and military hardware manufacturers which are being supplied to Ukraine. The Ministry said that the list also includes EU nationals who have repeatedly engaged in anti-Russian views in public. The ministry added: “Any unfriendly actions by Western countries will receive a timely and adequate response.”
On 17 January, Russia’s ombudswoman Tatiana Moskalkova said that she has not discussed the Prisoner exchange matter with Ukrainian ombudsman Dmitry Luninets in Turkey. Moskalkova said that she was surprised to see media reports regarding a prisoner exchange between the two countries with 800 Ukrainians will be swapped for 200 Russians. She added: “I always stress that these matters are in the purview of the Russian defence ministry.” Moskalkova called the terms unfair and said that issue of repatriation should be on the lines of the 1949 Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
On 17 January, Russian Security Council Deputy Head Dmitry Medvedev criticised the participants of the WEF for discussing the issue of tank supplies to Ukraine. Medvedev singled out Polish President Andrzej Duda for his remarks calling for a coalition of Western countries the supply armoured tanks to Ukraine. Medvedev said: “They probably hope that ‘a tank coalition’ will bring Ukraine’s division closer, which is what the Poles dream about.” He added that they should instead draft a collective document announcing Ukraine’s surrender specifying the makeup of Ukraine after the war.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 17 January, the Romanian Defence Ministry announced that NATO’s Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) planes had landed in Romania. Two of the three planes landed at the Otopeni air base and the third one will be arriving on 18 January. The AWACS came from the fleet of 14 based in Germany to monitor Russian military activity at the Romania-Russia border.
On 17 January, Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin at the WEF said that Finland will support Ukraine “as long as needed.” Marin said that the EU should have taken a harsher stance against Russia after 2014 and expects that the West has learned a lesson on how to deal with Russia. Marin also said that the war would not have taken place if Ukraine was a member of NATO. She added: “We want to become a member of NATO because we don't ever again want war in Finland. We have been at war with Russia before.”
On 17 January, Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that the Netherlands is considering sending a Patriot missile system to Ukraine. Rutte in a meeting with US President Joe Biden said: “We have the intention to join what you are doing with Germany on the Patriot project, so the air defence system.” He said that he had spoken to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz regarding the same and added that the recent attacks on Dnipro had increased “our resolve to stay with Ukraine.”
On 17 January, Poland President Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda urged Germany to supply more tanks to Ukraine. Duda welcomed Germany’s decision to supply Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and called it a “ very needed decision.” Nausėda called the decision a “very strategic factor in this war,” but called on Germany to clear all the delays for the supply of the tanks as soon as possible. Nausėda said: “We don’t have the luxury for such delays, and decision-making must be decisive, fast.” Duda reiterated Poland’s intention to supply Ukraine with 14 Leopard 2 tanks saying: “Poland has declared the transfer of a company of Leopard tanks to Ukraine as part of an international coalition. Consultations with allies are underway.”
Global Fallouts
Implications of the Ukraine War
On 17 January, Ukraine’s Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories said that the global aid to Ukraine since 24 February has exceeded EUR 113 billion. The ministry cited findings by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy saying that 40 countries have donated to Ukraine through military, humanitarian and financial aid. The 40 donor countries include Canada, Australia, India, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The Ministry said that the US alone has provided aid worth EUR 52 billion to Ukraine out of which EUR 23 billion in security assistance. It added that the EU has provided the most in terms of financial aid and along with European institutions has pledged to give Ukraine EUR 35 billion to address its budgetary needs. It also said that EUR 13 billion was given to Ukraine through international aid.
On 17 January, Tennis Australia (TA) banned fans from holding Russian and Belarusian flags at the Australian Open. While fans were allowed to carry the flags to show support to Russian and Belarusian players, TA banned the flag after it was visible courtside in the match of Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova against Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl on 16 January. The TA said: “The ban is effective immediately. We will continue to work with the players and our fans to ensure the best possible environment to enjoy the tennis.”
References
“Ukraine calls for Special Tribunal for Russian political, military leadership,” Ukrinform, 17 January 2023
“PM Shmyhal: Russia's latest attack damaged nine TPPs in Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 17 January 2023
“Olena Zelenska presented the Ukrainian Peace Formula at the World Economic Forum in Davos,” president.gov.ua, 17 January 2023
“The world hears Ukraine in Davos and knows what Russia has done to Dnipro and other territories it brought death to - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” president.gov.ua, 17 January 2023
“Russia imposes entry ban on EU officials in response to 9th package of sanctions,” Tass, 17 January 2023
“Russian ombudswoman denies discussing prisoner swap with Ukrainian counterpart,” Tass, 17 January 2023
“Medvedev slams WEF for discussing tank supplies to Ukraine instead of economy,” Tass, 17 January 2023
Stephen McGrath and Andreea Alexandru “NATO surveillance planes temporarily deployed to Romania,” AP News, 17 January 2023
Darren Boyle “Finland's PM Sanna Marin vows to back Ukraine 'as long as needed' as she joins global elite in Davos,” Daily Mail, 17 January 2023
“Finnish PM: EU Should Have Been 'Much Harder' On Russia After 2014,” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 17 January 2023
Katie Rogers and ana Swanson “Netherlands Considers Sending Patriot Missile System to Ukraine,” The New York Times, 17 January 2023
James Randerson “Poland and Lithuania pile pressure on Germany to supply tanks to Ukraine,” Politico, 17 January 2023
“International aid to Ukraine exceeds €113B,” Ukrinform, 17 January 2023
Mike Hytner “Tennis fans seen hoisting Russian flag at Australian Open despite ban,” The Guardian, 17 January 2023
IN BRIEF
ESTONIA
Ministry of Defence continues to increase expenditure in acquiring weapons
On 17 January, Defence news reported on Estonia’s Ministry of Defence announced its decision to buy 12 K9 Thunder howitzers as part of its artillery fleet expansion plan. Under the EUR 36 million deal, the Estonian Defence Forces will operate 36 similar weapons. The continued expansion of Estonia’s investments reflects the growing need for “indirect fire weapons.” According to the Defence Minister: “…we have made quick decisions to equip both infantry brigades with additional K9 Thunder mobile howitzers and bring Estonia’s indirect fire capability to a completely new level.” Apart from Estonia, Poland is also among those to purchase K9 Thunder from South Korea’s Hanwha Defence. Similar to the deal with South Korea, Estonia is also part of a similar contract with the US to buy six M142 HIMARS. (Jaroslaw Adamowski, “Estonia buys 12 more howitzers amid ‘lessons from Ukraine’,” Defence news, 17 January 2023)
FINLAND
Environment Institute reports infrastructural damage due to inland flooding
On 17 January, the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) reported on increasing water levels in the western and southern part of Finland. According to Syke the reported floods are viewed as exception with zero possibility for a “serious flood damage” via roads, and underwater fields. The 2022 report by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found increased impact on the infrastructure due to “inland flooding.” Similarly Finland’s climate panel warned on more floods in the upcoming years in 2021. (“Winter floods hit Finland,” Yle.fi, 17 January 2023)
TURKEY
Defence industry plans to produce alternatives of US-made HIMARS
On 16 January, Hungary’s, Industry and Technology Minister Mustafa Varank commented on Turkey’s defence industry capacity to produce alternative products to US’s HIMARS rocket launchers. According to Varank: “We produce alternative products to HIMARS in Türkiye, and if there is a need for them, we are ready to provide the necessary support for these products.” He added that Turkey’s defence industry cooperation has been improving with Hungary in supply of armoured vehicles and drone technologies. (“Türkiye can supply Hungary with HIMARS alternatives: Minister,” Daily Sabah, 17 January 2023)
REGIONAL
NATO General assures security support to Bosnia
On 16 January, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met member of the tripartite Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Bećirović to discuss the stability and the significance of the alliance in the Western Balkans region. During the meet Stoltenberg stressed on concentrating on reforms to protect the “multi-ethnic institutions.” He also added on the NATO’s support in helping develop a “defence capacity building package” to boost the security capabilities. On 17 January, the representatives of NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme and scientific group of Bosnia and Herzegovina exchanged areas for cooperation in the field of “cyber defence, counter-terrorism and the detection of explosive hazards.” According to a NATO spokesperson: “Our cooperation aligns with our evolving partnership and with an ever-changing security landscape, and is increasingly focusing on the application of technologies to tackle new and emerging challenges.” (“NATO Secretary General meets with Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.” Nato.int, 16 January 2023; “NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthen science and technology cooperation,” Nato.int, 17 January 2023)
Slovenia to construct its first nuclear waste disposal site
On 16 January, Slovenia’s Agency for Radioactive Waste (ARAO) announced its plan to construct a “low and intermediate” level radioactive waste disposal site near Krsko nuclear plant. The site is scheduled to remain in trial mode till 2026 and the first stage of the construction will provide access to roads, launch “environmental service” and build landfill facilities. In the third phase, “manufacturing and delivery of a lift and lifting equipment,” is expected to take place. According to the agency, the site will be a dumping site for radioactive waste along with capacity to hold 990 concrete containers. (Radomir Ralev, “Slovenia to start building nuclear waste disposal site in 2023 – report,” Seenews, 16 January 2023)
SPACE
Sweden and European Commission inaugurate Europe's first orbital launch facility
On 17 January, Space News reported persisting ambiguity over Europe’s orbital launch. On 13 January, Sweden’s Prime Minister and European Commission’s President inaugurated the Esrange Space Center, Europe’s first orbital launch facility. According to SSC chair of the board Anna Kinberg Batra: “This will be instrumental for reaching the E.U. and U.N. sustainability goals as well as strategies within security and defense.” Till now Europe has accessed space through France’s space agency CNES, but through this initiative it will provide Europe an independent access featuring “..launch vehicle integration facility and three pads.” The first launch from the facility is expected to occur by end of 2023. (Jeff Foust, “Sweden opens orbital launch site looking for users,” Space News, 17 January 2023)