NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
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War in Ukraine: Day 379
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 09 March, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on sporadic strikes across Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv, which affected the power supply. Ukraine’s Air Force claimed on Russia’s missile launches numbered to 81 along with eight Shahed drones and six Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister called the attack as “just Russian barbarism.”
On 09 March, Ukraine’s nuclear energy generating company Energoatom reported on power outage due to the attack on the power grid. In a statement: “Today, the last line of communication between the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP and the Ukrainian power system has been cut off. Fuel for operation remains for ten days.”
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 09 March, the Wagner Group Head, Yevgeny Prigozhin continue to claim the capture of east part of Bakhmut. This is yet to be confirmed, but Ukraine armed forces has said that in spite of massive loss, Russia still continues to fight in Bakhmut.
On 09 March, on the Nord Stream pipeline damage, Russia’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded to report in The New York Times. He stressed on finding out those responsible behind the damage and added that Russia would not blow “its own infrastructure.” Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts in facilitating the prisoner exchange with Ukraine.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 09 March, on the fighting in Bakhmut, NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg observed more troops being deployed by Russia, while the quality is limited as it focuses on quantity. Despite Russia facing too many losses, capturing of Bakhmut can still be possible according to Stoltenberg.
On the same day, EU Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borell proposed for an additional spending of EUR one billion to purchase ammunition for Ukraine and replenish EU’s stock. This came after the defence minister’s meeting.
On 09 March, following Poland’s statement on providing fighter jets to Ukraine, Slovakia’s Defence Minister said that they will soon decide on sending the MiG-29 fighters jets.
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the war
On 09 March, on the Russian attacks on the Ukraine’s energy grid, IAEA Head Rafael Grossi urged the board of governors to ensure protection of Zaporizhzhia plant. He mentioned that it was sixth time the plant went short of power completely and has been functioning on emergency mode.
IN BRIEF
By Femy Francis
BELGIUM
Prime minister proposed a new migration deal
On 08 March, Belgium announced a new migration provision presented by Prime minister Alexander De Croo. Belgium's migration system has been criticised for failing to aid asylum seekers. Migration State Secretary Nicole de Moor said: “With this first package of measures, we are on the path to reform. Reception places will only be allocated to those who are undergoing an asylum procedure, cooperation on return will be enshrined in law, abuses will be combated, and vulnerable persons will be protected.” They would provide the asylum seekers with new housing facilities made up of shipping containers located at 700 new locations. Another focus of the provision would be on outflows and aiding the return policy of the migrants, with that children would be granted refugee status and the parents can apply for humanitarian regularization to stay with them (Anne-Sophie Gayet, “Belgium announces new migration deal,” Euractiv, 10 March 2023)
GERMANY
43 per cent support the reintroduction of compulsory military service says survey
On 10 March, Deutsche Welle reports that a survey was conducted on the reintroduction of military service by the Ipsos MORI group. They took a sample survey of 1000 eligible voters from varied age groups and their opinion. Wherein, the majority of Germans wanted to restore the compulsory military service that was suspended in 2011. Additionally, they wanted this rule to apply to both genders. The aggregate was 43 per cent supported the compulsory service for both men and women, while 18 per cent supported that this should only be applied to men. The polls also convey that most people who supported this provision are in the older age bracket and those who don't have to face military service. Since the invasion of Ukraine, there has been an urgency in Germany to create a stronger military and introduce a special one-off fund of EUR 100 billion. (“Most Germans want compulsory military service return — poll,” Deutsche Welle, 10 March 2023)
KOSOVO
EU grants Visa-free travel for Kosovo passport holders
On 09 March, the European Council adopted the provision for visa-free travel by Kosovo passport holders. This new provision allows Kosovo passport holders to visit EU countries without a visa for a period of 90 days. The Swedish Minister said, “Kosovo has made great efforts to improve its security and migration management and to align its visa policy with that of the EU. We hope our cooperation in these fields will continue to be fruitful." (“Kosovo: Council gives green light to visa-free travel,” European Council, 09 March 2023)
CLIMATE
Europe records the second mildest winter
On 08 March, the EU scientists announced that according to the climate monitor, Europe saw the second-warmest winter ever to be recorded. The mild winter was a relief to the citizens amid Russia and Ukraine wars and the soaring prices faced due to inflation, this change in temperature is an indication of wording climate change. EU Copernicus Climate Change service shows a 1.4 degree rise in temperature. The high winter was faced by countries from France to Hungary which also led to the halting of seeking recreational services. The milder winter has greatly affected farming and habitats, where the animals would find it difficult to adjust themselves to the new temperature conditions. (Richard Connor, “Europe has second mildest winter on record — climate monitor,” Deutsche Welle, 09 March 2023)
ENERGY
Germany to import Hydrogen from France
On 09 March, Germany plans to support France in the recognition of hydrogen energy made from nuclear power as they plan to import. Advisor to the German Chancellor said: “We will not erect barriers or create rules that prohibit or discriminate against hydrogen made from nuclear power.” Hydrogen power creates energy without emitting CO2, a system used in France's energy-generating nuclear power plant. France has long argued that hydrogen produced by nuclear power is ‘green’ as part of the European rules and would spearhead the nuclear alliance. (Théo Bourgery-Gonse, “Germany ‘not opposed’ to nuclear-made hydrogen, says will import from France,” Euractiv, 09 March 2023)
REGIONAL
UK and France look to a renew friendship
On 10 March, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met to mend ties. This is the first joint summit in five years, the relations saw a slowdown after failed submarine contract (Aukus deal) and a row over fishing rights. The change in UK leadership and the Ukraine invasion has once again ignited the relationship between the two countries. They plan to form a strategic partnership in energy focusing on nuclear energy. This is a vital move as they try to define a common ambition and a stance of renewed friendship. (Davide Basso, “France-UK to attempt mending ties with the joint summit,” Euractiv, 09 March 2023)
NATO hosted Turkey, Finland and Sweden to address security concerns
On 09 March, Permanent Joint Mechanism members Turkey, Finland and Sweden were hosted by NATO. The NATO Secretary-General said: “Finland and Sweden have taken unprecedented steps to address legitimate Turkish security concerns.” The representatives from each country discussed the steps to strengthen trilateral relations where they could exchange arms and have increased counter-terrorism measures. The discussion agreed on adding Finland and Sweden to NATO as beneficial to the larger interest of the alliance. (“NATO Secretary General hosts meeting of senior officials from Türkiye, Finland and Sweden,” NATO, 09 March 2023)
Norway to allow UK to set camp Viking
On 10 March, Sputnik reported on UK's plans to establish a military base in the arctic called "Camp Viking." This establishment violates Norwegian law on the permanent presence of “foreign forces” during peacetime against the law. The UK defines this as a vital move for the modern era where they would be situated 120 kilometres south of the city of Tromso. During the winter 1000 UK commandos were deployed in the Camp Viking station as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force and Nato drills. The critics have found this deal as a violation of long-standing Norwegian policy and this was refuted by the authorities setting that the presence is only temporary. (Igor Kuznetsov, “UK to Establish Arctic Military Base in Norway,” Sputnik, 10 March 2023)
European Parliament agreed on energy efficiency directives
On 10 March, European Parliament agrees to reduce final energy consumption by 11.7 per cent by 2030. This would mean an aggregate of 763 million worth of oil should be targeted for consumption. The consumption limit would be binding and final for all member states. This does not include primary energy used for the production and supply of energy. They agreed that gradual annual saving of the energy target would ensure 1.49 per cent of energy consumption on average. They highlighted the obligation of the public sector to reach the yearly target by reducing consumption by 1.9 per cent. (“Council and Parliament strike deal on energy efficiency directive,” European Council, 10 March 2023)