Photo : AFP / Sergei SUPINSKY
War in Ukraine: Day 501
By Sreeja JS
War on the Ground
On 10 July, Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Minister of Ukraine wrote on Twitter that NATO allies have agreed to remove the Membership Action Plan (MAP) from Ukraine's path to membership. He welcomed the decision, and urged NATO to offer clarity on the invitation. MAP is a NATO program to advise, assist and provide practical support to individual countries wishing to join the alliance.
On 10 July, Yonhap News Agency reported that South Korea had dispatched additional military supplies to Ukraine at Kyiv’s request. Previously, Seoul has provided humanitarian and military logistics support to Kyiv. The decision comes as Yoon Suk Yeol, President of South Korea is attending NATO Summit in Vilnius.
On 10 July, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine wrote on Facebook that the Russian forces have launched 22 airstrikes and 30 rocket salvo systems in Mykolaiv destroying civilian infrastructure. Heavy fights are underway in Kupyansk, Lymansk, Bakhmutsk, Avdiivsk and Marinsk. Ukrainian Forces continue to repel attacks in Bakhmut and Avdiyiv and conduct offensive actions in Melitopol and Berdyansk.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 10 July, RT reported that according to Vladimir Artyakov, Deputy CEO of Rostec defence conglomerate, Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missiles have been put into mass production. According to RT, Artyakov assured that modern air defence systems cannot intercept these missiles. He also refuted Kyiv's claims that it has intercepted a dozen of these missiles by calling them “propaganda.”
On 10 July, the Russian Defence Ministry estimated the number of foreign fighters in Ukraine and said that only 2,200 mercenaries remain out of the 11,675 recruited. According to the statement, the largest number of foreign combatants are from Poland, followed by the US, Canada, Georgia, the UK, Romania, France and a few Syria’s territories under Turkey’s control. A total of 4,485 foreign combatants died in battle and 4.801 fled Ukraine while 2,209 are still on active duty. According to the spokesperson, Kyiv is increasing its efforts to recruit mercenaries from Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. RT added that the ministry also alleged Kyiv for mistreating foreign mercenaries and viewing them like “cannon fodder.”
On 10 July, Lieutenant-General Igor Konashenkov said that Russian forces have destroyed Ukrainian ammunition depots in Nikolayev and Kramatorsk. They have also destroyed a command post of the Ukrainian army’s 47th mechanized brigade near Orekhov.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 10 July, Ukrinform reported on Germany’s stance that Ukraine's invitation to NATO's summit in Vilnius is unlikely, but it would significantly intensify relations and increase the level of partnership between Kyiv and the alliance. This summit would also signal a strong message to Moscow about the allies' determination to support Ukraine. The German leadership also expects a “significant deepening of the partnership.” The report also said that Germany would announce new arms shipments to Ukraine at the summit.
On 10 July, Deutsche Welle reported that according to Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor of the US, Kyiv has provided written guarantees that the cluster munitions would be used “in a very careful way.” Colin Kahl, the US under-secretary for Defence added that they would not be used in the heavily populated urban areas and there would be a careful accounting of where they are employed.
On 10 July, according to Deutsche Welle, Julius Beucher, President of Germany’s National Paralympic Committee (DBS) called for banning athletes from Russia and Belarus as long as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is due to vote in September 2023 on whether to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in events including Paralympics in 2024 in Paris.
References
“NATO allies reached consensus on removing MAP from Ukraine's path to membership - Kuleba,” Ukrinform, 10 July 2023
Chae Yun-Hwan, “S. Korea sends additional military supplies bound for Ukraine,” Yonhap News Agency, 10 July 2023
General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, “Operational information as of 18.00 on 10.07.2023 regarding the Russian invasion,” Facebook, 10 July 2023
Tuqa Khalid, “Ukraine’s Zelenskyy vows to bolster Belarus border defenses against potential threats,” Alarabiya News, 10 July 2023
“Russia now ‘mass producing’ hypersonic missiles – Rostec,” RT News, 10 July 2023
“Russia estimates number of foreign fighters in Ukraine,” RT News, 10 July 2023
“Ukraine stepping up mercenary recruitment effort – Russian MOD,” RT News, 10 July 2023
“Russian Defense Ministry reveals number of mercenaries among Ukrainian troops,” TASS, 10 July 2023
“Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian ammo depots in Kramatorsk, Nikolayev — top brass,” TASS, 10 July 2023
“NATO will increase level of partnership with Ukraine - source,” Ukrinform, 10 July 2023
“Germany's National Paralympic Committee wants Russia, Belarus ban,” Deutsche Welle, 10 July 2023
“White House received written assurances from Kyiv over cluster bombs,” Deutsche Welle, 10 July 2023
In Brief
By Prerana P
LATVIA
Canada to station more troops under NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence
On 10 July, Latvian Prime Minister KrišjÄnis Kariņš hosted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ahead of the NATO summit in Vilnius. Prime Minister Trudeau announced that the Canadian forces under NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in Latvia would be doubled in number. The Defence Ministers of both nations signed an agreement at the Adaži base to reaffirm Canada’s commitment. PM Trudeau further said that the other allies part of the eFP would also increase their brigade size in Latvia. The deployment in Latvia has been Canada’s most significant overseas stationing of brigades since the eFP was instituted in 2017. Furthermore, Canadian forces are the largest overseas presence in Latvia. (“Canada to double its military presence in Latvia,” ERR News, 11 July 2023)
NORWAY
Extends participation in NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence in Lithuania till 2024
On 10 July, Government.no reported that the government has decided to continue the participation of Norwegian forces in NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in Lithuania till 2024. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated: “The decision to extend the participation of Norwegian troops when there is an ongoing war in Europe is not a decision the Government takes lightly…Sharing knowledge and experience serves to enhance both our own Armed Forces and NATO.” Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram also informed that this was the largest deployment of Norwegian forces beyond the country. The EFP program began in 2017 and comprises four multinational battalions deployed in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland. The Norwegian contribution is a part of Germany’s multinational battalion in Lithuania. (“Norway will continue to contribute Norwegian forces in Lithuania,” Government.no, 10 July 2023)
NETHERLANDS
Prime Minister to step away from politics after elections
On 10 July, BBC reported that Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte informed the Dutch Parliament that he would be leaving politics following the elections. The Dutch government collapsed on 7 July when the PM resigned following a lack of consensus among the ruling coalition over migration policies. New elections are scheduled to be held in November. The PM currently leads the caretaker government. Meanwhile, two left-wing parties and a far-right party have introduced a no-confidence motion against Rutte. However, it requires the support of at least one of the coalition parties of the collapsed government to pass. (Robert Plummer, “Dutch PM Mark Rutte to quit politics after government collapse,” BBC, 10 July 2023)
SPAIN
86 rescued after vessel gone missing in transit to Spain through boat
On 10 July, Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service reportedly rescued 80 men and six women, while searching for a migrant vessel. However, the Spanish authorities hasn’t confirmed if it is one of the three vessels, which went on sail from Senegal to Canary Islands. The authorities have warned West Africa and Canary Islands to lookout for the migrants who are still missing. Three boats which took off its sail from Senegal to Spain, have been missing for 15 days and carried over 300 people. The Rescue spokesperson added that the migrants left Senegal due to the country’s instability. According to the United Nations International Organisation for Migration data, a minimum of 559 people died during their attempt to reach Canary Islands. The sub-Saharan Africans often use the deadliest Atlantic migration passage and over 951 migrants have died during the voyage. Although the Spanish authorities stated that there have been fewer boats since last six months, the number of deaths remained high. (“Spain rescues 86 in search for missing migrant vessels,” Deustche Welle, 10 July 2023)
REGIONAL
Erdogan and Viktor Orban approve Sweden’s bid to NATO
On 10 July, Erdogan declared a list of demands to be fulfilled to finally back Sweden’s accession into NATO military alliance. He has stated the need for EU to consider Turkey’s accession in return to the Sweden’s bid to NATO. Erdogan added: “First open the way for Turkey’s membership of the European Union, and then we will open it for Sweden, just as we had opened it for Finland.” Although the deal talks began in 2005, it was put on hold in 2016 due to democratic sliding, human rights and abuse provocations under Erdogan. German Chancellor has criticised stating that Sweden’s bid shouldn’t be tied with Turkey’s EU membership bid. EU Commission spokesperson added a similar statement: “You cannot link the two processes in regards to Turkey.” Hungary has signalled green light and has approved Sweden’s membership. Talks between the leaders of Sweden and Turkey will occur on the eve of the NATO summit to be held in Lithuania. (“Erdogan: Let Turkey in EU if you want Sweden in NATO,” Deutsche Welle, 10 July 2023)
CLIMATE CHANGE
Over 61,000 Europeans died due to summer heat in 2022
On 10 July, The Guardian reported on a new study that estimated that over 61,000 people across Europe died due to heatwaves between 30 May and 4 September 2022. Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal recorded the highest mortality rate. However, heatstrokes were the reason for a small percentage of the deaths. In a majority of cases, the heat exacerbated a person’s existing health issues, leading to death. The high death tolls in the last year have been attributed to the extreme temperatures that worsened due to climate change. The 2022 summer was also the hottest summer recorded in Europe. (Ajit Niranjan, “Heatwave last summer killed 61,000 people in Europe, research finds,” The Guardian, 10 July 2023)
El Nina heat waves intensely spreads across Europe
On 10 July, the World Meteorological Organization reported July to be the hottest week with global average peak at 17.08 Celsius. El Nina, a natural climate phenomenon caused severe warmer oceans in the central and eastern tropical pacific oceans and the WMO added: “The world just had the hottest week on record, according to preliminary data.” France recorded the highest temperatures of 38 degree Celsius and was called the “non-exceptional heatwave” for the season. Similarly, the German Weather Service (DWD) recorded 38 degrees Celsius and it was considered the hottest year ever, measured by Copernicus. Europe witnessed over 61,000 heat-deaths, highly found among the older people, weapon and in Mediterranean countries. Further, France warned the public to avoid alcohol and has encouraged drinking water. (“First week of July was the ‘hottest on record,’ says UN weather agency,” Euronews, 10 July 2023)
ENVIRONMENT
Volcano erupts near Reykjavik, Iceland; third eruption in the region in last two years
On 10 July, The Guardian reported that a volcano near Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, has erupted. A statement from the country’s Meteorological office said: “The eruption is taking place in a small depression just north of Litli Hrútur, from which smoke is escaping in a north-westerly direction.” Thousands of small earthquakes had been recorded in the surrounding region last week, which indicated the imminence of the volcanic eruption. This is the third eruption in the region in the last two years, following the 19 March 2021 eruption in Geldingadalur Valley and the 3 August 2022 eruption in Meradalir Valley. The region had remained dormant for eight centuries until the 2021 eruption. Volcanologists have estimated that the three eruptions in the last two years indicate the beginning of a new cycle of increased activity. (“Smoke clouds and lava as volcano erupts near Icelandic capital,” The Guardian, 10 July 2023)
MIGRATION
Charity SOS rescues migrants in the Mediterranean Sea
On 11 July, BBC reported that a dark blue inflatable boat was spotted in the Mediterranean Sea and rescue workers from charity SOS quickly rescued the migrants on board. The crowd with boys and young men from Tripoli, have been at seat for over 15 hours. The group underwent medical check-ups and received basic supplies. Italian authorities alerted the charity to move towards “without delay.” The migrants stated that this was not their first time at reaching Europe and most of them have changed their names. A teenager stated: “It's either you reach Europe or you die at sea.” Most of the them were from Gambia with over 80 per cent of the group consisted of unaccompanied minors, aged under 18. From 2015-2020, over 32,000 Gambians used the irregular migration routes to arrive Europe and Central Mediterranean is the primary route to EU. The migrants described that the stayed in places led by smugglers, some claimed to have worked for the smugglers, while some are unaware about the dangerous voyage. (“‘Europe or death’ - the teenage migrants risking it all to cross the Med,” BBC, 11 July 2023)
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Authors and companies sue OpenAI and Meta for copyright
On 10 July, The Guardian reported that the US comedian and author Sarah Silverman, along with other two authors, Christopher Golden and Richard Kadrey, sued OpenAI and Meta for copyright infringement to have developed an AI that uses their work as a part of training. The lawsuit claimed: “did not consent to the use of their copyrighted books as training material for ChatGPT. Nonetheless, their copyrighted materials were ingested and used to train ChatGPT.” The OpenAI was accused to have summarised three book. The authors claimed to have received various news on the tool’s “uncanny” ability to generate text to similar copyrighted material. Other US authors, Mona Awad and Paul Tremblay have also sued lawsuit against the OpenAI to have trained ChatGPT without getting author’s consent. Further Getty Images, the stock photo company for the similar allegations. Media has approached OpenAI and Meta for further comments. (Dan Milmo, “Sarah Silverman sues OpenAI and Meta claiming AI training infringed copyright,” The Guardian, 10 July 2023)
The EU-US data transfer paves way for transatlantic data flow
On 10 July, European Commission formalized the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, which provides a new legal framework for transatlantic data flow. The transfer of personal data from EU to the US was considered by the Court of Justice of the European Union. The EC Justice Didier Reynders stated: “personal data can now flow freely and safely from the Economic Area to the US.” The data adequacy decision has a significant addition which states that the initial draft of an organisation should not comply towards European data protection authority, instead it should be flagged to the US Department of Commerce and Federal Trade Commission. The intelligence services, that decides the adequacy decision will stay under the supervision of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, which will be reviewed later by the Commission. However, the final adequacy decision received immense criticism, notably towards the rights of data subject, data transfers and bulk data collection. Commissioner Reynders has expressed the need for a complete test of the system before taking it to the court, while the new deal gets suspended. (Julia Tar, “EU Commission adopts new EU-US data transfer framework,” Euractiv, 10 July 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
Spain court shelves Pegasus investigation due to non-cooperation from Israel
On 10 July, a Spanish court ended investigations into the Pegasus spyware hacking of minister’s phones citing a “complete” lack of cooperation from Israel. The judge, José Luis Calama, said that in 2021, he had formally requested international judicial assistance from the Israeli government, seeking information about the software that was created by the Israel-based NSO group. The investigations began in May 2022 after the Spanish government alleged that the spyware had been used to infiltrate the phones of top politicians including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Defence Minister Margarita Robles, and Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska. The court stated that the lack of communication from the Israeli government despite four requests for assistance meant that “all that remains is a possible diplomatic channel capable of promoting compliance with the obligations derived from international treaties.” (“Spain closes Pegasus investigation over ‘lack of cooperation’ from Israel,” The Guardian, 10 July 2023)