Photo : The UN/Turkish Defence Ministry/CNN
18 July 2023, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #572
War in Ukraine: Day 508
By Sreeja JS
War on the Ground
On 17 July, Sergei Aksyonov, Russian-installed official in Crimea announced on telegram that traffic had been blocked due to an emergency in Kerch Strait Bridge. The antiterrorism committee later reported that that bridge had been hit by two maritime drones in two explosions. According to The New York Times, Russian officials are blaming Ukraine for the explosions and Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee said that they would investigate this bridge collapse as a terrorist act. This is the second time the bridge is coming under attack highlighting its importance to both Ukraine and Russia. The Kerch Bridge, the longest bridge in Europe, also called as the Crimean Bridge is a 12 mile, USD 3.7 billion infrastructure project with two parallel tracks, one four-lane road and a two rail-lane. The bridge connects mainland Russia to Crimean peninsula.
On 17 July, the Black Sea Grain initiative, the deal allowing Ukraine to safely export grain through the Black Sea has officially expired after Moscow informed UN, Turkey and Ukraine that it would not renew the deal. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, has been complaining that the parts of the deal which allowed the exports of Russian food and fertilizers is not being fulfilled. He was also complaining that the grains from Ukraine also was not being supplied to poorer countries and the western sanctions were restricting its own agricultural exports. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, in his video address said that Ukraine, the UN and Turkey can “jointly ensure” the operation of the food corridor and the inspection vessels. He said: “it is necessary for everyone in the world-and everyone who supports it will become a savior of life in a huge territory from Morocco to China, from Indonesia to Lebanon.”
On 17 July, Ukrinform quoting the head of the Zaporizhzhia regional Military Administration reported that, Russian military has conducted 55 attacks on 16 localities. 52 artillery strikes were reported in Huliypole, Olhivka, Malynivka, Charivne, Zaliznychne, Preobrazhenka, Stepnohirsk and other villages in the frontline. According to the General Staff of Armed Forces, heavy battles are underway in Kupyansk, Lymansk, Bakhmutsk, Avdiivsk, and Marinsk directions where 29 combat clashes took place.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 17 July, Russia's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, commented on the termination of the grain deal. He said: “As soon as the Russian part (of the deal) is fulfilled, the Russian side will immediately return to the implementation of this deal.” According to TASS, Kremlin’s decision on terminating the deal was announced before the collapse of Crimean Bridge and this has not influenced Moscow’s decision.
On 17 July, Putin said that Kyiv’s attack on the Crimean bridge would not be left unanswered. Speaking at a videoconference he said: “Considering that this is the second terrorist attack on the Crimean Bridge, I am waiting for specific proposals on how to improve the security of this strategically important transport facility.”
On 17 July, RT reported on Peskov’s comments on the attack on the Crimean bridge. According to RT, he said: “We know the reasons and those behind this terrorist act. This will require further composure and additional measures and work from all of us. No other measures have been discussed at the moment.” He also stated that while he could not provide nay specific details about Moscow’s response to the attack, its ultimate answer would be be the achievement of all the goals behind the “military operation” in Ukraine. Russia’ transportation ministry noted that bridge’s support remains intact while the surface is damaged.
On 17 July, TASS reported that Russian forces destroyed a fuel depot of the Ukrainian forces near Kramatorsk in Donetsk. According to the report, 73 Ukrainian artillery units, military and manpower equipment in 68 areas were struck over the course of a day.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 17 July, Secretary of State of the US, Anthony Blinken condemned Russia for pulling out of the grain deal. According to Deutsche Welle, he said: “The result of Russia’s action today weaponizing food will be to make food harder to come by in places that desperately need it and have prices rise.” He added that the bottom line is “its unconscionable.” He also stated that Washington is monitoring the damage of the bridge and it is upto Ukraine to decide on how it conducts the war.
On 17 July, Deutsche Welle reported that German leaders have condemned Russia’s decision not to renew the deal. Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany said that the move sends bad message to the world. Annalena Baerbock, Foreign Minister said that Putin is “using hunger as weapon in this brutal war of aggression” and he “has no regard for the weakest in the world.” She added that it has become important for EU to help export grain from Ukraine via railways.
On 17 July, Ursula von der Leyen, President of European Commission condemned Russia’s cynical move to terminate the grain deal. She further added that EU is working to ensure food security for the world’s vulnerable.
On 17 July, James Cleverly, Foreign Secretary of the UK announced 14 new sanctions in response to Moscow’s “attempts to destroy Ukrainian national identity, including 11 people those involved in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. The 11 personalities include Commissioner for Children’s Rights in Moscow, Minister of Education of Russia, a Russian propagandist and the Culture Minister of Russia. According to GOV.UK, over 1,600 individuals and entities, including 29 global banks, over 130 oligarchs and GBP 20 billion worth of UK-Russia have been sanctioned since the start of the invasion.
References
Matthew Mpoke Bigg, “What We Know About the Attack on the Crimean Bridge,” The New York Times, 17 July 2023
Sammy Westfall and Laris Karklis, “Why is Russia’s bridge to Crimea so important?,” The Washington Post, 17 July 2023
Antoinette Radford and Kathryn Armstrong, “Ukraine grain deal expires after Russia pulls out,” BBC, 17 July 2023
“Ukraine, UN and Türkiye can jointly ensure operation of food corridor and inspection of vessels – Zelensky,” Ukrinform, 17 July 2023
“Over past day, Russians shell Zaporizhzhia region 55 times,” Ukrinform, 17 July 2023
General staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, “Operation information as of 18.00 on 17.07.2023 regarding the Russian invasion, Facebook, 17 July 2023
“Kremlin announced grain deal termination,” TASS, 17 July 2023
“Meeting on the Crimean Bridge,” Kremlin.ru, 17 July 2023
“Russian forces destroy Ukrainian army’s fuel depot near Kramatorsk — top brass,” TASS, 17 July 2023
“Russia ‘knows’ who ordered Crimean Bridge terror attack – Kremlin,” RT News, 17 July 2023
“Ukraine updates: Russia halts grain deal after Crimea attack,” Deutsche Welle, 17 July 2023
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, “UK announces new sanctions in response to Russia’s forced deportation of Ukrainian children,” UK.GOV, 17 July 2023
“I strongly condemn Russia’s cynical move to terminate the Black Sea Grain Initiative, despite UN & Türkiye’s efforts.” Twitter, 17 July 2023
IN BRIEF
By Sneha Surendran, and Genesy Balasingam
GERMANY
April-June quarter shows small economic growth compared to previous two quarters
On 17 July, Germany’s central bank announced that after declining for two consecutive quarters, the economy exhibited a slight growth for the April-June period. Last year's fourth quarter saw a 0.5 per cent decline of the GDP, followed by the first quarter of this year recording a 0.3 per cent shrink. The bank said that an increase in pay, and lack of increase in inflation had helped to stabilize private consumption. The bank also highlighted a fall in demand from foreign investors, and decreasing business confidence. Furthermore, the rest of the year is predicted to show a “somewhat more hesitant” economic recovery. (“Germany’s central bank says the economy apparently returned to growth in the 2nd quarter,” Associated Press, 17 July 2023)
RUSSIA
Moscow withdraws from the Black Sea grain deal agreement; Ukraine intends to continue
On 17 July, Russia informed the UN, Turkey, and Ukraine that it would not be renewing the Black Sea grain deal following the expiry of the agreement. Moscow accused the West of not complying with the deal, calling it an “open sabotage” by placing their commercial interests and neglecting the humanitarian intent. Putin has long complained that the grains were not being sent to poorer countries, which was a part of the agreement. Recep Erdogan, Turkey’s President responded to the news, saying that he would discuss the matter of renewal of the deal with Putin when they meet next month. Zelenskyy reiterated that they were not afraid of Russia’s decision, indicating that they were willing to continue with the exports, saying: “We were approached by companies who own vessels and they're willing to continue shipping grain if Ukraine agrees to let them in and Turkey - to pass them through.” (Antoinette Radford, Kathryn Armstrong, “Ukraine grain deal expires after Russia pulls out,” BBC, 17 July 2023)
SWEDEN
Government announces assistance plan for Ukraine
On 17 July, the Government Offices of Sweden released a statement announcing a new strategy for assisting Ukraine, worth almost EUR 522 million. It will be Sweden’s largest-ever bilateral development assistance strategy. The new deal will be for 2023-2027. Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell said: “It will strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and democratic development, which will bolster the country’s capacity to resist Russia’s full-scale invasion.” (“Swedish Government adopts new development assistance strategy for Ukraine,” Government Offices of Sweden, 17 July 2023)
SWITZERLAND
Demining in Ukraine to be boosted with help from Switzerland
On 17 July, The Federal Council released a statement announcing that Switzerland was planning to help increase the humanitarian demining efforts in Ukraine. According to the official press release: “Humanitarian mine action is key to recovery and reconstruction in Ukraine. It is a precondition for humanitarian access, for the return of displaced persons, for social and economic recovery, for agricultural activities, and for the reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure.” The Ukrainian efforts to clear mines will be helped by projects headed by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD). The release also stated that the GICHD has been strengthening its presence in Ukraine. (“Swiss expertise bolsters humanitarian demining efforts in Ukraine,” The Federal Council, 17 July 2023)
REGIONAL
Hope for West Balkans joining the EU and Financial Support
On 17 July, the leaders of various Western Balkan nations met informally in Tirana to discuss their preparations for a meeting on future membership. In order to encourage the six Western Balkan nations that aren't yet members of the EU to continue working towards harmonizing their policies and practises with those of the union and to open new pathways for entry into the European single market without anticipating membership in the EU, Albania plans to host a summit on the Berlin Process on 16 October. The Western countries are very concerned about a contentious issue between Serbia and Kosovo, a former Serbian region that proclaimed independence in 2008.The Ukraine conflict has made Western integration more difficult.(Llazar Semini,“After years of delay, Western Balkans hope for progress on joining the EU — and financial support,” Associated Press, 18 July 2023)
CLIMATE CHANGE
Wildfires erupt in Greece
On 18 July, in the coastal town of Loutraki, west of Athens, 1,200 children were evacuated. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece Prime Minister reassured that the state was doing everything possible to help. The reports from the weather watchers indicate no signs of ease of the intense regional heatwave. Greece has recently experienced temperatures of at least 40 Celsius (104F), and the Greek meteorological office has issued a warning that the possibility of more fires is still quite high. Spain and Italy, two neighbours, have also been suffering exceptionally high temperatures. (Robert Plummer, Kathryn Armstrong, “Greece wildfires: 1,200 children evacuated from summer camp as blaze nears,” BBC, 18 July 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
New migrant deal signed by EU and Tunisia
On 17 July, BBC reported that a migration deal has been signed between EU leaders and Tunisia to address irregular migration. The deal has allocated USD 118 million to stop smuggling, secure the borders and repatriate migrants. So far in 2023, the EU has recorded almost 72,000 migrants entering the EU, largely into Italy. Tunisia is the main point of departure for migrants coming over through the Mediterranean. According to the new deal, migrants will be treated with “full respect of human rights” and will also arrange legal help for the migrants. Tunisia's President Kais Saied has often been accused of being racist towards migrants, calling them “traitors who are working for foreign countries.” However, he said that he has always treated migrants with generosity. Meanwhile, EU leaders have welcomed the deal as migration has become a point of concern for Europe. (Cecilia Macaulay, “Tunisia-EU migration: Deal signed to strengthen borders,” BBC, 17 July 2023)