Photo : Dmitry Yagodkin/TASS
02 August 2023, Thursday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #584
War in Ukraine: Day 524
By Rishika Yadav
War on the Ground
On 01 August, General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine updated on the developments in war. According to the report a missile strike and 49 air strikes, along with 33 rocket salvo fire strikes on our troops and civilians, resulting in casualties.
On 01 August, OHCHR released a report on the civilian casualties in Ukraine. The report found 748 civilian casualties in Ukraine since the invasion. In total, recorded casualties are 9,369 killed and 16,646 injured. Explosive weapons caused 96 per cent of the deaths and injuries, while mines and remnants of war accounted for four per cent.
On 01 August, Ukrinform reported on Russia's shelling in Kherson. According to the report, a health facility was struck, resulting in the death of a young doctor and injury to a nurse. The attack caused damage to the hospital and nearby cars. A pre-trial investigation has been launched for the violation of laws and customs of war.
On 01 August, All Arab news reported on that Saudi Arabia will host a peace summit in August with Ukraine, involving countries from the west and the global south, to discuss Ukraine's peace formula. The summit aims to gain international support for Ukraine's peace demands, without an invite to Russia. The initiative may help Saudi Arabia gain diplomacy over the Moscow invasion and woo global south countries, resistant to western sanctions on Russia.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 01 August, RT news reported about Ukraine's maritime drone attacks. It reports that Ukraine’s maritime drones attempts to attack Russia’s civilian vessels heading to the Bosporus Strait in the Black Sea but Russia’s navy escort ships intercepts and destroys them, as announced by the Defence Ministry. The Kyiv regime is accused of attempting an attack using three semi-submersible unmanned boats.
On 01 August, RT news reported on the attempt by Ukraine’s Navy to attack Russia’s patrol vessels in the Black Sea. It reports that the Ukraines' Navy's attack using three unmanned boats failed, and the targeted ships continues their operations, according to the Russia’s Defence Ministry. The maritime drones are destroyed by the Russia’s Navy. The Russia’s Defence Minister accuses Ukraine of using civilian infrastructure attacks as a distraction from their unsuccessful offensive.
On 01 August, RT news reported on another Ukraine’s drone attacks on Moscow’s financial district. Several UAVs intercepts on their approach to the district, but one manages to hit a high-rise in Moscow City, damaging the building's facade. The Russia’s Defence Ministry states that three drones were involved, with two destroyed in mid-air and the third suppressed by electronic warfare systems, crashing into a non-residential complex.
On 01 August, TASS reported that approximately 80 rounds of munitions, along with explosives drops from drones, were fired by Ukraine’s armed forces on populated areas in Russia's Belgorod region. The attacks damages eight houses, a car, and a power line in multiple villages, including Novopetrovka and Verigovka. Rzhevka also experiences artillery shelling, damaging three private residences and a power line. The villages of Novaya Tavolzhanka and Maryino are hit by mortar shells, while the Shebekino border-crossing point faces shelling from mortars and a grenade launcher.
On 01 August, TASS reported that Russia’s air defence forces intercepts 16 HIMARS rockets and shot down 21 Ukraine’s drones in the ongoing military operation in Ukraine, according to the Defence Ministry. Ukraine’s forces attempts attacks in five directions, with Russia’s troops advancing in the Kupyansk area and inflicting heavy losses on Ukraine’s troops in various regions. They also destroy a counter-battery radar station and an ammunition depot.
On 01 August, TASS reported that the EU urges Russia not to use drone attacks in Moscow as a pretext for escalating hostilities in Ukraine. The EU has no independent information about the drones' origin. Equipment provided to Ukraine by EU member states can only be used for its defence, and Ukraine has the right to protect its sovereignty. The Russia’s Defence Ministry says two drones came from Ukraine, but there is no official confirmation.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 01 August, Financial Times reported that the Biden administration aims to supply more 155 millimetre shells to Ukraine amid the counteroffensive against Russia’s forces. The US will seek international allies' help in the short term and plans to increase domestic production in the next two years. Deals with Bulgaria and South Korea have been struck, and talks with Japan are ongoing.
On 01 August, Iceland’s Foreign Ministry reported that the Embassy of Iceland in Moscow suspends its operations. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland will now handle the representation of countries previously covered by the embassy, including Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The decision is not a diplomatic relations severance, and Iceland intends to resume embassy operations when conditions permit.
On 01 August, Service of the Republic of Poland reported that two Belarusian helicopters violates Polish airspace near the Białowieża area at a low altitude, undetected by radar systems. The Polish Minister of National Defence orders increased troops and resources on the border, including combat helicopters. Belarus's charge d'affaires will be summoned to explain the incident.
References
“Operational information as of 18.00 01.08.2023 regarding the Russian invasion,” Facebook, 01 August 2023
“UN updates data: 9,369 Ukrainians killed, 16,646 injured in war with Russia,” Ukrinform, 01 August 2023
“Health facility hit as Russians shell Kherson,” Ukrinform, 01 August 2023
“Attack on Kryvyi Rih: Number of injured exceeds 80,” Ukrinform, 01 August 2023
“Kiev attempts 'terror attack' on Russian civilian ships – MOD,” RT, 01 August 2023
“Russian Navy rebuffs Ukrainian drone attack – MOD,” RT, 01 August 2023
“Ukrainian drone hits Moscow’s financial hub – mayor,” RT, 01 August 2023
“Ukrainian troops fire some 80 rounds on Russia’s borderline Belgorod Region in past day,” TASS, 01 August
2023
“Russian forces repel eight Ukrainian army attacks in Donetsk area over past day,” TASS, 01 August 2023
“EU urges Russia not to intensify special military operation over Moscow drone attacks,” TASS, 01 August 2023
Felicia Schwartz and Christopher Miller, “US faces hurdles in ramping up munitions supplies for Ukraine war effort,” Financial Times, 01 August 2023
“Embassy operations of Iceland in Moscow suspended,” government.is, 01 August 2023
“Statement of the Ministry of National Defense regarding clarification of the current situation on the Polish-Belarusian border,” gov.pl, 01 August 2023
“Saudi Arabia to host Ukraine peace talks in early August, Russia not invited,” All Arab news, 01 August 2023
IN BRIEF
By Genesy Balasingam
BOSINIA-HERZEGOVINA
Sanctions imposed on Serb officials for violating constitutional court decision
On 01 August, the US imposed sanctions on four ranking Bosnian Serb officials for undermining a 1995 peace agreement which threatens the country's successful integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions.” The four officials sanctioned by the US Treasury are alleged to have taken part in drafting a law that undermines the unity of Bosnia by ignoring the decisions of the country’s constitutional court. The US also imposed sanctions on the pro-Russian head of Serbia’s security agency for involvement in illegal arms shipments, drug trafficking and misuse of public office. There is fear that Serbia would inflame tensions in the Balkans to divert the world's attention from the war in Ukraine. (“4 separatist Bosnian Serb leaders are sanctioned by US Treasury for undermining a 1995 peace deal,” Associated Press, 01 August 2023)
GEORGIA
Protestors propelled Russian cruise ship
On 01 August, Russian cruise ship Astoria Grande left the Black Sea port of Batumi after anti-war demonstrators threw eggs and called for its passengers to leave. Georgia is courting Russian tourists, but protesters and opposition parties object to Russia's occupation of Georgian territory and to its invasion of Ukraine. The ship hosted singers who have backed the war in Ukraine. As the tourists disembarked, protesters waved Georgian, Ukrainian and EU flags and chanted anti-Putin slogans. Pro-European President Salome Zurabishvili praised the protesters for challenging the "latest Russian provocation", after Russia suspended a deal allowing Ukraine's grain shipments and prevented free movement of shipping in the Black Sea. (Paul Kirby, “Russian cruise ship leaves Batumi after Georgian protests,” BBC, 01 August 2023)
GREECE
Greece-Turkey to improve political ties
On 01 August, Greece’s prime minister expressed his willingness to improve political and bilateral relations with Turkey. Greece and Turkey remain at odds over maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean which has affected irregular migration into the EU, mineral rights and the projection of military power. During a NATO summit in Vilnius, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Mitsotakis and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have agreed to initiate new lines of communication.(“Greek prime minister seeks improved relations with Turkey but says Ankara must drop aggression,” Associated Press, 1 August 2023)
ITALY
Venice added to UNESCO’s endangered list
On 01 August, the UN's cultural agency suggested that Venice should be added to a list of world heritage sites in danger. The iconic Italian city is vulnerable to flooding from overwhelming tourism, overdevelopment and rising sea levels due to climate change. The inclusion of Venice in the danger list had already been proposed by UNESCO two years ago. One of those measures was the decision to ban large ships - such as cruise ships - in the San Marco Canal, as well as the promise to launch an ambitious conservation plan for the city. Australia's Great Barrier Reef didn't make it on to this year's list despite remaining under "serious threat" from climate change and water pollution. (Sofia Bettiza, “Unesco recommends adding Venice to endangered list,” BBC, 01 August 2023)
THE UK
UK establishes its first postal drone delivery service
On 01 August, the UK launched its first permanent postal drone delivery service on the Orkney Islands off the coast of Scotland. The drone will transport items to staff on Graemsay and Hoy allowing postal workers to carry out their usual island delivery routes. Royal Mail remains a critical part of keeping the isles connected - and local knowledge and care are vital to that network. As weather and geography can disrupt delivery services, the drone service is expected to significantly improve service levels and delivery times to Graemsay and Hoy. The Royal Mail claims that using electric drones for inter-island distribution will significantly increase safety by allowing postal workers to transport between ports. This service will initially operate for three months and its permanency will be decided based on Orkney's unique landscape and the proximity of the islands to one another. (“UK’s Royal Mail launches its first permanent postal drone delivery service,” Euronews, 01 August 2023)
ECONOMY
Companies targeting less emissions amidst sharp fall in profits
On 01 August, Oil giant BP reported a steep fall in profits between April and June after energy prices fell back from spikes caused by Russia's war with Ukraine. Wholesale oil and gas prices have fallen back sharply since last year. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced plans to extract more fossil fuel from the North Sea when he said the government would grant 100 new oil and gas license's for the region. BP had previously promised that emissions would be 35-40 percent lower by the end of this decade but now it's targeting a 20-30 percent cut. (Noor Nanji & Jennifer Meierhans, “BP profits drop after Russia-Ukraine war windfall fades,” BBC, 01 August 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
Evacuees from Niger land in Paris
On 01 August, the first of three planes carrying 262 people on board mostly French and European people evacuated from Niger landed in Paris a week after a coup toppled one of the last pro-Western leaders in the jihadist-plagued Sahel. The third military takeover in the region has raised security concerns in France. Niger has accused France of organising a military intervention, and Paris has announced that it will withdraw its citizens and offer to evacuate other Europeans as well. Paris blamed the departure on violence against our embassy and the fear of closure of the airspace, leaving our compatriots without the ability to leave. The Niger junta, on the other hand, announced the restoration of the country's land and air borders with five neighbouring countries. (“French plane carrying evacuees from Niger lands in Paris,” Le Monde, 01 August 2023)