Photo : Planet Labs PBC, via Associated Press
NIAS Europe Daily Brief #590 | 09 August 2023, Wednesday
War in Ukraine: Day 531
By Rishika Yadav
War on the Ground
On 08 August, according to Ukrinform, a Russian attack in Donetsk left 31 police officers injured, seven emergency service workers wounded, and one dead. In a targeted strike on Pokrovsk, the second Russian attack occurred on 07 August. Ivan Vyhivskyi, the head of the National Police, conveyed on Facebook: “Yesterday's assault on Pokrovsk left 31 police officers injured.” He also expressed empathy for the deceased Andriy Omelchenko, a Deputy Head of the State Emergency Service in Donetsk.
On 08 August, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President, appealed for support after the devastation in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region. A residential building was hit, causing casualties. Rescue operations are ongoing with support from various services. Ukraine pleaded for global assistance, vowing to hold Russia accountable for the destruction caused by this ongoing conflict.
On 08 August, according to the Kyiv Post, Ukraine excavated a female spy network in Ukraine's Donetsk region having ties to Russia. Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) revealed a secret female agent network linked to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) and Wagner group. Local women were recruited to aid Russia's aggression. They gathered intelligence on Ukraine’s defence forces' equipment, including flight paths of combat aircraft and armoured vehicle transport routes. Three Russian agents were captured during operations, revealing communication channels to the FSB and Wagner group.
On 08 August, according to Politico, Ukraine’s official warned of potential strikes on Russian Black Sea ports and ships. Oleg Ustenko, Ukraine's senior official, stated that Ukraine’s military could target Russia’s Black Sea ports and ships, including oil tankers, in retaliation for Russia's attacks and withdrawal from a grain deal. Declaring Russian ports a "war risk area," Ukraine aims to disrupt Russia's oil exports and financial resources for war. A Russian tanker, the Sig, was reportedly hit by a Ukraine strike. Tensions escalate as maritime safety diminishes.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 08 August, according to the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, a Ka-52 helicopter took down Ukraine’s vehicle in a military operation. The Tsentr Group of Forces' Ka-52 helicopter successfully destroyed Ukraine’s infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) with a Vikhr-M anti-tank missile in the Krasny Liman area of the special military operation zone. Coordinating with frontline observers, the pilots execute a low-altitude mission, evading Ukraine’s defences. The helicopter's versatility enables precise strikes on various targets using different ammunition.
On 08 August, according to CNA, Russia claims a command post strike in eastern Ukraine amidst civilian casualties. Russia allegedly attacks Ukraine’s command post in Pokrovsk, eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv reports civilian deaths and destruction. Emergency responders brought out survivors from the rubble. Russia also reports advancing toward Kupiansk, northeast Ukraine.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 08 August, according to Deutsche Welle, Germany plans to prolong Patriot Missile Deployment in Poland. Germany plans to extend the temporary presence of Patriot missile units in Poland until the year ends. The three squadrons stationed near Zamosc since January, originally for six months, aid NATO air defence. The deployment safeguards the eastern alliance area and civilian population. Germany clarified no extension beyond 2023 is anticipated.
On 08 August, according to the Government of the UK, the UK imposes sanctions on supporters of Russia’s war efforts. James Cleverly, the UK's Foreign Secretary, announces 25 new sanctions targeting individuals and businesses aiding Russia's illegal Ukraine invasion. Entities from Turkey, Dubai, Slovakia, and Switzerland are included. This measure aims to limit Moscow's access to foreign military equipment. Three Russian companies involved in importing crucial electronics for military equipment are also sanctioned. Action is taken against Iran and Belarus for supporting Russia's war, with sanctions on Iranian UAV developers and Belarusian defence organizations. This marks the UK's substantial action against military suppliers, aligning with international efforts to curb Russia's conflict support.
On 08 August, Civil Georgia reported the global reactions to the 15th Anniversary of the Russia-Georgia 2008 war. Charles Michel, European Council President, reaffirms EU support for Georgia's territorial integrity. Roberta Metsola, European Parliament President, condemns Russia's aggression. Marija Pejčinović Burić, Council of Europe's Secretary General, affirms backing for Georgia's sovereignty. Oliver Varhelyi, EU Commissioner, addresses the continued military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Multiple nations denounce Russia's aggression and occupation, advocating for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On 08 August, the UK's Ministry of Defence gave the latest defence intelligence update on the Ukraine war. The update says Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President, approves a law allowing Russia’s National Guard, Rosgvardia, to acquire heavy weaponry. With up to 200,000 personnel, led by Viktor Zolotov, Putin's former bodyguard, the move follows the Wagner mutiny in June 2023. Despite claims of Rosgvardia's success during the mutiny, no evidence supports their effective action. Zolotov's suggestion of including artillery and attack helicopters indicates the Kremlin's focus on strengthening Rosgvardia for regime security.
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the war
On 08 August, according to Politico, the shipping industry faces a dilemma amid the Black Sea conflict. Risks to maritime trade and Russia’s oil deals prompt concerns. The G7's USD 60 per barrel price cap complicates matters. Greek, Turkish, and foreign tankers may reconsider operations. The International Chamber of Shipping refrains from commenting on deterrence. Economic and safety concerns challenge the business-as-usual approach with Russia. Insurance prices surge, affecting profitability and vessel safety. It is time for Western companies to reassess their involvement.
References
“Missile strikes on Pokrovsk: Number of injured police officers rises to 31,” Ukrinform, 08 August 2023
“ZelenskyyUa/status/ Twitter,” Twitter, 08 August 2023
“Ukrainian Intel Exposes Network of Female Agents Working for Russia and Wagner,” Kyiv Post, 08 August 2023
Gabriel Gavin, “Ukraine declares war on Russia’s Black Sea shipping,” Politico, 08 August 2023
Department for Media Affairs and Information, “Ka-52 helicopter crew eliminate enemy IFV in Krasny Liman direction of special military operation,” eng.mil.ru, 08 August 2023
“Russia claims strike on Ukraine command post, Kyiv says 7 civilians killed,” CNA, 08 August 2023
“Germany to extend patriot missile program,” Deutsche Welle, 08 August 2023
“Largest ever UK action targets Putin's access to foreign military supplies,” gov.uk, 08 August 2023
“Georgia’s International Partners React to the Anniversary of the Russia-Georgia 2008 War,” Civil Georgia, 08 August 2023
“Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 08 August 2023,” Twitter, 08 August 2023
In Brief
By Padmashree Anandhan
POLAND
Dates for general elections announced. AdvantagePiS
On 08 August 2023, Andrzej Duda, Poland’s President, announced to hold general elections on 15 October. He said: “The future of Poland is a matter for each of us! Use your rights.” The current government, the Law and Justice Party (PiS) headed by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki leads by six per cent points under the center-right Civic Coalition. At the regional level, the PiS party’s decision to bring the legal system under political control, natural gas deal with Russia, and migration earned the objection of the EU, resulting in the withholding of pandemic recovery funds. This turned around when Poland began to support Ukraine militarily, becoming the highest spenders in NATO. At the domestic level, Poland is one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe with the lowest unemployment rate, despite the issues over LGBT, and abortion laws which resulted in protests. Apart from the issues, an opposition with personal differences also adds to the benefit of PiS for the October elections. (Claudia Chiappa, “Poland’s president announces election date,” Politico, 08 August 2023)
THE UK
Legal action on firms underreporting water pollution
On 08 August, BBC reported on the six biggest water firms subject to legal action for underreporting pollution and overcharging customers. Of the six, Severn Trent, Water UK, Thames Water, and United Utilities are in the line. According to a law firm, the result of the case could give GBP 40 for each customer, but the case does not guarantee success. One of the environmental consultants pointed out that the legal action would be new, but comparing previous cases, non-had reached a conclusion and may take a longer period. For the Competition Appeal Tribunal to go through the claims and grant permission for the process to continue may take a year, given the ambiguity settlement will take time. According to one of the spokespersons from Water UK: “The regulator has confirmed that over 99% of sewage works comply with their legal requirements. If companies fail to deliver on their commitments, then customer bills are already adjusted accordingly.” Other firms denied the claims as “highly speculative.” (Noor Nanji, “Water firms face legal action over sewage pollution,” BBC, 08 August 2023)
CLIMATE CHANGE
Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, Portugal, and Scandinavia experience climate extremities
On 04 August, deadly floods began in Slovenia resulting in landslides affecting more than 2.1 million people. Following the continued floods, a team from Germany's Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) has launched an operation to evaluate the damages and deploy more personnel with equipment for rescue. Slovenia’s government announced the execution of a Disaster Response Mechanism, where rescue teams from other EU countries will involve in recovery operations. Apart from this, the German Foreign Ministry will provide USD 767000 for the operation and France will support it with two special excavators. Similarly, Sweden, Finland, and Norway have issued yellow and orange alerts facing the worst floods and storms in 25-50 years. On 08 August, Portugal experienced forest fires of 6700 hectares in the south and the north has been issued red alert to carry out early evacuations. The government has reported the temperatures to have hit 41 degrees Celsius with more than 120 municipalities marked high-risk areas. (“Slovenia floods: First German emergency team starts work,” Deutsche Welle, 08 August 2023; “Sweden, Norway issue red alerts as heavy rain derails train, floods roads,” Al Jazeera, 07 August 2023; “Forest fires in Portugal spread towards Algarve, 1,400 people evacuated,” De Standaard, 08 August 2023)
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Zoom’s new terms spark user data privacy debate
On 08 August, De Standaard reported on increased criticism against Zoom for adjusting its terms of use. Zoom introduced a new set of terms in March which allows the company to take customer data under “perpetual and worldwide license." This is later used to develop its machine learning, AI, and test other Zoom products. According to Zoom, the use of customer data is only to improve “customer experience,” but after repeated criticisms, it has detailed that it does not use the data without the user's consent. Zoom which recently launched services such as digital meeting assistant, and Zoom IQ is said to be developed from user conversations, and video chats. Apart from Zoom, Microsoft and other big tech companies are beginning to explore AI technologies as future potential. (Stijn Bronzwaer, “Another riot about privacy when using Zoom,” De Standaard, 08 August 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
Belarus and China reach an all-weather partnership
On 07 August, in an interview Belarus’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to China, Yuri Senko stated that Belarus and China had reached an all-weather partnership level. According to Senko, after Pakistan, Belarus will be second to reach this level. Belarus’s rapeseed oil production, agricultural products, potash fertilizers, and tourism industry will be key points of collaboration. Rapeseed oil is one of the components for China to produce a new type of product that is well-demanded in the domestic market, and Belarus is the top destination in Europe for many Chinese for the weather and good food. China is expected to spend close to USD 600 billion in tourism, and Belarus has become one of the places of investment. For Belarus, China’s mechanical engineering, Chinese traditional medicine, and setting of the China-Belarus industrial park are attractive to upgrading its production facilities and healthcare. (“Ambassador: Belarus is the second country to reach all-weather partnership with China,” eng.belta.by, 07 August 2023; “Brantsevich: Economic cooperation between Belarus, China's Chongqing on growth track,” eng.belta.by, 07 August 2023)