Photo : Reuters
12 August 2023, Saturday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #593
War in Ukraine: Day 534
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 11 August, Ukraine’s spokesperson Andriy Yermak announced the beginning of consultations with the UK on security guarantees. After the NATO summit in July, the G7 countries promised to help Ukraine build its military equipment on land, sea, and air through consultations. The decision was made to help Ukraine meet pre-conditions to join NATO.
On 11 August, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed the heads of military recruitment due to corruption. He said: “This system should be run by people who know exactly what war is and why cynicism and bribery during war is treason.” Since January, Ukraine is centered around corruption scandals of procuring military catering and generators and since then Zelenskyy has taken actions such as exclusive commission and corruption preventions body to combat corruption.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 11 August, Russia’s defence ministry claimed to have hit a “foreign mercenary” base in Zaporizhzhia. In a statement: “In the area of the city of Zaporizhzhia, the point of temporary deployment of foreign mercenaries was hit.” It also claimed of jamming a drone that was targeted towards Moscow. In response to the increased drone attacks, Russia suspended operations in Moscow’s Vnukovo airport under safety concerns.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 11 August, the US State Department imposed sanctions on four key members of “Russia’s financial elite.” According to the department, all the sanctioned individuals were linked to Alfa Group Consortium, one of the largest financial and investment corporations and will be held accountable for making profits from the war in Ukraine. Upon the sanctions, the assets held by them in the US will be blocked and those US businesses and people dealing with them will be restricted to transact.
On 11 August, the US, the UK, France, Albania, along with Japan and Malta issued a joint statement demanding the return of Georgia’s territory to Tbilisi. When Georgia attempted to capture two regions in 2008 against Russia, it recognized the areas and set its military bases. The statement stressed Russia's to return the areas and condemned its aggression in Ukraine. In response, Russia’s UN ambassador called it a “Russophobic West.”
On 11 August, Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to Ukraine’s request to Germany for Taurus Cruise Missiles. He said that there was no update and Germany will continue to focus to discuss with international partners ahead of the delivery of such cruise missiles. The EU delivered 223,000 shells to Ukraine in line with the pledge to boost its shortage of artillery shells. According to the EU’s spokesperson: “..delivered around 223,800 artillery ammunition -- long-range self-propelled, precision-guided ammunitions as well as mortar ammunitions -- and 2,300 missiles of all types.”
On 11 August, an Austria-based charity organization revealed that close to 385 children from Ukraine who were deported to Russia were returned. According to Ukraine, more than 19,000 have been deported since the invasion and had been placed in “institutions and foster homes.” Of the 385, 84 were brought back by the charity organization.
References
“Treasury Imposes Sanctions on Russian Elites and a Russian Business Association,” home.treasury.gov, 11 August 2023
“Ukraine updates: Russian missiles strike hotel used by UN,” Deutsche Welle, 11 August 2023
“EU Delivers Ukraine 224,000 Shells Under Ammo Plan,” BARRONS, 11 August 2023
“Ukraine, Britain start negotiations on security commitments,” The Statesman, 11 August 2023
“At least 385 deported Ukraine children returned from Russia: NGO,” mb.com.ph, 11 August 2023
Claudia Chiappa, “Zelenskyy fires military recruitment chiefs amid corruption concerns,” Politico, 11 August 2023
“Russia says it hit ‘foreign mercenaries’ quarter in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region,” english.alarabiya.net, 11 August 2023
“Drone Downed Over Moscow as Vnukovo Airport Halts Flights,” The Moscow Times, 11 August 2023
Edith M. Lederer, “6 Western nations demand Russia return two regions it took from neighboring Georgia 15 years ago,” abc news, 11 August 2023
IN BRIEF
By Rishika Yadav
DENMARK
Defence minister fires permanent secretary over artillery purchase handling
On 11 August, according to Reuters, Jacob Ellemann-Jensen, Denmark’s defence minister removed the ministry's permanent secretary of state following criticism regarding the acquisition of artillery systems from Israel's Elbit Systems. The USD 256 million purchase was hurriedly approved by parliament's finance committee; later, it was revealed that the offer's expiry date had been misrepresented. Ellemann-Jensen regreted for the misinformation earlier in the week but disclosed during a meeting with parliament members that crucial details were omitted. The minister cited the necessity for "close and trusting cooperation" as the reason for the dismissal. This incident exposes the sensitivity and importance of transparent and accurate communication in defence procurement, especially as countries seek to modernize their armed forces. (Johannes Birkebaek and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen, “Danish defence minister dismisses key staff member after Israel arms purchase,” Reuters, 11 August 2023)
FRANCE
Court suspends disbanding climate activist movement
On 11 August, according to Politico, France's Council of State suspended the government's order to disband the climate activist movement, Les Soulèvements de la Terre. The movement, with over 150,000 supporters, focuses on environmental concerns and opposes infrastructure projects. The court stated that the order infringed on the activists' right to assemble and lacked sufficient evidence to support claims of incitement to violence. The group had challenged the disbanding in court with backing from political parties, arguing that it curtailed their freedom of expression. The ruling permits the activists to continue organizing protests, including a planned two-week march. However, the court's final decision on the disbanding will be made after assessing whether the group has incited violence or severely disrupted public order. (Louise Guillot, “French court suspends ban on climate movement accused of ‘ecoterrorism’,” Politico, 11 August 2023)
GERMANY
To get second largest NATO helicopter fleet
On 11 August, according to Reuters, Germany's acquisition of 60 Chinook helicopters from Boeing, at a cost of up to eight billion euros, will make it NATO's second largest helicopter nation after the US. This was noted by Ingo Gerhartz, German Air Force Chief. Approximately 50 of these helicopters will be stationed at the Holzdorf/Schoenewalde site in eastern Germany, alongside 1,000 additional soldiers. This move underscores Germany's commitment to enhancing its military capabilities and its role within NATO. The purchase of a significant number of advanced helicopters highlights Germany's emphasis on strengthening its defence capabilities and contributing to NATO's collective security efforts. (Riham Alkousaa, “Germany will own NATO's 2nd largest helicopter fleet after Chinook purchase, air force chief says,” Reuters, 11 August 2023)
THE UK
Junior doctors extend strike amid ongoing pay dispute
On 11 August, according to the Associated Press, tens of thousands of junior doctors in England commenced their fifth round of strikes, lasting four days, in a prolonged pay disagreement with the government. The strikes, scheduled until 15 August, will exacerbate the backlog in the National Health Service (NHS), with over a million procedures and appointments expected to be affected. Junior doctors' work stoppage adds to recent strikes by radiographers and senior doctors. The British Medical Association, representing around 75,000 junior doctors, seeks a 35 per cent pay increase to restore 2008 levels adjusted for inflation. The government's six per cent offer with additional consolidation has triggered the strike. The UK's ongoing labor disputes underscore rising inflation concerns in Europe. Prolonged strikes in essential sectors like healthcare can strain public services and impact the overall economy, raising questions about governments' ability to address workers' demands while managing inflationary pressures. (Pan Pylas, “Doctors in England walk off job again as pay dispute with UK government shows no progress,” Associated Press, 11 August 2023)
Apology for data breach of Northern Ireland police personal information
On 11 August, according to the Associated Press, Northern Ireland's police chief apologized for a significant data breach exposing the personal details of over 10,000 officers and staff. Given the region's sensitive security climate due to historical sectarian conflict, the breach raises concerns. Dissident republicans claim to possess this data and are circulating it on WhatsApp. Authorities are advising officers due to potential threats. A second breach occurred in July, involving the theft of documents and police-issued devices. The Police Federation for Northern Ireland, representing rank and file officers, received numerous concerned calls after the breach. The breach's potential impact on officer safety and security is deeply troubling, considering Northern Ireland's history of violence. This incident highlights the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures, especially in regions with historical tensions, to safeguard sensitive information and protect individuals from potential harm. (“Northern Ireland’s top police officer apologizes for ‘industrial scale’ data breach,” Associated Press, 11 August 2023)
POLAND
Ruling party plans referendum on state-owned enterprise sell-off
On 11 August, according to the Associated Press, Poland's Law and Justice party leader, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, announced a referendum that will ask Polish voters whether they support the privatization of state-owned enterprises. The move coincides with the party's intensified criticism of Donald Tusk, the opposition leader, ahead of fall parliamentary elections. The ruling party aims to consolidate its conservative base by addressing emotional issues like privatization and migration through referendums. Critics view this as an attempt to secure a third consecutive term, given their lead in polls but uncertain majority. The referendum's focus on privatization led to accusations of hypocrisy, as the ruling party has also sold state assets. This strategy echoes tactics used by Viktor Orban, Hungary's Prime Minister, to polarize society and consolidate power. The ruling party's use of referendums on contentious topics reflects a broader trend in some European countries to leverage populist tactics for political gain, potentially intensifying social divisions and weakening democratic norms. (Vanessa Gera, “Poland’s ruling party seeks referendum on privatization as it steps up attacks on opposition leader,” Associated Press, 11 August 2023)
TURKEY
Magnitude 5.3 earthquake hits southern Turkey
On 10 August, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey, causing building damage and injuring 23 people. Centered in Yesilyurt, Malatya province, it was felt in Adiyaman as well as in areas already affected by deadly earthquakes in February. This earthquake's impact on regions previously affected by seismic events emphasizes the ongoing seismic risks in the area and the need for robust infrastructure and preparedness measures. (Roberst Badendieck, “5.3 magnitude earthquake hits southern Turkey wounding at least 23 people and damaging buildings,” Associated Press, 11 August 2023)
ECONOMY
UBS terminates Swiss government guarantees in credit crisis resolution
On 11 August, according to the Federal Council of Switzerland, Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) has definitively ended the agreements with the Swiss government and the Swiss National Bank (SNB) for federal loss protection and liquidity assistance guarantees, respectively, related to the Credit Suisse crisis in March 2023. These measures, taken under emergency law, have been terminated, eliminating associated risks for taxpayers. UBS's move comes after its takeover of Credit Suisse helped stabilize the Swiss financial system. The Confederation earned approximately CHF 200 million from these guarantees. The Swiss government will now introduce a public liquidity backstop (PLB) under regular law to further bolster financial stability. This move marks the successful resolution of a financial crisis through coordinated efforts between the government, central bank, and financial institutions, contributing to long-term financial stability. (“Credit Suisse/UBS: all federal guarantees terminated,” admin.ch, 11 August 2023)