Photo : Frank Augstein/Deutsche Welle
30 August 2023, Wednesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #608
War in Ukraine: Day 552
Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 29 August, due to a precarious security situation and Russia’s attacks, authorities ordered the mandatory evacuation of children and individuals with reduced mobility from five settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The decision was made in response to an appeal from Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration during a Coordination Staff meeting for population evacuation under martial law. The affected areas include Huliaipole, Stepnohirsk, Preobrazhenka, Yehorivka, and Novopavlivka. A total of 54 children and 67 accompanying persons will be evacuated to ensure their safety.
On 29 August, local authorities in the Kupiansk district in Kharkiv Oblast ordered immediate evacuations. Roman Semenukha, the Deputy Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, noted that due to Russia’s ongoing attacks, 24 people were evacuated recently.
On 28 August, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President, stated that Ukraine is committed to significantly boosting its defence industry production, spanning firearms, drones, missiles, and armored vehicles. He expressed confidence in Ukraine’s resources to achieve this goal, emphasizing the country’s determination. This follows Zelenskyy’s earlier announcement of a substantial increase in drone production, and Oleksandr Kamyszin’s, Deputy Prime Minister, report of doubled defence industry production capacity within a month.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 29 August, Russia’s Defence Ministry reported continued progress in the special military operation. In the Donetsk direction, Russia’s forces repelled AFU attacks, eliminating over 340 militants and destroying vehicles and equipment. Similar progress was noted in the Zaporozhye, Kupyansk, and Krasny Liman directions, with AFU losses and military hardware destruction. The Vostok Group destroyed roughly 100 AFU personnel, vehicles, and artillery in the South Donetsk Direction.
On 29 August, according to TASS, Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of Wagner Group, was laid to rest at the Porokhovskoye cemetery in St. Petersburg. The private ceremony was attended by his family and friends, with Prigozhin’s press service confirming the event and allowing well-wishers to visit the cemetery to pay their respects.
On 29 August, according to TASS, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Spokesman, stated that Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President, would not attend Prigozhin’s funeral, regardless of the arrangements.
He also emphasized that the Kremlin lacked any kind of information about the funeral.
On 29 August, Russia’s Defence Ministry stated that Russia’s air defence systems intercepted and destroyed several Ukraine’s drones over the Tula and Belgorod regions. The drones were downed without information provided on potential damage or casualties. Ukraine’s drones have targeted Moscow and Russia’s areas recently in response to Kyiv’s promise to escalate the conflict into Russia’s territory.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 29 August, Antony J. Blinken, US Secretary of State, announced a new military assistance package for Ukraine to aid in its defence efforts. The package, valued at USD 250 million, includes AIM-9M air defence missiles, artillery ammunition, anti-armour systems, small arms ammunition, ambulances, and more.
On 29 August, the Vatican aimed to address the controversy arising from Pope Francis’ praise of Russia’s imperial history, clarifying that he did not intend to endorse current Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Matteo Bruni, Vatican spokesperson, stated that Francis aimed to highlight positive cultural aspects and spiritual history, not endorse imperialism. Beatitude Sviatoslav, Ukraine’s Greek Catholic leader, criticized Francis’ comments, interpreting them as support for nationalism causing the Ukraine conflict. The Vatican Embassy in Kyiv clarified that Francis opposes imperialism and colonialism, remaining neutral in the war while seeking peace.
On 29 August, as per the recent UK’s Defence Intelligence report on Ukraine, military service in Russia’s Armed Forces has grown lucrative post-invasion. Putin’s updates highlighted rising salaries, with junior ranks in Ukraine earning over 200,000 rubles monthly, significantly higher than Russia’s average salary. This financial incentive attracts personnel, particularly from economically disadvantaged regions. Nonetheless, meeting volunteer recruitment targets remains unlikely for Russia.
The Global Fallouts
On 29 August, according to a report by UNICEF, widespread learning loss is evident among Ukraine’s children due to ongoing disruptions caused by war and the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to deteriorating learning outcomes in language, mathematics, and reading. Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF’s Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, highlighted the distressing impact of attacks on schools and the challenges faced by over 6.7 million children. Around 57 per cent of teachers report declines in Ukraine’s language skills, while only one-third of enrolled students experience fully in-person learning. The ongoing education reform is crucial for Ukraine’s socio-economic recovery, with UNICEF working to enhance access to quality learning, support teachers, and ensure lifelong learning for all vulnerable children.
References
Iryna Balachuk, “Reintegration Ministry announces forced evacuation of children from 5 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast,” Ukrainska Pravda, 29 August 2023
“Almost 1,500 people evacuated from Kupiansk district,” Ukrainska Pravda, 29 August 2023
“Zelenskyy: Ukraine increases arms production,” Defence Industry Europe, 29 August 2023
“Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation,” Ministry of Defence of Russian Federation, 29 August 2023
“Wagner chief Prigozhin laid to rest at Porokhovskoye cemetery in St. Petersburg,” TASS, 29 August 2023
“No information at hand on Wagner chief’s funeral, Putin not attending regardless — Kremlin,” TASS, 29 August 2023
“Russia Says Foiled Latest Ukrainian Drone Attacks,” The Moscow Times, 29 August 2023
“New Package of Additional U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine,” U.S. Department of State, 29 August 2023
Nicole Winfield, “Vatican tries to calm outrage over pope’s praise of Russia’s imperial past,” Los Angeles Times, 29 August 2023
“Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 29 August 2023,” UK’s Ministry of Defence, 29 August 2023
“Widespread learning loss among Ukraine’s children, as students enter fourth year of disruption to education,” UNICEF, 29 August 2023
In Brief
Genesy Balasingam
GERMANY
Audit court slams government’s hidden debt
On 29 August, auditors criticized Germany’s government for utilizing special funds amounting to EUR 869 billion, labelling it a “hidden debt.” The move challenges the fiscal rule aimed at maintaining Germany’s debt-to-GDP ratio below 60 per cent, as per EU standards. Olaf Scholz, Germany’s Chancellor, led a coalition government which tapped into non-budget sources like a EUR 100 billion defence fund and a EUR 60 billion climate fund, amid concerns about Russia’s war in Ukraine and rising energy costs. The court warned that these actions undermine parliamentary oversight and the debt rule’s effectiveness. The Ministry of Finance noted that such measures are temporary and focused on crises. (Laura Hulsemann, “Germany’s audit court slams Lindner’s ‘special funds’ — again,” Politico, 29 August 2023)
GREECE
Wildfire update: Day 11
On 29 August, 11 aircrafts and a helicopter from the EU were sent to battle a massive fire that has consumed over 300 square kilometres in Greece, making it EU’s largest wildfire ever. Greece, facing its eleventh day of blaze, has sought help from neighbouring countries to control the fire. Multiple fires this summer, attributed to climate issues, have plagued Greece. Janez Lenari, EU’s crisis management commissioner, emphasized the deployment’s demonstration of the EU’s crisis management commitment. (“Greece wildfire declared largest ever recorded in EU,” The Guardian, 29 August 2023)
SPAIN
Soccer federation’s restructuring plan after public uproar
On 29 August, Spain's government praised the soccer federation's reform plan, addressing the controversy surrounding its president's inappropriate gesture towards a women's national team member. Spain commits to fighting gender discrimination in sports. The federation faced societal and sporting backlash, and now seeks restructuring to ensure gender equality. Miquel Iceta, Interim Sports Minister, affirmed, "no more discrimination against women," emphasizing the change. (“Spanish government welcomes soccer federation's restructuring plan after kiss furore,” Reuters, 29 August 2023)
THE UK
Ultra-Low Emission Zone expansion
On 29 August, London extended its Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to cover all of Greater London, amid controversy and resistance. Mayor Sadiq Khan and supporters believe this expansion will improve air quality, but critics fear the financial strain on residents already facing a cost-of-living crisis. Noncompliance may lead to fines up to GBP 180 daily. The move aligns with European cities adopting similar zones to combat pollution. Khan plans to assist vehicle owners by offering subsidies to replace non-compliant vehicles, addressing the financial challenges. (“London expands ULEZ toll zone for polluting vehicles,” Deutsche Welle, 29 August 2023)
REGIONAL
Potential EU climate commissioner stirs controversy
On 29 August, the European Commission proposed appointing Wopke Hoekstra, Dutch Foreign Minister, to lead EU climate action, even though he is fiscally conservative and lacks green policy expertise. The Dutch caretaker government nominated Hoekstra to replace Frans Timmermans, prompting concerns from left-wing MEPs in the European Parliament about his suitability. Socialists worry about political balance, while others highlight his inexperience in climate policy. Hoekstra faces a challenging confirmation process. (Zia Weise, “Von der Leyen proposes Dutch minister as climate commissioner,” Politico, 29 August 2023)
Commission criticises EU’s 2030 expansion ambition
On 29 August, the European Commission dismissed Charles Michel’s 2030 EU enlargement goal, creating a clash with the European Council. The dispute emerged after Michel suggested the EU should prepare for new members by 2030, prompting tensions. French President Emmanuel Macron proposed a "multi-speed" approach to candidate country entry. Balkan countries keen to join must fulfil legislative conditions. The EU leaders will address this in October, particularly due to Ukraine’s conflict reigniting enlargement debates. The process is merit-based, requiring applicant countries to meet specific criteria for inclusion. (Gregorio Sorgi, “Commission snubs Charles Michel’s 2030 EU enlargement target,” Politico, 29 August 2023)
Danish Parliament in charge of BSPC
On 29 August, Henrik Miller, member of Parliament, was elected President of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) by the Danish Parliament. BSPC unites legislators from the Baltic Sea region to address climate and other regional concerns. Denmark’s inaugural BSPC presidency, lasting a year, will focus on Baltic security, encompassing energy supply, environment, and defence. The region’s energy vulnerability was exposed by Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, highlighting heavy reliance on Russia’s gas. (“The Danish Parliament takes over the presidency of the Baltic Sea collaboration,” The Danish Parliament, 29 August 2023)
Bosnia and Herzegovina elections
On 29 August, the European Court of Human Rights deemed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s elections as undemocratic, favouring dominant ethnic groups, and prioritizing ethnic representation over other democratic principles. The European Commission responded by urging reforms to ensure equality and non-discrimination, emphasizing strengthening the country’s structure, including changes at the constitutional level, to achieve these objectives. The territorial division also affects voter rights, with ethnic-based voting in different regions. (Mared Gwyn Jones, “Bosnia and Herzegovina elections undemocratic, amplify ethnic divisions - Human Rights Court,” EuroNews, 29 August 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
Former Algerian defence minister accused of violating laws
On 28 August, Khaled Nezzar, Former Algerian Defence Minister, was indicted by the Swiss Attorney General’s Office at the Federal Criminal Court. The charges include violating laws of armed conflict and committing crimes against humanity during the Algerian civil war (1992-1994). Nezzar is further accused of condoning torture and brutal acts, and orchestrating structures to eliminate opposition, resulting in war crimes and attacks on civilians. The final submissions will be presented during the court hearing, with Nezzar presumed innocent until the final verdict is reached. (“The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland indicts former Algerian defence minister,” The Federal Council, 29 August 2023)