Photo : Ivan Alvarado/Reuters/Aljazeera
05 August 2022, Friday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #272
War in Ukraine: Day 162
By Rishma Banerjee
War on the Ground
On 04 August, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a meeting of the Supreme Commander Headquarters. Security issues like the general mobilization for the war efforts, provision of necessary weapons, military equipment for Ukraine’s defence forces and the implementation of the combined territorial defence plan were discussed.
On 04 August, the general staff of the armed forces said that Russian forces suffered the most losses in the Bakhmut and Donetsk regions. A command post of the 22nd Army Corps of the Coastal Troops of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet was also destroyed. The general staff further stated that around 41,500 soldiers from Russia had been eliminated in Ukraine since the beginning of the offensive in February. So far Ukraine has also destroyed 1789 tanks, 4026 armored vehicles, 2960 motor vehicles, 182 cruise missiles and 260 MLRS among other Russian military equipment.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Lebanon, asked the ship docked at the Tripoli port in Lebanon to be stopped from leaving. The Syria flagged Laodicea which arrived at the port on 28 June was alleged by the Ukraine’s government for carrying contains grains stolen from Ukraine. Lebanon’s customs officials denied the claims stating the vessel’s papers were inspected and were in order. Even though Ukraine called on Lebanon to reverse its decision, the Laodicea, green signalled to sail outside Lebanon’s territorial waters. Ukraine’s foreign ministry expressed its disappointment for its position being neglected. Though its final destination is unclear, the ship has moved out towards the Syrian coast.
On the same day, the Center for Strategic Communications and General Command of the Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported that five people were killed and 11 were wounded due to continued shelling by Russia’s forces. Intensive shelling was also reported in Maryinka and Krasnohorivka in the Donetsk region, including industrial facilities in Chuguyiv, Kharkiv, and Izyum districts. In the Luhansk and Kherson regions, three rockets and five missiles were fired in the Luhansk region, where the attack was supported by mortar, tank fire and explosions were reported.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
The head of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops (RCBZ) of the Russian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov accused the Pentagon of hiding the development of bio-weapons in Ukraine. He alleged that a company called “Labyrith Ukraine” and the US international development agency, USAID had taken part in the US military biological program. Kirillov said that USAID was thus being used by Pentagon as a front to avoid suspicion.
On the same day, Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov referred to Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. He said that this move was to artificially provoke tension and was a “completely unnecessary trip.” Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also spoke about the issue and said that Pelosi’s visit risks “undermining regional stability and security.”
Khimki City Court in Russia, found US basketball star, Brittney Griner guilty of bringing in cannabis-infused vape cartridges to Russia, the substance being illegal, she was sentenced to nine years in prison and fined Griner RUB one million. The ruling, comes after a lengthy and publicized trial, might pave the way for a high-stakes prisoner exchange. On this issue, US national security spokesperson, John Kirby urged Russia to accept its proposal of exchanging convicted arms trafficker Viktor Bout for Griner and marine Paul Whelan who has been imprisoned for espionage charges.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 04 July, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that Russia’s invasion in Ukraine was the most dangerous moment in Europe since World War Two. He also said that to serve the interest of Europe, Russia must not be allowed to win. He mentioned that while the conflict between Russia and Ukraine was bad, it would have been worse had it between Russia and NATO. He said, “If President (Vladimir) Putin even thinks of doing something similar to a NATO country as he has done to Georgia, Moldova or Ukraine, then all of NATO will be involved immediately.” He also mentioned that the invasion is not just an attack on Ukraine, but an attack on the values and the world order that NATO believes in.
On 03 July, US Intelligence officers told The Associated Press, that Russia was trying to plant false evidence regarding the attack on the Olenivka Prison that left 53 dead. They warned that Russia might blame Ukraine and the weapons supplied by the US for the same.
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the Ukraine war
On 04 July, the WHO said that Ukraine is and will be facing a worsening health emergency if Russia’s invasion continues for long. WHO says that this will be due to a combination of burnt-out staff, increased shelling and the upcoming harsh conditions in the winter months. A WHO tracker also reported that out of the 615 attacks on healthcare facilities in 2022, 434 have been in Ukraine. Ukraine emergency coordinator Heather Papowitz for WHO said that she was most concerned about the active fighting like the eastern Donbas region or Kherson.
On the same day, Amnesty International accused Ukraine of voluntarily endangering civilians by concentrating their troops in residential areas. They said that establishing military bases in residential areas were not only putting civilians at risk but also violating the laws of war. Zelenskyy responded to the report saying that Russia’s aggression in Ukraine cannot be justified in any way. He also said that the report was similar to propaganda and disinformation tactics used commonly by Russia.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head, Rafael Grossi said that they were attempting to gain access to the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is currently under Russia’s control, but was being operated by Ukrainian technicians. He said: “We can't afford faulty communication with the plant in areas relevant to safety… Frankly, if I don't have access, I can't determine that. There are contradictions between the accounts of the Russian and Ukrainian sides.”
On 03 July, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that they did not guarantee the safety of the fighters captured from the Azovstal steelworks by Russia. In a statement, the ICRC said that it did not have the jurisdiction to intervene once the prisoners of war were already in enemy hands. It clarified that the ICRC had only played the role of an intermediary to facilitate the safe passage of the captured fighters from out of the Azovstal plant. Referring to the Olenivka penal facility to investigate, ICRC is yet to get the access.
References
Aleksandra Klitina, “Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Donetsk Regions Shelled Overnight, 4 Killed,” Kyiv Post, 04 August, 2022
“Weapons, military equipment, mobilization: Zelensky convenes Supreme Commander HQ,” Ukrinform, 04 August 2022
“Austin, Reznikov discuss Ukraine’s security assistance needs,” Ukrinform, 04 August 2022
“About 41,500 Russian soldiers eliminated in Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 04 August 2022
Kareem Chehayeb, “Ukraine urges Lebanon to block ship with grain from leaving,” AP News, 03 August 2022
“Ukraine tells Lebanon to reverse decision to clear grain shipment for travel,” Reuters, 04 August 2022
“Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council,” kremlin.ru, 04 August 2022
“The Ministry of Defense suspected the Pentagon of hiding the development of bioweapons in Ukraine,” Lenta.ru, 04 August 2022
“US ‘artificially’ stokes tensions – Kremlin,” RT, 04 August 2022
“Russia sentences Griner to 9 years in prison, White House calls for her release,” Reuters, 05 August 2022
Jacob Gronholt-pedersen and Nerijus Adomaitis, “NATO chief: Ukraine war is Europe's most dangerous time since WW2,” Reuters, 04 August 2022
Aamer Madhani and Edith M. Lederer, “US says Russia aims to fabricate evidence in prison deaths,” AP News, 04 August 2022
Jennifer Rigby, “Ukraine health crisis worsens as medics work amid shelling, WHO says,” Reuters, 04 August 2022
“Amnesty accuses Ukraine of basing troops in residential areas, angering Kyiv,” Reuters, 04 August 2022
“U.N. watchdog appeals for access to Ukrainian nuclear plant, Tages-Anzeiger reports,” Reuters, 04 August 2022
“Olenivka penal facility: Prisoners of war and ICRC's role,” International Committee of the Red Cross, 03 August 2022
IN BRIEF
By Emmanuel Royan
FRANCE
Paris to establish ambassador’s for LGBTQ rights awareness
On 04 August, France’s prime minister Elizabeth Borne announced the creation of an ambassador’s post to promote LGBTQ rights worldwide. The ambassador, who will be appointed by the end of the year, will campaign for the decriminalization of homosexulaity and trans identity. She also announced EUR three million fund to finance ten new LGBTQ centers in France. The announcement comes after a minister of her party made stigmatizing comments on homosexuality and LGBTQ community. Borne further mentioned that there will be “no ambivalence” among the members of president Emmanuel Macron’s administration on their commitment to LGBTQ rights. (“France to appoint LGBTQ ambassador to promote rights abroad,” Deutsche Welle, 04 August 2022)
Beluga whale belonging to the Arctic spotted in River Seine
On 04 August, a beluga whale was spotted in France’s River Seine, which belongs to the cold waters of the Arctic. The mammal is presently located between the Poses dam and Saint-Pierre-la-Garenne. The authorities are contemplating on how to save the huge mammal without lifting it out of the water as it’s too risky. The rescue services and biodiversity activists have mobilized to closely monitor the movement of the whale to assess its “worrying” health The head of environmental group Sea Shepherd France, Lamya Essemlali stated: "The challenge now will be to help feed it, and try to accompany it towards the ocean." She further mentioned that the river Seine is very polluted and noisy, which is a very suitable environment for the mammal. (“‘Underweight’ beluga whale in France’s River Seine near Paris prompts rescue effort,” the Guardian, 05 August 2022)
ITALY
Rome to establish semiconductor facility with the US firm Intel
On 04 August, Italy will be negotiating a deal worth EUR five billion with the US semiconductor manufacturer Intel to build an advanced semiconductor package and assembly line. Intel’s larger plan is to invest around EUR 88 billion across Europe after the semiconductor shortage crisis of 2020. Where Europe was largely dependent on Asian markets particularly from Taiwan. A final decision on the location of the facility is yet to be made. (Giuseppe Fonte and Giulio Piovaccari, “Exclusive: Italy, Intel close to $5 billion deal for chip factory,” Reuters, 04 August 2022)
New aid package approved for rising energy costs
On 04 August, the caretaker government of Italy approved a recent aid package worth EUR 17 billion to assist businesses and families from rising energy and conspiracy prices. The caretaker prime minister Mario Draghi stated: "This package is aimed at protecting Italy's economic recovery in the face of a worsening international environment." Similarly Rome also extended present measures to cut energy bills for low-income families under the recent package. It will be extending the cut in excise duties at fuel pumps. (Giuseppe Fonte, Angelo Amante and Giselda Vagnoni, “Italy unveils new $17.4 billion package against inflation,” Reuters, 05 August 2022)
THE UK
Bank of England raises interests and predicts inflation to reach 13 per cent
On 04 August, the Bank of England raised interest rates for a sixth successive time to 1.75 per cent and predicted an inflation reaching above 13 per cent. Threadneedle Street had to increase its lending costs by 0.5 percentage points. The Bank’s governor stated: “If we don’t act now to prevent inflation becoming persistent, the consequences later will be worse, and will require larger increases in interest rates,” and added that reducing the inflation to two per cent remains its primary objective. The Bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) predicts an increase in the energy prices cap to about EUR 3,500 in October which will lead to rise in inflation to 13.3 per cent. (Larry Elliott, Phillip Inman and Heather Stewart, “Bank of England hikes rates as it predicts 13% inflation and long recession,” the Guardian, 04 August 2022)
Russian oligarchs exploit UK’s business system to escape sanctions
On 04 August, an investigation by the BBC and Finance Uncovered have revealed evidence affiliating a number of English Limited Partnerships (ELPs) to fraud, terrorism and money laundering. In an ELP an individual can invest capital into a company but does not play an active role in its management. ELPs were not included in the UK’s transparency laws of 2016 and 2017, which obligated companies to identify their real owners. Since then many ELPs were established to exploit the system's loophole in order to dodge anti-money laundering laws. The investigation has found that among those who expoited the loophole are Putin’s close allies, Arkady and Boris Rotenberg. It is revealed that they have used a network of shell companies worldwide to evade US sanctions imposed after the annexation of Crimea in 2014. (James Oliver, Nassos Stylianou, Will Dahlgreen, Steve Swann, “Banned Russian oligarchs exploited UK secrecy loophole,” BBC, 04 August 2022)