Photo : AP Photo-DailySabah
29 August 2022, Monday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #292
War in Ukraine: Day 185 & 186
By Rishma Banerjee
War on the Ground
On 28 August, Ukraine's Infrastructure Ministry issued a statement about the cancellation of international haulage permits with Moldova. From 01 September, transport companies in Ukraine will be allowed to enter the Republic of Moldova under new simplified rules. The Ministry said that the ‘transport visa-free regime’ had been introduced with EU countries earlier and Moldova was the only neighbor who had not fully canceled the permits. Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said: “… our task is to make the most of the new opportunities in order to strengthen the economies of our countries in the face of the threats posed by the Russian armed aggression and the Russian politics as a whole.”
On 26 August, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry called on UNESCO for a response to Russia’s threat to parents in Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions. The foreign ministry spokesperson, Oleg Nikolenko spoke about how Russia was issuing threats about enrolling children in these regions to schools seized and controlled by Russia. According to Nikolenko, Russian authorities said that they will strip the parental rights of those who refuse to comply with the directive.
On the same day, the Health Minister, Viktor Liashko reported on the purchase of iodine drug by the Ukraine government as a pre-emptive measure against an accident at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. The drugs is seen as a way to prevent affecting the thyroid gland from radioactive fallout has been stored in nearby medical facilities.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 28 August, Russia’s Defence Ministry reported that Russia’s troops had hit nine Ukrainian command posts in the DPR, Zaporizhzhya and Nikolayevskaya regions. Moreover, 52 artillery units and military equipment were also hit. The advances come after a few days of relative inactivity, where Russia’s forces could not make significant headways in terms of gaining territory in Ukraine. The Ministry also reported on the Vostok 2022 strategic command and staff drills that are scheduled for 01-07 September. The drills will be conducted under the Russian General Staff, to practice for the military security within the Eastern Military District. Over 50,000 troops will be a part of the drill and 5,000 items of armaments and military hardware, in particular, 140 aircraft, 60 combat ships, gunboats and support vessels will be used. The Vostok 2022 drill will also check the military preparedness of the command centres in planning on-ground and maritime operations, providing logistical support and controlling battlegroups. Other than Russia, the countries participating in the drill are China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
On the same day, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova spoke about the visit by the IAEA inspectors to the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. She claimed that Russia was hopeful about the visit provided the mission can come through “the destructive influence on this process by the Kiev regime.” She also mentioned how Russia has been cooperating with the IAEA in planning the visit for months.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 28 August, Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock in an interview with Bild am Sonntag, reiterated Germany’s support for Ukraine. In the eventuality of the conflict continuing for years, Baerbock said: "Unfortunately, we have to assume that Ukraine will still need new heavy weapons from its friends next summer.” She also defended Ukraine’s right to Crimea, referring to how the international community had not recognized the 2014 annexation by Russia due to violation of international law.
As per a document seen by the Reuters, Germany’s ruling Social Democrats (SPD) party will propose the introduction of a discounted national transport ticket. The proposal will promote measures to assist people to deal with the rising energy prices. Two such packages had been introduced earlier, whereby transport ticket across Europe is EUR nine. However, the new package will include a similar ticket, but as a less discounted price of EUR 49 per month. Moreover, the proposal also envisages incentives for citizens to save gas, the protection of middle and low-income households from forced evictions and expansion of renewable energies.
On 28 August, NATO chief, Jens Stoltenberg said spoke to Germany’s Welt am Sonntag about NATO’s presence in Arctic. He referred to Russia’s increased military activities in the region and about it reopening their soviet-era bases to station new weapons like hypersonic missiles. On 26 August, the US too announced its plans to establish the post of a new ambassador-at-large position for the Arctic. Moreover, Stoltenberg’s recent comments in Canada also indicate towards the West’s aspiration to improve their geopolitical position in the Arctic region.
On 27 August, UK’s Defence Ministry announced that it will be supplying Ukraine with underwater drones, to assist in clearing the mines along the coastline. These mines had been placed by Ukraine’s navy as a deterrent to advancing Russian ships. Six mine-hunting vehicles which can operate in shallow waters to depths of up to 100 metres will be dispatched to Ukraine, to detect, locate and identify mines. The Royal Navy’s Diving & Threat Exploitation Group in collaboration with the US Navy Sixth Fleet will be providing three-week training courses on operation of these drones.
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the Ukraine war
On 28 August, Daily Sabah reported on the status of the Black Sea grain initiative. Since August, over one million metric tonnes of Ukraine’s grains have been shipped. According to the Joint Coordination Centre in Istanbul, 103 ships have set sail to or from Ukraine. As per the report, the WFP has also been successful in resuming wheat purchases from Ukraine to supply to the countries with the worst food security issues. The UN Coordinator, Amir Abdulla mentioned the need for more shipments to make room in the silos for the next harvest.
References
“Ukraine, Moldova Cancel International Road Haulage Permits,” Kyiv Post, 23 August 2022
“Ukraine terminates cooperation with Russia in nuclear power sector,” Ukrinform, 27 August 2022
“Ukraine appeals to UNESCO as Russians threaten child abductions in occupied areas,” Ukrinform, 26 August 2022
“Ukraine piles up on drugs needed in case of nuclear accident - health minister,” Ukrinform, 26 August 2022
“The Ministry of Defense announced the defeat of nine command posts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Ukraine,” LENTA.RU, 29 August 2022
“Vostok 2022 strategic drills to practice military security in Eastern region — top brass,” TASS, 29 August 2022
“IAEA mission to Zaporozhye NPP to be held despite Kiev’s destructive course — diplomat,” TASS, 28 August 2022
“Iran and Russia Are Cementing an Alliance With Grain, Drones and Satellites,” Wall Street Journal, 27 August 2022
Russia-Ukraine updates: Berlin will back Kyiv for 'as long as necessary',” Deutsche Welle, 28 August 2022
“Germany's SPD plans new steps to ease energy price impact, document shows,” Reuters, 28 August 2022
“UK donating undersea minehunter drones to help Ukraine clear coastline,” gov.uk, 27 August 2022
“Lithuania to buy 37 kamikaze drones for Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 26 August 2022
“UN says more grain must be shifted as Ukraine shipments top 1M tons,” Daily Sabah, 28 August 2022
IN BRIEF
By Padmashree Anandhan
BELGIUM
Belgium Energy Minister warns over hike in gas prices
On 29 August, Belgium’s Energy Minister cautioned that the upcoming winters for next 10 years for the EU will be worst with increasing gas prices. Since the Ukraine war, the EU member states are challenges due to price hike in energies. The energy minister called for a EU-wide cap to prevent the rise in prices. While Germany is racing to complete filling its gas reserves before winter by 85 per cent before October, the set target is expected to be reached by September. (Alys Davies, “EU faces awful winters without gas cap – minister,” BBC, 29 August 2022)
SERBIA
Government calls off the Serbian LGBTQ march
On 27 August, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic cancelled the “Pan-European LGBTQ Pride” march which was scheduled in Belgrade, stating the country is midst of economic problems, far-right extremist threats and tension with Kosovo. The EuroPride event was to be organized by the the European Pride Organizers Association (EPOA) from 12 to 18 September. As far as the LGBTQ lobby in Serbia, has been supportive of the individuals except the opposition party, who stand against the LGBTQ rights. But till now the pride marches in Serbia have taken place only with complete police guard. (“Serbia cancels EuroPride parade citing far-right threats,” Deutsche Welle, 27 August 2022)
REGIONAL
Serbia-Kosovo dispute settled over EU mediation
On 27 August, EU Foreign Policy Chief, Joseph Borrell announced the settlement agreement signed between Serbia and Kosovo over ethnic tensions on authorizing the identity documents. Borrell said: “Under the EU-facilitated Dialogue, Serbia agreed to abolish entry/exit documents for Kosovo ID holders and Kosovo agreed to not introduce them for Serbian ID holders.” With the signed agreement, now “all citizens” will be able to enter Kosovo using their existing documents. (“EU announces settlement in Serbia-Kosovo ID dispute,” Deutsche Welle, 27 August 2022)
Poland and Czech Republic agree to protect the airspace of Slovakia
On 27 August, Poland and the Czech Republic consented to protect Slovakia’s airspace as it withdrew from using Soviet-made MiG-29 jets from its airforce. The agreement to support Slovakia was signed by the Defence Ministers of Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Similar to the trio programme, air policing is in practice for Baltic states to deter Russian aggression. The MiG’s which are 11-year old will have to be renewed and estimated to be EUR 300 million which will help Slovakia to renovate its military. (“Poland, Czechia to protect Slovak airspace as Soviet-made jets retired,” Deutsche Welle, 27 August 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
UN IGC fails to reach the global oceans treaty for fifth time
The UN Intergovernmental Congress fifth session concluded with no progress. The attempt by the UN to make its member states sign the Global Ocean’s treaty failed due to differences persisting over establishing marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, finance, capacity building and sharing of marine genetic resources. Other key discussions also took place on deep-sea mining, fishing activities and shipping routes. IUCN’s Senior High Seas Advisor said: “What happens on the high seas affects our coastal communities, affects our fisheries, affects our biodiversity - things we all care so much about.” Therefore, the next session will be the next standing chance for closing the gap in signing the treaty. (Esme Stallard, “Efforts to pass global ocean protection treaty fail,” BBC, 27 August)