Photo : Weibo/SCMP
30 August 2022, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #293
War in Ukraine: Day 187
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 29 August, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba asked Sweden to supply Archer artillery systems, RBS-70 air-defences to support Ukraine’s artillery system. Highlighting the need in the briefing with the Sweden Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, he thanked Sweden for granting SEK 500 million as security aid to Ukraine.
On 29 August, Ukrinform reported on the satellite image released by Maxar Technologies (US space tech company) of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. It also reported on the departure of three ships carrying grains from Odesa and Chornomorsk. In a statement released by the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority: “Today, three ships left the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk, with 40,000 tonnes of wheat and corn sent to the ports of Egypt, Romania, and Turkey. By the end of the day, three bulk cargo ships are expected to arrive at the ports of Great Odesa to load wheat, sunflower, and corn.” The ships which have left on 27 and 28 August are expected to head towards Libya, Spain, Italy, Israel, Germany, Egypt and Turkey with wheat, corn and oil.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 29 August, the Russian military reported on shooting down of a Ukrainian drone which was predicted to target on Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant. According to the Defence Ministry, the attacks were seen as pattern to deter Russia-controlled facility. Till now the plant has been subject to repetitive artillery and drone attacks for past one week.
On the recent “counter-offensive” action of Ukraine, the Defence Ministry commented that Ukraine’s offensive in the Kherson city was a failure and made no gains. As per RT’s report, the Russian troops were seen to have caused losses to the Ukraine force, with destroying 26 tanks, 23 armoured vehicles, and 560 troops.
On 29 August, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova denied the Russia talks over arranging the IAEA authorities visit to Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant. She criticized the UN for being unconstructive: “Many of them are pretending to have been persuading Russia to organize this mission for weeks or pretending that they have finally broken down Moscow’s resistance on this matter. It is an absolute lie, it is twisting of facts.”
The Defence Ministry claimed on the continuing attacks in Novaya Kakhovka, in the Kherson region by Ukraine forces. With the shelling, the power and water supply has now been affected, with damage to hydroelectric power plant. Previously, similar attacks were reported by Russia on Ukraine using HIMARS systems to shell the city.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 29 August, Lativa’s Ministry of Defense announced on further military aid to Ukraine amounting to EUR 300 million. The aid contains anti-aircraft missiles stinger, unmanned aircraft, self-propelled howitzers and anti-tank weapons. Along with the military aid, humanitarian aid is also been regularly supplied to Ukraine in the form of warm tactical clothing, footwear, and equipment for soldiers, and long-lasting food products.
On 29 August, Norwegian government proposed to provide NOK two billion for Ukraine to ensure supply of natural gas in winter. According to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre: “Ukraine has asked Norway to take a leading role in helping to ensure that it has access to energy. We are now following this up, and plan to provide NOK 2 billion to enable Ukrainians to purchase natural gas this autumn and winter.”
On 29 August, an informal meeting was held amongst the EU members in Hague Judgements Convention to discuss over “rule-based multilateral trade and investment.” The significance of joining the convention is seen as a way to boost European businesses, operate in different countries, wider trade and increased investment. Till now six states have signed the convention, with Ukraine joining the convention will serve as a base to benefit the citizens, businesses and international trade.
On 29 August, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in his address disclosed the supply of high-end weapon systems and defence equipment to Ukraine which includes “air defence equipment, radar systems, reconnaissance drones,” accounting to EUR 600 million. He also mentioned the collaboration with the Netherlands on an initiative on delegating tasks to build Ukraine artillery and air defence.
The Gloabal Fallouts
Implications of the Ukraine war
On 29 August, SCMP reported on the Russia’s decision to launch Vostok 2022 war exercises from 01 to 07 September. The drills will involve China, India, Laos, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Syria and many ex-soviet countries. It will mainly focus on sea communications, marine economic activity and ways to support ground troops in littoral zones.
References
“Kuleba calls on Sweden to provide Archer artillery, RBS-7 air defense systems, more artillery shells,” Ukrinform, 29 August 2022
“Ukrainian drone downed over nuclear plant – Russia,” RT, 29 August 2022
“Ukraine’s counter-offensive attempt has failed – Russia,” RT, 29 August 2022
“Allegations that Russia was talked into organizing IAEA visit are untrue, diplomat says,” TASS, 29 August 2022
“Ukrainian strike on Russian-held city cuts water and power supply – official,” RT, 29 August 2022
“The European Union joins the Hague Judgments Convention,” European Commission, 29 August 2022
“Germany to send air defense systems, radar systems, recon drones to Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 29 August 2022
“Latvia's military support to Ukraine amounts to EUR 300 million,” eng.lsm.lv, 29 August 2022
“Norway to use NOK 2 billion to help procure natural gas for Ukraine.” regjeringen.no, 29 August 2022
“Russia announces joint war games with China amid tensions with West over Kremlin’s action in Ukraine,” SCMP, 29 August 2022
IN BRIEF
By Rishma Banerjee
FRANCE
AI finds thousands of undeclared pools in France
On 30 August, BBC reported on how artificial intelligence (AI) was used to discover over 20,000 illegal swimming pools constructed in France, amounting to approximately EUR 10 million in revenue. The software developed by Capgemini spotted pools on aerial images of nine French regions. Pools result in higher property taxes as they increase the value of the property. Under French law, they must be declared as an asset, and an average-sized pool of 30 square meters is taxed at around EUR 200 per year. The Deputy Director General of Public Finances, Antoine Magnant said that the software will be further used to detect undeclared home extensions, especially patios, gazebos, and verandas. Europe-Ecology Greens party’s National Secretary, Julien Bayou, said that a ban on new swimming pools might be considered, given the persistent drought conditions in the region. (“Undeclared pools in France uncovered by AI technology,” Reuters, 30 August 2022)
GERMANY
Chancellor Scholz outlines reforms to support future expansion of the EU
On 29 August Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave a speech at Charles University in Prague. He highlighted the EU’s need to consider reformation in its structures before allowing more memberships. On the EU's expansion, Scholz predicted the member states count to increase from 27 up to 36. For which he insisted three ways on a unified EU. First, the EU decision making process should be over majority of votes instead of unanimous voting. Second, to ensure the number of deputies in the European Parliament does not exceed 751. Third, the European Commission, which currently has 27 commissioners must be kept constant. Scholz suggested that when the next members join, they share a portfolio with another commissioner, instead of introducing new ones. (“German leader outlines vision for bigger, more coherent EU,” AP News, 29 August 2022; Laurenz Gherke, “Scholz pitches major EU enlargement — with reform,” POLITICO, 29 August 2022)
Germany collaborates with Denmark for link to Baltic Sea wind hub
On 29 August, Germany’s energy ministry announced that it had secured a power link to a planned offshore wind hub in the Baltic Sea. The Bornholm Energy Island that comes under Denmark’s part of the Baltic Sea will generate at least three gigawatts of power and will be connected to Germany through a 470-kilometer power cable. According to the energy ministry, the power generated in the hub would be enough to power 4.5 million German households and also reduce Germany’s energy dependence on Russia. Investment and future profits from the hub will be shared equally between Germany and Denmark. This project will come under Denmark’s Energy Vision 2030, whereby it plans to increase domestic offshore wind power production five times, by 2030. (“Germany secures link to planned Baltic Sea renewable energy island,” Reuters, 29 August 2022)
GREECE
Inquiry commission set up to investigate wiretapping scandal
On 29 August, 142 out of 300 Greece’s parliamentarians voted in favor to set up an inquiry commission to investigate the phone tapping of an opposition leader by the National Intelligence Service, the Ethnikí Ypiresía Pliroforión (EYP). Leader of the socialist party PASOK, Nikos Androulakis, whose phone was tapped for three months and targeted with Predator spyware, requested the inquiry commission. This incident has exerted pressure on Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis who took charge of the EYP from the interior ministry in 2019. He however said that he was not aware of the occurrence of phone tapping, and as a response to the mounting pressure fired his chief of staff, Grigoris Dimitriadis, and Greece’s spy chief, Panagiotis Kontoleon. (Helena Smith, “Greek ‘Watergate’ phone-tapping scandal puts added pressure on PM,” The Guardian, 28 August 2022; George Georgiopoulos, “Greek parliament sets up inquiry commission to probe phone tapping scandal,” Reuters, 30 August 2022)
POLAND
European Judges associations sue European Council over Poland’s recovery plan
On 28 August, four associations representing judges in Europe sued the European Council, in the EU’s General Court, regarding Poland's recovery and resilience plan. In June, the European Council approved Poland’s access to EUR 35 billion as a part of the COVID-19 recovery fund. However, the Association of European Administrative Judges (AEAJ), the European Association of Judges (EAJ), Rechters Voor Rechters and Magistrates Européens pour la Démocratie et les Libertés (MEDEL) challenged this move saying that Poland’s replacement of the controversial disciplinary chamber for judges falls short of the rule of law “milestones” that the EU requires. The associations said that since their legal action does not invalidate the Council’s decision, they would seek suspension of the disbursement of funds via interim measures. (“European judges challenge EU approval of Poland's recovery plan,” Reuters, 29 August 2022)
REGIONAL
European Commission president indicates “emergency intervention” in fixing electricity market
On 29 August, in the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen spoke about the rising energy prices in Europe and called for an “emergency intervention.” Which is required to bring the soaring prices down. Von der Leyen claimed that the current electricity market design which functions on the basis of marginal pricing had become obsolete in the current times. The soaring prices were thus exposing its limitations. She criticized how the price of gas often sets the final price of electricity. Referring to the electricity market’s restructuring, von der Leyen said: “That is why we, the Commission, are now working on an emergency intervention and a structural reform of the electricity market. We need a new market model for electricity that really functions and brings us back into balance.” (Jorge Liboreiro, “Energy crisis: Ursula von der Leyen calls for 'emergency intervention' in electricity market,” Euronews, 29 August 2022)