Photo : Alfredas Pliadis/kam.lt
IN BRIEF
By Rishma Banerjee
FRANCE
Fresh protests on rising living costs
On 16 October, thousands of protestors assembled at the Place de la Nation to protest against the rising living costs. These protests come amidst an already tense political atmosphere in France due to strikes by workers at oil refineries and nuclear plants. Other than tackling the cost of living crisis, another demand from the protestors was the reduction of pension age from 62 to 60. Even though the left-wing alliance in France known as the New Ecological and Social Popular Union (NUPES), comprising of France Unbowed (LFI), France's Socialist Party, the Greens and the Communist Party did not officially join the protests, many top members from the alliance were seen in the protest. LFI’s former presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon who participated in the protests said that the gathering marked the first phase of a cycle of protests. He also hinted at fresh strikes from 18 October, where teachers’ unions, employees in the energy sector, the railroad company SNCF’s employees as workers at Paris’s metro company RATP are expected to participate. (Lisa Louis, “France: Is the cost of living protest movement about to erupt?,” Deutsche Welle, 16 October 2022)
HUNGARY
Zsigmond’s criticizes PACE for differed stance on migrants
On 14 October, Hungary Today reported on Hungary’s representative to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, (PACE) Barna Pál Zsigmond’s accusation against the Council for supporting those migrants who did not have right to stay in Europe. He criticised the Council’s resolution on calling for facilitation of migration, for not recommending border protection mechanisms and also prohibiting the repatriation of people whom does not have documentation to stay in Europe. He also alleged that this disparity between the Council and Hungary’s official positions was resulting in the EU stigmatizing Hungary. (“Council of Europe Accused of Supporting Illegal Migration,” Hungary Today, 14 October 2022)
IRELAND
High-profile trial to be held over murder of Byrne
On 16 October, The Guardian reported on the impending trial of Gerry “the Monk” Hutch in Ireland. A special criminal court will be trying Hutch and the workings of his cartel, after he orchestrated the murder of David Byrne, a member of the Kinahan cartel in 2016. This attack was allegedly in response to the murder of Hutch’s nephew by members of the Kinahan cartel in 2015. Byrne’s murder triggered a massive and lethal feud between the rival gangs, resulting in 18 deaths between 2015 and 2018. However, Hutch has denied the murder charge. The case, which is expected to run for months, will bestow a life sentence on Hutch, if found guilty. Police protection and security has been increased manifold at the court, where the trial is set to be conducted. (Rory Carroll, “Ireland’s gangland trial of century set to begin in Dublin,” The Guardian, 16 October 2022)
SCOTLAND
England’s charity reports Salmon farming practices far below required stipulations
On 17 October, The Guardian published an article on a study by WildFish that alleged that salmon farms in Scotland were not adhering to required safety and health standards. As per the investigation, conducted through open data, salmon farms are allegedly covering up evidences of environmental harm and presence of sea lice and other parasitic infestations in the fish. WildFish says that in some cases, the infections are 20 times the industry’s prescribed limits. Terming the practice as an “antithesis of ethical farming,” investigators identified loopholes like harvesting that farms are using to avoid providing mandatory sea lice counts to marine Scotland. The report also says that the mortality rates for farmed salmons in marine cages have also risen due to the poor standard of farming. Thus, on an average 24.1 per cent of the salmon stocked in Scottish marine farms are dying before harvest. (Sandra Laville, “Scottish farmed salmon industry using loopholes to cover up harm, report alleges,” The Guardian, 17 October 2022)
REGIONAL
Cyprus gets EU approval for undersea power cable with Greece
On 15 October, Euractiv reported on Cyprus’s collaboration with the EU, on the newly launched project to link the island with an undersea power cable. The EU has approved EUR 757 million in funding to Cyprus for the 1,200-kilometre cable connecting the island to Greece. This cable will end Cyprus’s energy isolation. According to EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson, the project has been fast-tracked due to the rising energy crisis and cost catalysed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and will help Europe in diversifying its energy sources further. The cable, which Cyprus’s president Nicos Anastasiades hailed as “historic,” will have a capacity of 1,000 megawatts, expandable to 2,000 megawatts. Its construction is scheduled to begin in 2022, and the project is expected to be completed by 2027. ("Cyprus, EU launch project to link island to European electricity grid," Euractiv, 15 October 2022)
NATO Military Committee Chair attends Arctic Circle Assembly
On 14 October, the Arctic Circle Assembly was held in Iceland. The NATO Military Committee Chair, Admiral Bauer discussed the importance of the Arctic to North America and Europe. He added that the Arctic is pivotal for global security and should remain free and open. After Finland and Sweden become NATO members, seven out of eight countries in the Arctic Council will be an ally of NATO. (“Chair of the NATO Military Committee highlights strategic importance of the Arctic,” nato.int, 16 October 2022)
NATO to conduct aircraft “Steadfast Noon” exercise from 17 October
On 14 October, NATO reported that it would begin the “Steadfast Noon” exercise involving 14 countries. The exercise involves fourth and fifth-generation fighter jets, surveillance, tanker aircraft and other types of 60 aircraft. No live weapons were used for the training, which takes place in Belgium, the North Sea and the UK. The training exercises are conducted annually with different states hosting every year to ensure that NATO’s nuclear deterrent remains safe and secure. The alliance's main goal is to maintain peace, prevent coercion, stop aggression and create a safer world. The exercise will start on 17 October and will continue till 30 October. (“NATO’s annual nuclear exercise gets underway,” nato.int, 14 October 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
Discovery of 92 migrants under inhuman conditions in Greece initiate UNHCR investigation
The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) said that the discovery of 92 migrants, under inhuman conditions at the border between Greece and Turkey was “deeply distressing.” While both countries have denied responsibility for the migrants, Greek police who discovered them said that in collaboration with officials from Frontex, it has been found that the migrants crossed the Evros river into Greek territory in rubber dinghies from Turkey. Greek authorites said that the migrants who were discovered naked and with injuries were given clothing, food and first aid. The UNHCR condemned the cruel treatment of the migrants and has called for a full investigation with the hopes of speaking to group soon. In response to the recent flare ups in migrant arrivals, Greek minister for civil protection, Takis Theodorikakos announced that Greece will build a 25-mile fence along its norther border with Turkey. (“UN condemns 'deeply distressing' discovery of 92 naked migrants at Greece-Turkey border,” BBC, 17 October 2022)
War in Ukraine: Day 233
By Sai Pranav and Madhura S Mahesh
War on the Ground
On 15 October, Russia and Ukraine exchanged explosive missiles across the country. Close to 16 explosions near the airport in Belgorod in Russia were witnessed by the locals resulting in a fire at an electrical substation in Belgorod. On the same day, the head of the Komyshuvakha community, Yuriy Karpetian, reported on the Russian shelling of 20 settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region with cluster bombs. The bombs were dropped using parachutes which damaged critical infrastructure.
On 16 October, Ukraine’s Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov met with Turkey’s Defence Minister Hulusi Akar at the Joint Coordination Center (JCC) to discuss the extension of the grain deal. Turkey and Ukraine have now proposed to work on the extension of the grain deal signed on 22 July, which is about to expire in November. Kubrakov stressed increasing the pace of the ship inspection process which will allow a significant rise in grain export to Asia, Africa, and Europe without any queue. According to Kubrakov, the resumption grain corridor has stabilized food prices and in tackling food insecurity.
YASNO’s General Director Serhiy Kovalenko, a private energy industry investor in Kyiv, said that the city was safe from electricity cutoff due to the resumption of power supply. The statement comes after Russian soldiers attack one of the energy infrastructure facilities. Ukraine has urged Kyiv’s residents to limit their power consumption and cautioned of emergency blackouts after the Russian missile attack.
On 15 October, Ukraine’s head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, in a meeting with ICRC President, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, discussed the ways to reach out to the Ukrainian prisoners of war (PoWs) in Olenivka. Yermak requested Egger to send an ICRC team to the prison in Olvenivka to investigate the conditions of the prisoners. Egger responded by agreeing and said that ICRC is waiting to get access to prisoners in Olvenivka penal camp.
On 14 October, Ukraine’s Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko was elected as the Governor of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund by the Board of Governors for 2023. With the new role, Marchenko will act as chair for next year’s annual meeting of both organizations.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 15 October, Russia launched a classified satellite named Kosmos-2560 from the Plesetsk Military Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region in the northern part of the country. According to the Defence Ministry, the rocket is a part of the Angara family and has successfully reached the Earth’s orbit. The Angara-1.2 light launch vehicle with the spacecraft was launched successfully. The details and purpose of the satellite are yet to be disclosed by the Ministry.
On 15 October, the first batch of Russian soldiers arrived in Belarus under the new deal signed the Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. The Joint Force of Russia and Belarus will be deployed at the borders of Belarus with Ukraine and Lithuania as there were increased NATO activities. According to the Belarusian Defence Ministry, the main purpose of the joint forces was to protect and defend the borders of the Union State, Russia and Belarus. Ukraine and the West’s aggression also resulted in the deployment of the joint troop. The combined force will consist of 1,000 Russians and 70,000 Belarussians to fight against Ukraine in the ongoing special operations.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 14 October, Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence announced that the presence of the US Battalion in the country will continue till 2026. Since 2019 the Batallion has been in Lithuania as part of a NATO initiative to secure the Eastern flank of NATO. This announcement comes after the NATO defence ministers meeting in Bucharest. Lithuania will continue to provide the Host Nation Support to the forces as part of NATO requirements.
On 15 October, Elon Musk reassured that SpaceX will support the Starlink internet service in Ukraine. This comes amid the backlash he received on 14 October when he said in a tweet that he could no longer fund the programme as it was proving to be too expensive. Musk has filed a request to the Pentagon for funding which according to a spokesperson is being discussed. Starlink has been a major asset for Ukraine after key communications infrastructure was destroyed by Russian attacks.
On 16 October, Latvia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs in a tweet said that he would be attending the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg taking place on 17 October. The agenda is expected to be on framing the ninth sanctions package against Russia, to support Ukraine, this will include the seizure of frozen Russian state assets and setting up a special tribunal for the crime of aggression by Russia.
On the same day, Ukraine’s Infrastructure Minister and Turkish Defense Minister met and discussed the implementation of the Grain Initiative and extending it beyond the initial date of 22 November. This is an initiative that was launched by the UN to transport Ukrainian Grains to the rest of the world. Turkey was the mediator and ensured the safe passage of grains and food products from Ukrainian ports.
On 16 October, Helsingin Sanomat published the results of a survey conducted by them on the views of the Finnish people on a possibility of a nuclear war. The results show that four in ten respondents were concerned that the current crisis in Ukraine will spill over to Finland. The worry about nuclear was mostly seen in female responders and rural responders. The survey also asked if Finland can normalize ties with Russia for which the majority said that it was impossible until Russia’s President Vladimir Putin remains in power. The survey also found that 84 per cent expressed that the nuclear threat would end only with the Russian forces leaving Ukraine and another set of people see arming Ukraine with heavier weapons as a viable option.
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the Ukraine war
On 16 October, all the OPEC+ members came together to defend the decision agreed by all members to cut production. This comes after the US accused Saudi Arabia of forcing the members of OPEC+ to agree to the steep cuts. They also accused Saudi Arabia of showing support to Russia as the cuts would boost the price of Russian oil thereby increasing their foreign income. This has been refuted by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz who said that they took this decision keeping the stability and balance of the oil markets in mind. This was supported by fellow OPEC+ members Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Algeria, Iraq, and UAE. The Energy Minister of the UAE also clarified that this was a unanimous decision with no political intentions whatsoever. King Salman in a meeting with the Shura Council called the claims baseless and talked about the Kingdom’s role as a mediator in a Prisoner of War exchange.
On 16 October, Washington Post reported on Iran’s supply of a series of short-range ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in support of the Russian military. Although Iran has denied the claims, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that Iran will not supply any weapon that can be used in the war and that such supplies will only prolong the war.
References
“Ukraine, Türkiye seek to extend Grain Initiative,” Ukrinform, 16 October 2022
“Kyiv Stabilizes Power Supplies Following Russian Missile Strikes,” Kyiv Post, 16 October 2022
“Yermak and ICRC President Discuss Access to Ukrainian POWs in Olenivka,” Kyiv Post, 16 October 2022
“Ukraine’s Finance Minister Elected Governor on Board of World Bank, IMF,” Kyiv Post, 15 October 2022
“Explosions heard in Donetsk, local administration building on fire,” Ukrinform, 16 October 2022
“Invaders shell Zaporizhzhia region’s community with cluster munitions,” Ukrinform, 16 October 2022
“Sixteen explosions ring out near Russia’s Belgorod – StratCom,” Ukrinform, 16 October 2022
“Russia to go through with Ukraine operation despite NATO’s involvement - Kremlin,” TASS, 16 October 2022
“Russia deploys new military satellite,” RT, 16 October 2022
“Oil depot, customs office shelled in Russia – governor,” RT, 15 October 2022
“Russian troops arrive in Belarus under new deal,” RT, 15 October 2022
“The Ministry of Digital Development has changed the form of deferment from partial mobilization for IT employees,” LENTA RU, 16 October 2022
“Ukraine war: Backlash after Elon Musk says he can no longer fund Starlink satellites,” euronews, 15 October 2022
“Musk says SpaceX will keep funding Ukraine Starlink internet," BBC, 15 October 2022
“The U.S. Battalion Lithuania retains persistent rotational presence,” kam.lt, 14 October 2022
“Iran reportedly set to ship ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine,” The Times of Israel, 16 October 2022
“OPEC+ members endorse output cut after U.S. coercion accusation,” Reuters, 17 October 2022
“https://twitter.com/edgarsrinkevics/status/1581575259698102273?s=20&t=h7SqxIB62HiN-YzDrwkjgw,” edgarsrinkevics/Twitter, 16 October 2022
“Ukraine, Türkiye seek to extend Grain Initiative,” Ukrinfom, 16 October 2022
“HS poll: Strong support for arming Ukraine against Russia; concerns about nuclear war,” yle.fi, 16 October 2022