War in Ukraine: Day 285
By Sai Pranav

War on the Ground
On 05 December, Kyiv Regional Military Administration Head, Oleksii Kuleba, stated in Telegram that energy facilities in Kyiv, Vinnytsia and Odesa were attacked by Russian missiles damaging the electricity power infrastructure in Ukraine. Due to the attack 40 per cent of the Kyiv region is facing electricity shut down. According to Shmyhal Ukraine’s power grid was functional despite the missile attacks. The energy providers issued emergency shutdowns to balance the systems and avoid increasing the damage. He added that the restoration process has begun within the affected region.

On 05 December, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Ukraine’s air defence systems destroyed most of the 70 Russian Calibers and Kh-101 missiles that arrived in Ukraine. A few missiles that missed the air defence systems damaged energy facilities in Ukraine, resulting in the death of four people. He thanked his western allies for lending the air defence systems that repelled the attacks and urged them to fight against terrorism together with Ukraine.

On 05 December, Ukrinform reported that Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) Secretary Oleksiy Danilov had said that the Russian missile strikes not only harms Ukraine but also its neighbouring countries. Danilov’s statement comes after a missile being discovered by Moldova’s border police patrol near the Briceni village, close to Moldova’s border near Ukraine.

The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 05 December, Russia’s Defence Ministry said that Ukrainian drones had struck Dyagilevo military air base in the Ryazan region and the Engles air base in the Saratov region resulting in the death of three officers and damage to two aircraft. The drones were intercepted by air defences. Six were found to be injured and explosion of a fuel tanker was observed in the Ryazan region. The attack was the first by Ukraine to reach the Russian mainland. The Defence Ministry discovered that the Ukrainians had used Soviet-era Tu-141 Strizh jet drones.

On 05 December, RT reported on Russian Defence Ministry’s claims on deterring Ukraine’s arms and troop logistics by its missile strikes. Russia struck Ukraine with missiles using strategic bombers to derail their transportation of troops, weapons, and ammunition to the front lines by train. The Defence Ministry said: “All 17 assigned objectives were hit,” talking about their targets of energy, communication, defence facilities and transportation in Ukraine. The missile strike was in retaliation to Ukraine’s drone attack in Dyagilevo and Engles airfield in mainland Russia.

On 05 December, RT reported that Russian military expert Alexey Leonkov confirmed Ukraine’s responsibility for the anti-air missile parts and debris that fell in Moldova’s Briceni village. According to Leonkov, the debris was found to be from S-300 PS/PT anti-air missiles used by Ukraine to intercept Russian high-precision strikes. The anti-air missiles were part of Ukraine’s counter-to-Russian military strike that targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The missile strike was in retaliation to Ukraine’s drone attack in the Saratov and Ryazan regions.

The West View
Responses from the US and Europe 
On 05 December, the SIPRI released a report on the performance of the top 100 companies in the arms industry in 2021. It found that Russia to be the prime supplier of raw materials faced a challenge of stagnation in the arms production and because of war the sales increased only by four per cent. For the US, 40 firms formed part of the total 100 and it comprised half the global arms sales, leaving out North America which sales fell by 0.8 per cent. In case of Europe, the ship building industry was observed to have increased sales whereas the aircraft industry had low performance. Comparing Asia and Middle East, the arms sales had a fast pace growth in Middle East with 6.5 per cent and was seconded by China with 6.3 percent. The report identified major challenges for reduction in the arms sales, which were supply chain issues, Ukraine war sanctions, and pandemic.

On 05 December, the US government will hold a virtual meeting with oil and gas companies to have a discussion on assisting Ukrainian energy facilities. The damage to Ukraine's energy infrastructure by Russian missile strikes resulted in the convention of the executives and the government. The US Deputy Secretary of Energy, David Turk, said: “As you know Ukrainian energy assets are being aggressively targeted to take advantage of the winter's coldest temperatures and harshest weather conditions. Together, we can help to boost Ukrainian resilience,” in a letter to oil and gas executives. The Department of Energy said that it would ensure energy companies provide a steady and reliable supply to their customers and support foreign partners.

Canada pledged to provide CAD 15 million in funds for demining equipment to Ukraine. The humanitarian assistance includes the detection and clearance of landmines and other explosives that are from the war. Canada also provided bomb suits to protect Ukrainian bomb squads and advanced remote-control demining systems to demine large areas. 
 
On 06 December, the Czech Republic’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Jan Lipavsky, announced the discussion on the Russian invasion of Ukraine as the main topic in the informal Visegrad Group (V4) Foreign Ministers meeting in Bratislava in Slovakia. Following the V4 Prime Ministers' meeting, the member states agreed on joint support for Ukraine. The Visegrad Group consists of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.

On 05 December, the US Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, said that the US would provide air defence and energy aid to Ukraine. The US promised to help Ukraine protect and reconstruct its civilian infrastructure. The Russian attack on Ukraine’s energy, water and heating system will be countered by the US help to Ukraine, according to Brink.

On 05 December, Lithuania’s Defence Ministry said that it would provide Ukraine with 155-millimetre ammunition for its artillery. Lithuania also commented that it would help Ukraine de-occupy Russian-invaded regions.

The Global Fallouts
Implications of the Ukraine war
On 05 December, the UN’s Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner released a report on civilian casualty updates. The total number of Ukrainian civilian deaths was estimated to be 162 and the number of injured was 526. The total number of civilian casualties recorded from 24 February till 04 December was 17, 181, where 6,702 were killed and 10,479 were injured. The recorded civilian casualties resulted from missile strikes, shelling, explosives, and multiple launch rocket systems. According to OHCHR, accurate figures of civilian casualties are yet to be known as the records are delayed in heavy fighting areas such as in the Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Luhansk regions.

References
Mateusz Morawiecki, “Russia carried out another massive attack on civilian facilities and critical infrastructure in Ukraine, carrying a high death toll.,” Twitter, 05 December 2022
“NSDC Secretary says missile fallen on Moldova’s territory definitely Russian,” Ukrinform, 05 December 2022
Oleg Nikolenko, “The mass media report that a missile fell on the territory of Moldova after Russia's missile attack on Ukraine.,” Facebook, 05 December 2022
Oleksiy Kuleba, “About the consequences of massive shelling by Russia.,” Telegram, 05 December 2022
Denys Shmyhal, “The terrorist country of Russia tried to implement its criminal plan again - to plunge Ukraine into darkness and cold., Telegram, 05 December 2022
“When a terrorist destabilizes everyone's life, stopping terror is a joint task - address of the President of Ukraine,” president.gov.ua, 05 December 2022
“Russian missile strikes disrupt Ukrainian military logistics,” RT, 05 December 2022
“Three killed in Ukrainian attacks on airfields in Russia – MOD,” RT, 05 December 2022
“Missile wreckage found across Ukrainian border,” RT, 05 December 2022
“The Ministry of Defense reported downed drones over Russian military airfields,” Lenta.ru, 06 December 2022
“The Russian Defense Ministry announced a massive strike on the infrastructure of Ukraine,” Lenta.ru, 05 December 2022
“White House to ask oil and gas execs to support Ukraine energy infrastructure,” Reuters, 06 December 2022
Kanishka Singh, “Canada to provide C$15 million for Ukraine demining,” Reuters, 06 December 2022
Ambassador Bridget A. Brink, “As Russia targets heat, water, and electricity for every person in Ukraine,” Twitter, 05 December 2022
Thomas McEnchroe, “Lipavský meeting with Visegrad Group foreign ministers in Bratislava,” english.radio.cz, 05 December 2022
Lithuania Ministry of Defence, “Lithuania is sending 155mm ammunition for Ukrainian artillery.,” Twitter, 05 December 2022
“Ukraine: civilian casualty update 5 December 2022,” ohchr.org, 05 December 2022

IN BRIEF
By Madhura S Mahesh

GREECE
Green Tank provides estimate of electricity produced from renewable energy
On 05 December, Green Tank a Greece based think tank reported that around 47.1 per cent of electricity demand in Greece was fulfilled by renewable energy in the first 10 months of 2022. It added that on 07 October for five hours, Greece’s entire demand for electricity was supplied by renewables which is a first for the country. Hydroelectricity is the major source of renewable energy in Greece with plants producing 20.2 gigawatt-hour for ten months which exceeded the amount of electricity produced by fossil gas and lignite. This sharp increase in renewables contribution is attributed to increased fuel prices and a decrease in overall electricity demand. (Igor Todorović “Greece produces record 47.1% of electricity from renewables so far in 2022,” Balkan Green Energy News, 05 December 2022)   
 
TURKEY
Inflation rates drop to 84.4 per cent after 17-month rise
On 05 December, the Turkish Statistical Institute reported that the inflation rate dropped to 84.4 per cent in November. This is being seen as a sign of economic recovery as Turkey hit a 24-year inflation rate high of 85.51 per cent in October. Consumer month-on-month price inflation increased by 2.88 per cent with food prices increasing by 5.75 per cent and alcoholic drinks prices increasing by 3.19 per cent in November. The Institue projected that in the third quarter of 2022 Turkey’s economy grew by 3.9 per cent with exports stagnating due to a global slowdown. (“Turkey’s inflation dips below 85% after a 17-month surge,” Gulf Today, 05 December 2022) 
 
REGIONAL
Bulgaria to impose countermeasures if Netherlands and Austria veto Schengen bid
On 05 December, Bulgarian Prime Minister Gulub Donev threatened to impose countermeasures if Austria and Netherlands veto Bulgaria’s bid to join the Schengen visa zone. Netherlands and Austria have expressed concerns regarding Bulgaria’s bid for Schengen membership and Austria have even carried out inspections in Bulgaria to address these concerns. Donev highlighted these inspections and similar inspections conducted by the European Commission as evidence of Bulgaria’s eligibility to the Schengen. He added that the views of the Netherlands and Austria are based on “domestic political considerations” not on the Schengen criteria. Donev added that the Dutch refused to participate in the inspections and that their concerns were unconvincing and contrary to the opinions of other members. Calling the Dutch “anti-European”, Donev added that “despite the stated intentions of two countries (the Netherlands and Austria) to impose a veto, Bulgaria has not given up Schengen.” The voting is said to take place in the meeting of EU Justice and Home Affairs ministers on 08 December. (“Bulgaria threatens ‘countermeasures’ if Netherlands, Austria block it from Schengen,” The Sofia Globe, 05 December 2022)
 
European Commission to provide EUR 26.3 million Finnish aid to Suomen Energiavarasto Oy 
On 05 December, the European Commission announced that it will be providing support worth EUR 26.3 million to Suomen Energiavarasto Oy (SEVO), a Swedish company. The aid will help SEVO construct and instal an underground hydroelectric pump storage facility by 2025. The new facility will increase the role of renewables in electricity generation. The facility will also help in phasing out electricity generated by gas fire units. The facility will have a storage capacity of 75 megawatts and 530 megawatt-hours. (“State aid: Commission approves €26.3 million Finnish measure to support SEVO in construction of hydroelectric pump storage,” ec.europa.eu, 05 December 2022)
 
Commission presents EU Action Plan on the Western Balkans
On 05 December, the European Commission presented an EU Action Plan on the Western Balkans based on the EU Action Plan on the Central Mediterranean. The plan has 20 operational measures under five pillars which are boosting border management along the routes, fast asylum procedures and support reception capacity, combatting migrant smuggling, increasing readmission cooperation and returns and drawing out a visa policy alignment. The Action plan looks to support measures taken by Western Balkan countries towards migrants. The Western Balkans are the most popular route for migrants to travel to Europe. (“Migration routes: Commission proposes Action Plan for cooperation with Western Balkans to address common challenges,”  ec.europa.eu, 05 December 2022)
 
Finland starts the NATO membership process without final approval from the alliance 
On 05 December, the Finnish government presented the NATO membership bill for the consideration of the parliament. The Government stated that the bill can be considered by the parliament legally despite only 28 out of 30 members ratifying Finalds membership bid. Once the parliament gives its approval, the bill will go to the President for his assent. The Finnish Foreign Minister said that Finald is eligible to take part in all NATO activities except decision-making. The bill after the President’s assent will be deposited with the US if all the members have not ratified Finland’s membership bid. The proposal outlines the effects of NATO membership on the country’s foreign, defence and security policy and the commitments it has to follow once it becomes a member. (“Government proposal on Finland’s accession to NATO submitted to Parliament,” valtioneuvosto.fi, 05 December 2022; “Finnish Parliament to start Nato membership process despite ratification delays,” yle, 05 December 2022)
 
Charles Michel and Slovenia Prime Minister discuss on EU-Western Balkan equation
On 5 December, European Council President Charles Michel met with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Globb in Tirana. Michel said that the Western Balkans Summit is "symbolic" and that the EU's involvement in the Western Balkans has shown remarkable evolution in recent months and that the relationship has progressed in terms of "commitment and involvement." On the issue of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Michel said that the future of the two states was "on the table" and that the European Council has considered the decision on and off the ministerial level. He thanked the Globb for his consistent support to Ukraine in the war and said that the European Council would "clarify" how they would support Ukraine and act in the next coming weeks with winter fast approaching. Additionally, he addressed the issue of energy and the economy and said that it is "central" because it questions the capability of the EU and the overall energy capacity of the world. He said that the EU would "do a lot of work" and aid the energy ministers in tackling the issue. Lastly, he spoke about the migration issue in the region and said that the issue is "sensitive" and a "difficult subject" in democracies, and said that a strong wave of migration is seen throughout Europe and the Western Balkans. Additionally, he said that the mitigation of the migration issue is a priority for the EU and added that further meetings would entail strong involvement of the EU in the same. (“Remarks by President Charles Michel after his meeting with Prime Minister of Slovenia Robert Golob,” consilium.europa.eu, 05 December 2022)
 
INTERNATIONAL
Finland to provide EUR 1.5 million towards helping women and girls in Somalia 
On 05 December, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced an additional EUR 1.5 million to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) to help girls and women in Somalia. This fund will go towards helping Somalian women and girls get access to sexual and reproductive health services. The donation will focus on helping displaced women and children across Somalia avail of healthcare services. The fund will be used to address pregnancy complications, arrange safe births, and provide victims of gender-based violence with health services, psychological aid and counselling. (“Finland supports sexual and reproductive health services for women and girls in Somalia,” valtioneuvosto.fi, 05 December 2022) 
 
Norway to provide over NOK 325 million in aid to Somalia 
On 05 December, Norwegian Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim announced that Norway will be providing an additional NOK 325 million in aid to Somalia. Tvinnereim on her visit to Somalia pledged NOK 25 million in emergency aid to address the problem of the drought in Somalia. The aid will be provided through the Somalia Humanitarian Fund. Tvinnereim also announced an additional long-term aid of NOK 300 million through the World Bank from 2022 to 2024 towards developmental efforts in Somalia which will include climate change adaptation, good governance and long-term food security. On her visit to Somalia Tvinnereim said: “This visit has allowed us to observe and assess the results of Norway’s efforts to improve security and support regime stabilisation.” Somalia is one of Norway’s partner countries for stabilisation and conflict prevention. (“Norway to provide large boost in aid to Somalia,” regjeringen.no, 05 December 2022)      
 
Germany and India sign mobility and migration agreement
On 05 December, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar signed a mobility and migration agreement which will boost bilateral cooperation in faster visa processing and production of environmentally friendly energy. Baerbock who is visiting India met Jaishankar in Delhi where the two discussed the challenges being faced by both countries in issuing visas and climate change. The Mobility and Migration agreement was then signed by the two parties which would ease the challenges faced while issuing visas and clear the “mountain of applications” for German visas. When it came to climate change Baerbock said that Germany looks forward to collaborating with India and that in 2023 Germany will facilitate emission-free energy production projects worth EUR one billion. With an aim to help India pursue electrification wholly through renewables, Baerbock said Germany will provide EUR 10 billion by 2030 to increase renewable energy production in India. (Johannes Leithäuser “Mobility partnership between Berlin and New Delhi,” Frankfurter Allgemeine, 05 December 2022)