War in Ukraine: Day 295
By Madhura S Mahesh and Padmashree Anandhan

War on the Ground
On 15 December, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Russian Armed Forces had launched more than 16 attacks on Kherson. Ukraine’s President Office Deputy Head Kyrylo Tymoshenko said: "The enemy hit the centre of the city again, 100 metres from the Kherson Regional Military Administration which was attacked yesterday.” He added that two civilians were killed as a result of the attack. Zelenskyy later said that in a separate strike on Kherson, a Red Cross volunteer was killed when one of the “projectiles” hit the Red Cross aid station. 

On 15 December, the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council Chairman Mykola Lukashuk reported that Russian forces have shelled Chervonohryhorivka, Marhanets, and Nikopol districts killing one. Lukashuk added the Russian forces used Grad MLRS and heavy artillery shells to attack residential neighbourhoods in the three districts. The attack killed a 65-year-old man and left five others injured. He added that the attacks damaged power and gas lines, private houses, five-story apartment blocks, a school, a college, shops, a healthcare facility, a filling station and cars. 

On 15 December, the Ukrainian Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food released the data on Ukrainian agricultural exports as a part of the grain deal. The Ministry stated that as of 14 December, 554 vessels carrying around 13.9 million tons of agricultural products have left the ports of the Odesa Oblast. Of the 13.9 million tons of agricultural goods, four million tons of wheat and 5.9 million tons of corn were exported. It also said that in the past two weeks, agricultural exports have increased by 1.6 million tonnes out of which shipments of wheat and corn increased by 399 thousand tonnes and 911 thousand tonnes respectively. The Ministry added that in December 25.08 per cent of total shipments of wheat have been exported to Africa alone which amounts to over one million tonnes. It also added that on 14 December four ships left for Asia carrying over 69.5 thousand tonnes of agricultural 
products.  

On 14 December, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence announced that 65 people were returned to Ukraine as a part of the latest exchange of Prisoners of War (POW). According to the Ministry out of the 65 people released, 59 are Ukraine Armed Forces personnel, five are territorial defence fighters and a US citizen named Suedi Murekezi. Murekezi was arrested back in June in Kherson by the Russians for “participating in pro-Ukrainian rallies.” It also said that four bodies of military personnel were returned by Russia. Out of the 65 returned, 23 reportedly are injured with some in serious condition. The prisoners returned were mostly captured on the frontlines in the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts. 

The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 15 December, DPR’s Acting Head Denis Pushilin said that Ukrainian Armed Forces had shelled Donetsk killing one. Calling it the first attack on Donetsk since 2014, Pushilin said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched 40 shells and hit residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. He added that the attacks resulted in one dead and 11 injured. Pushilin called these attacks “terror” against the civilians and added that it was being encouraged by the West through the continued supply of arms to Ukraine. 

On 15 December, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that in the past five months Russia has exported around 22 million metric tons of grain mostly to Asia and Africa. Speaking at the Strategic Development and National Projects Council meeting, Putin added that by the end of 2022 Russia can supply approximately an additional five million metric tons of grain to the global market. He said that Russia in the global market is one of the top suppliers of grain, fertilizers and vegetable oil. Putin added that by 30 June 2023 Russia would like to increase the total grain exports to 50 million metric tons. He emphasised that: “At the same time, satisfaction of domestic needs and faithful performance of obligations under foreign contracts is the unconditional priority for us."

The West View
Responses from the US and Europe 
On 14 December, Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson issued a statement revoking the temporary sanctions waiver on Russia. The waiver allowed the transportation and repair of the turbine in Montreal and the transit of the same to Germany. In a joint statement: “Putin has been forced to show that his intention was never to return Nord Stream 1 to full operation and that the pipeline itself has been rendered inoperable.” The decision comes after consultation with Germany and EU member states.
 
On 15 December, the Pentagon announced the expansion of the training efforts of the US for the Ukrainian military soldiers in Germany. Through this decision, 500 Ukrainians will be trained every month, reducing the requirement for US troops to be deployed in Europe. So far 3,100 Ukrainian troops have been trained by the US on how to handle “..howitzers, armoured vehicles and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.”
 
On 15 December, Deutsche Welle reported on a refugee poll conducted by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. The poll was held amongst the 11,225 refugees in Germany, which revealed that close to 37 per cent of Ukrainians who took refuge in Germany due to the war have wished to settle permanently or to stay in Germany for longer years. Out of which 17 per cent belonging to working age, have been employed, two per cent plan to leave in a year’s time and 27 per cent remain undecided.
 
On 15 December, the UK Ministry of Defence in its latest intelligence update quoted a low possibility for a Russia, Belarus joint military exercise and a combined attack in northern Ukraine. The earlier deployment of Russian troops in Belarus had created fear amongst the Ukrainians for a possible strike.

The Global Fallouts
Implications of the Ukraine war
On 15 December, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned about the worsening stake of civilians due to the targeted attacks of Russians. He said: “Additional strikes could lead to a further serious deterioration in the humanitarian situation and spark more displacement.” He reported that close to 10 million families face a shortage in electricity, water and heat and close to 1.5 million children are vulnerable to depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
 
On 15 December, the UN reported that more than 14 million metric tonnes of grain so far have been exported out due to the Black Sea deal. This has resulted in reducing global food prices for the last seven months.

References
“The invaders cannot defeat our army, so they destroy every city and village; the only way to stop it is to push them out of our land - address by the President of Ukraine,” president.gov.ua, 15 December 2022
“Enemy again hits Kherson city center, killing two civilians,” Ukrinform, 15 December 2022
“Number of casualties in Russian strike on Nikopol district rises,” Ukrinform, 15 December 2022
“Ukraine exported over 1M tonnes of wheat to Africa in Dec 2022,” Ukrinform, 15 December 2022
“65 more people were rescued from Russian captivity,” Telegram, 14 December 2022 
“One killed, 11 injured after fierce bombardment of Donetsk on Thursday — DPR leader,” Tass, 15 December 2022
“Russia exported about 22 mln metric tons of grain over last five months — Putin,” Tass, 15 December 2022
"Meeting of the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects," Kremlin.ru, 15 December 2022
Caitlin McFall, “Canada revokes Nord Stream sanction waiver despite European energy woesv,” Foxbusiness, 15 December 2022
“Ukraine updates: Canada revokes Nord Stream sanctions waiver,” Deutsche Welle, 15 December 2022
“Ukrainian refugees feel welcome in Germany, 37% keen to stay permanently: survey,” Reuters, 15 December 2022
Lolita C. Baldor and Tara Copp, “US to expand combat training for Ukrainian troops,” abcnews.go.com, 15 December 2022
“Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 15 December 2022,” Ministry of Defence/Twitter, 15 December 2022
“UN emergency relief chief ends Ukraine visit, pledging solidarity,” un.org,15 December 2022
Agnès Pedrero, “14 Mn Tonnes Of Grain Exported From Ukraine: UN,” Barrons,15 December 2022

IN BRIEF
By Sai Pranav and Padmashree Anandhan

NORWAY
Government reduces fossil fuel tax to combat rising energy prices
On 15 December, Norway’s government announced removal of fuel tax from 2023 to control the energy prices. NOK 2.2 billion will be reduced through removing the fuel tax. The mineral oil tax reduction will also take place from 01 January 2023. The net reduction of fuel tax will be more than NOK 600 million and the trial amount road tax on fuel will be reduced by NOK 1.88 billion. The government also plans to increase CO2 tax which will se the growth in state revenue by NOK 1.26 billion. The removal of road and fuel taxes will help households and businesses cope with risisng fuel prices. (Robin-Ivan Capar, “Norway to remove fuel tax to reduce petrol and diesel prices,” the Local no, 15 December 2022)

SLOVAKIA
Slovakian government votes for no-confidence motion
On 15 December, in the Slovakian government, 78 of 150 MPs voted in favour of a no-confidence motion proposed by the opposition. The Prime Minister Eduard Heger’s coalition government which was formed with three parties, lost the majority when “Freedom and Solidarity Party” withdrew. As the coalition go into no-control zone, it also failed to get the 2023 budget passed. Upon the no-confidence motion, President Zuzana Caputova will now have to appoint new prime minister or suggest for new elections, which will require two-thirds of Parliament majority. The reason behind the withdrawal of Freedom and Solidarity party was due to dissatisfaction over “spending plans” of the Finance Minister and support from the opposition party. (“No confidence vote topples Slovakia coalition government,” Deutsche Welle,15 December 2022)

THE UK
Sunak announced three naval ship construction in Belfast
On 15 December, UK’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the Defence Ministry contracted building three naval vessels in Belfast for GBP 1.6 billion. The new shipbuilding contract will create job offers in Belfast. The move comes after Sunak’s first visit to Northern Ireland as Prime Minister. The deal looks to thaw the icy relation between Northern Ireland and the UK regarding the Good Friday agreement. Sunak stressed the Northern Irealnd’s parties to form a solution before the deadline for a new election comes up. (Lisa O’ Carroll, “MoD to revive Belfast shipbuilding with contract for three naval vessels,” the Guardian, 15 December 2022)

UK’s new REDAA aid programme to promote research and nature restoration
On 14 December, UK announced its new funding programme to preserve environment called as “Reversing Environmental Degradation in Africa and Asia (REDAA).” The funds will be directed to offer research grants and a nature facility to restore natural environments. This will be carried through “In-country research and people-driven action,” approach to strengthen the natural landscapes and bolster resilience amongst communities. The nature facility is to ensure UK’s aid towards the nature restoration is materialized. According to FCDO Minister for Climate and Environment, Lord Zac Goldsmith: “Through REDAA and the Nature Facility, we are using our ODA as a catalyst to unlock more public and private finance for nature.” (“UK launches programmes for ecosystem restoration in Africa and Asia,” Gov.uk, 14 December 2022)

REGIONAL
Çavuşoğlu denies allegation on targeting civilians in Syria
On 15 December, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu criticised Belgium for its comments on Turkey’s counterterrorism efforts in Syria. He denied the accusation saying the civilians or the civilian infrastructure was never targeted and asked Belgium to take measures to address the terrorist activities of the PKK organizations in Europe. The exchange of remarks comes after Turkey’s air operation upon a terrorist attack on 13 November by the PKK group that killed six and injured 81. Although Turkey says it carried out the operation in line with UN charter Article 51, the EU member states and the international have accused Turkey of causing violence in Syria. Along with Belgium, Swedish Foreign Minister, Tobias Billstrom has also criticised Turkey for its “Operation Claw-Sword,” in northern Iraq and northern Syria. He said: “Every country has the right to defend itself against terrorism, and this right includes Türkiye.” (“Türkiye urges Belgium to take action against PKK terrorist group,” Daily Sabah; 15 December 2022; “Türkiye has right to self-defense against terrorism: Sweden,” Daily Sabah, 15 December 2022)

Joint task force to combat unlawful migration to be formed by Albania and the UK
On 15 December, Albania and the UK announced in a joint statement that the two will be launching a Joint Task Force to combat illegal migration and infiltrate criminal networks. This comes after Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak discussed the issue of  illegal migration in a telephone call. The joint statement reads: “We are committed to strengthening further the implementation of our shared international commitments especially in the areas of border control, the fight against organised crime, including human trafficking and exploitation in all its forms, and illegal migration.” The joint task force will be set up under the Ministry of Interior/Home Office of Albania and the UK respectively. (Gjergj Erebara, “Albania and UK Announce Joint Task Force Against Crime and Illegal Migration,” Balkan Insight, 15 December 2022)

The EU accepts Bosnia’s candidacy
On 15 December, the EU leaders granted Bosnia and Herzegovina formal candidacy to join the bloc. Bosnia and Herzegovina will join other EU candidates from the Eastern European region. Kosovo also submitted its formal application to join the EU on the same day. Kosovo will have to resolve its issues with Serbia to go further with its application to become an EU candidate. The decision to grant the candidacy status to Bosnia was due to the fear of instability in the delicate Western Balkan region from the Ukraine war. (“Kosovo formally applies for EU membership,” Deutsche Welle; 15 December 2022; “EU leaders grant Bosnia EU candidate status,” Reuters, 16 December 2022) 

INTERNATIONAL
EU-ASEAN summit concludes with key agreements
On 15 December, the European Commission released the President Ursula von der Leyen statement on the conclusion of EU-ASEAN Summit. The summit was held to celebrate 45 years of diplomacy and many deals were agreed between both blocs. One, President Ursula declared a EUR 10 billion investment under EU’s “Global Gateway Strategy” to speed up the investments towards infrastructure, green transition, sustainable connectivity in the ASEAN. Two, the EU along with Vietnam, the UK and countries part of the International Partners Group agreed on “Just Energy Transition Partnership with Vietnam.” The partnership is aimed to help it achieve Net Zero goal by 2050 and mobilise USD 15.5 billion from the private and public finance to help with Vietnam’s green transition. Three, President von der Leyen and the Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong agreed on digital partnership for 2023, to facilitate “data flows and data innovation, digital trust, standards, digital skills for workers, and the digital transformation of businesses.” Lastly, two bilateral agreements were signed by the EU with Malaysia and Thailand. In a joint statement: “We commit to develop the EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership that is based on international law, mutual interest and mutually beneficial cooperation on issues of common concern and the principle of equality.” (“Indo-Pacific: EU-ASEAN Summit brings the two regions closer,” ec.europa.eu, 15 December 2022; “EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit 2022: Joint Leaders' Statement,” consilium.europa.eu, 14 December 2022”)