Photo : Concord Press Service via Reuters
07 March 2023, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #454
War in Ukraine: Day 376
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 06 March, Ukraine’s Ground Force Commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that the fight in the Bakhmut had reached its peak point as Russia adds more forces from the Wagner Group. He said: “The enemy threw into the battle Wagner's additional forces. Our soldiers are courageously defending their positions in the north of Bakhmut, trying to prevent encirclement.” On the same, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a statement on the meeting with army general. He calling for “operation in Bakhmut” in the meeting, where they vouched for reinforcement and not withdrawal.
On 06 March, Ukraine’s spokesperson reported on demographic challenges faced by the government in bringing back the people who fled during the war. The spokesperson urged the respective community chiefs to take efforts to ensure the return. Only through such efforts Ukraine economy can grow back and for production, capacity would be needed to deploy.
On 05 March, Ukraine’s National Guard for Bakhmut area, Volodymyr Nazarenko reported on Ukraine forces hold over Bakhmut-Kostiantynivka highway. This highway is seen as the most crucial for Ukraine supplies to enter and exit and according to Nazarenko there have been no “tactical changes.” He denied withdrawal and assured Ukraine’s defence hold.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 06 March, TASS reported on losses suffered by Ukraine in Artyomovsk (Bakhmut). According to the report it confirmed the destruction of bridges by Ukraine and deployment of small troops in the zone. Till now neither Russia nor Ukraine have disclosed the exact number of losses.
On 06 March, DPR spokesperson Denis Pushlin reported on the number of Ukrainian soldiers in Artyomovsk. He stated that close to 10,000 were present, while many have been attempted by Russia to shell down, the Wagner group claims “strong resistance” from Ukraine forces.
On 06 March, Wagner mercenary group head, Yegveny Prigozhin reported on the permission denial to get access of Russia’s military headquarters in Ukraine. The request to access came after the Wagner group demanded for ammunition supply earlier. He said: “The situation will not be sweet for all military formations protecting Russian interests.”
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 06 March, on the situation in Bakhmut, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that Russia winning control over the city would not mean Ukraine’s losing in the larger conflict. He said: “I think it is more of a symbolic value than it is strategic and operational value.” On the same ISW reported on strained supplies and narrowing routes for Ukraine to replenish its weapons into Bakhmut.
On 06 March, Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas after the meeting with Ukraine’s Defence Minister, announced the preparation of new aid package for Ukraine. He said since the war, Lithuania has not only strengthening its military capabilities but also supporting Ukraine. Till now Lithuania has sent military aid worth EUR 409 million.
References
“Виступ Андрія Єрмака на засіданні Конгресу місцевих та регіональних влад,” Youtube/UkrinformTV, 06 March 2023
Maria Kostenko and Sugam Pokharel, “Ukrainian forces still control a key highway in Bakhmut, frontline leader says,” CNN, 05 March 2023
“The occupier is killing for the very fact that we are Ukrainians, for the mere word about Ukraine - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” president.gov.ua, 06 March 2023
“Next package of assistance to Ukraine is put together, says A.Anušauskas,” kam.lt, 06 March 2023
“Ukraine sustains big losses in Artyomovsk — newspaper,” RT, 06 March 2023
“About 10,000 Ukrainian troops remain in Artyomovsk, says DPR advisor,” RT, 06 March 2023
“Ukraine: 'Painful and difficult' battle of Bakhmut grinds on,” Deutsche Welle, 06 March 2023
IN BRIEF
By Femy Francis
FRANCE
Les Echos reports on the right to strike for protests
On 06 March, Les Echos reports on the right to strike in the public service amid calls for the new announcement for protests and put France on standstill over the pension reforms bill. There have been renewed calls for a strike, where service sectors plan on massive mobilization. While unionized branches are used to protest and mobilise, certain sectors of services especially public sector protests are heavily guarded by rules and are reprimanded by cutting wages or salaries. Almost all French employees in theory can strike while respecting three principles that is total stoppage of work, collective stoppage of striking employees and checking professional and political demands. The civil services include nurses, firefighters, police, army and ministry employees. Where some of them like police, and judicial magistrates don’t have the right to strike, others can with a prior five-day notice. The cutting from wages is calculated by the “thirtieth rule” where one hour, half day or whole day leave will lead to the cutting of thirty per cent of their salaries cut. These certain professionals have the obligation to provide minimum services and maintain a sufficient number of employees, if not followed the state can requisition workers to ensure that there is continuity in services. (Josephine Boone, “Pensions: five questions on the right to strike in the public service,” Les Echos, 06 March 2023)
Pension reform bill adds new provision for CDI
On 05 March, French Senate came up with a new provision for the pension reform bill where they would create a permanent employment contract (CDI) to promote senior employees, as they would be exempted from family contributions in order to compensate for the cost of a senior employee. As they have more experience and should be remunerated with higher pay supporting that under this provision, the employee can terminate the contract if they don’t wish to continue or, they can seek the benefit of completion of full employment. This provision saw criticism as the cost incurred can be heavy for the family branch causing a deficit of EUR 800 million. (Solenn Poullennec,“Pensions: senators create a contract to promote the employment of seniors” Les Echos, 05 March 2023)
GEORGIA
Georgian parliament witness scuffle over the foreign agent bill
On 06 March, the Georgian parliament saw fight among the members over the proposed “foreign agents” law. The new proposal has been linked to Russian law in 2012 where Kremlin used the same term to stifle opposition. The law states that any organization that receives more than 20 per cent of its funding from abroad would be reinstated as a “foreign agent.” The supporters of the bill state that the public should know what organisations are funded by which sources by tagging them specifically. The critiques said that it curtails the freedom of civil society groups who engage in society from a more transnational perspective, this law would take away the opportunity for the opposition of critiques of the government to act freely. (Richard Connor, “Georgia: Lawmakers brawl over proposed 'foreign agents' law,” Deutsche Welle, 06 March 2023)
TURKEY
Kemal Kilicdaroglu nominated as candidate by opposition coalition
On 06 March, Turkey's opposition party announced Kemal Kilicdaroglu as the candidate that would be competing against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the May elections. There has been a rift amongst the opposition where the parties do not agree with the nomination because they believe the chances of the selected candidate winning are slim. The opposition bloc has promised to end the presidential system and bring back the parliamentary system last disarmed by President Erdogan. He has been in power for the last 20 years and gained more power by abolishing the position of Prime Minister. (“Turkey: Opposition nominates a candidate to challenge Erdogan,” Deutsche Welle, 06 March 2023)
REGIONAL
Toblerone Matterhorn mountain peak packaging is be replaced with Tobler's signature in Slovakia
On 06 March, BBC reported on Toblerone plan to remove its signature Matterhorn mountain peak as the chocolate production moved from Switzerland to Slovakia. The pyramid-shaped bar that imitates the alpine peak would be altered with a more generic summit. There has been a provision since 2017 where strict rules have been applied as to what should be considered “Swisness.” The rules state that the symbol cannot be used to promote milk-based products that are not exclusively curated in Switzerland with at least 80 per cent of the raw material from the region. The US firm Mondelez confirmed that as the production moves to Slovakia owing to the rise of demand, there would be a new face of the packaging different from the previous one. (Beth Timmins, “Toblerone: Swiss rules mean chocolate bar to drop Matterhorn from packaging,” BBC, 06 March 2023)
Turkey and France push for a “New NATO”
On 05 March, TFI reported that Hungary and France are looking towards the creation of a new NATO excluding the US. Hungary which is yet to ratify Finland and Sweden's application to join the transatlantic defence alliance, President Viktor Orban pushed for the creation of a separate European NATO. Where he argued that Europe needs a military bloc that is free from influence of the US. He contended that the EU often serves American concerns and interests rather than their own and that they should look for peace negotiations for the Russia-Ukraine war. French President Emmanuel Macron also suggested a stronger European-only bloc, a real European army so that they can reduce their dependence on the US. (Ansh Pandey, “A New NATO? Sounds like a good plan to Hungary and France may approve it” TFI Global News, 05 March 2023)
ENERGY
Slovakia plans to invest in wind parks
On 06 March, Slovakia plans to launch two wind park projects, as stated by the state-owned energy supplier SSP. Amid the rampant energy crisis, the country is considering investing in wind parks but this has met with resistance. This comes in light to halt the dependence on Russian energy and building the first one near Piestany city with a capacity of 50 megawatts costing them EUR 63 million. This move has been heavily criticised by activists and environmentalists stating that this would have major implications for the natural landscape. (Michal Hudec, “Slovakia now turning towards wind,” Euractiv, 06 March 2023)
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
WhatsApp to agree with EU consumer protection rules
On 06 March, WhatsApp the meta-owned messaging service agreed to the committee suggested by the EU consumer probe. This was based on complaints registered by Consumer Protection Cooperation, which were concerned about the WhatsApp privacy policy ad terms and conditions launched in 2021 under which they were putting pressure on users to accept the changes without understanding the proper implications. Agreeing to the EU provisions WhatsApp has agreed to be more transparent when modifying the terms of service, and give option to users to more changes if they disagree with the policy and terms and conditions, and with that also mentions the implication of rejecting such services. (Luca Bertuzzi, “WhatsApp commits to comply with EU consumer rules over policy updates,” Euractiv,06 March 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
Saudi Arabia to send aid to Turkey
On 06 March, Saudi Arabia signed an agreement with Turkey to deposit EUR 4.7 billion. This comes in light of the disasters Turkey has been facing with high inflation and the aftermath effects of the massive earthquake. Saudi delegates said, “a testament to the close cooperation and historical ties that exist between the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Turkey and its brotherly people”. This comes as a move to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations which were severed after the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (“Saudi Arabia deposits $5 billion in Turkey's central bank,” Deutsche Welle, 06 March 2023)