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08 April 2023, Saturday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #482
War in Ukraine, Day 408:
Wagner Group advances in the west of Bakhmuta River: UK Ministry of Defence report
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 07 April, in the war update, Ukraine’s Military reported on continued attacks by Russia’s forces in Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Maryinka. It confirmed countering 40 attacks, but missile and air strikes were observed to be highly used by Russia. The report also revealed the continued use of Belarus airspace and border areas to deploy offensive groups in Kursk and Belgorod.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 07 April, RT reported on Russia’s claim on Ukraine using NATO-provided ammunition to kill people in Donetsk area. The claim states the usage of NATO “supplied howitzers and rocket launchers.” Both were found to be used to attack Donetsk, according to Russia’s investigation.
On 07 April, RT reported on a “secret plan” leak on the scheduled offensives for Ukraine. In response to the accusation of Russia’s disinformation campaign for the leak, Moscow denied saying that since the start of the war, there has been “blatant falsification” of information where it provides the data on military equipment, offensives of Ukraine. Still, it views this as “planted misinformation” to project the combat weapons low in number.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 07 April, in the intelligence update, UK’s Ministry of Defence reported a significant advance of Russia’s forces in the Bakhmut. Earlier, the Wagner Group had circled Bakhmut from three sides, leaving out West. It is now observed to have taken control of the “west bank of the Bakhmuta River” which operates as key route for Ukraine to replenish stocks. The report also mentioned the possibility of the Wagner Group and Russia’s military in a better-cooperated way closing down the differences.
On 07 April, The New York Times reported on leaked documents which reveal the assistance for the “spring offensive” by the US and NATO to Ukraine. According to the report, the documents were put out on Twitter and Telegram and contained information on weapon delivery, battalion strength and “sensitive material.”
On 07 April, Deutsche Welle reported on the joint statement released by France and China on assureing their commitment to stand for non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and disarmament.
On 07 April, Cyprus Defence Minister Michalis Georgallas announced its offer to help Ukraine in receiving “landmine clearance training” under its humanitarian assistance provision. Georgallas said: “We will host personnel which will handle de-mining and detection of mines.”
THE GLOBAL FALLOUTS
Implications of the war
On 07 April, China’s Foreign Ministry released a statement after the meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. It called for a “political settlement” to bring the war to end and China’s President Xi Jinping stressed the need for the actors involved in the conflict to come “halfway” to create negotiating conditions to reach the settlement.
References
“War update: AFU repels over 40 invaders' attacks in four directions,” Ukrinform, 07 April 2023
“NYT: Pentagon investigating leaks of secret documents on Ukrainian counteroffensive,” Ukrinform, 07 April 2023
“Ukraine used NATO ammunition to kill Donetsk civilians – Russia,” RT, 07 April 2023
“Here's why the leaked ‘secret plan’ for a Ukrainian military offensive doesn't add up,” RT, 07 April 2023
“Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 7 April 2023.,” UKMOD/Twitter, 07 April 2023
“Ukraine updates: Russia gaining ground in Bakhmut, says UK,” Deutsche Welle, 07 April 2023
Europe In Brief
By Rishika Yadav
ESTONIA
Locked Shields Exercise 2023
On 07 April, the ERR reported on the biggest cyber defense exercise scheduled from 18 to 20 April by the NATO Cooperative Cyber-defence Center of Excellence (CCDCOE), called Locked Shields 2023. It will be a simulation exercise where participants can protect computer networks while simulating real-time tactical and strategic decision-making under critical conditions. The Director of the CCDCOE, Mart Noorma, said: "No other cyber-defence exercise offers such a multifaceted and detailed experience as Locked Shields.” The CCDCOE has been hosting this exercise in Tallinn since 2010, and this year, teams consisting of CCDCOE members and representatives will be participating from 38 different countries. (Marcus Turovski, “Cyberdefense exercise in Tallinn to see over 3,000 participants,” errnews, 07 April 2023)
FRANCE
Protests continue for 11th day over proposed Pension Reform
On 06 April, protestors gathered back against the pension reform bill. This marks the 11th consecutive day with anti-pension reform protesters coming to the streets in cities across France. According to the interior ministry close to 570,000 took part blocking roads, and access point to airport, and universities. The reverse trigger comes as France’s Constitutional Council is scheduled to give verdict on the constitutionality of the proposed pension reform bill on 14 April. In addition to the widespread demonstrations, protesters also forcibly entered the building that houses the offices of BlackRock, a significant investment firm on Wall Street. Meanwhile, in the Western city of Nantes, clashes occurred between police and protesters, with law enforcement employing tear gas to try to disperse crowds. (“France: Fresh protests over pensions reforms,” Deutsche Welle, 06 April 2023)
REGIONAL
Straining relations between Sweden and Hungary
On 06 April, the Reuters reported that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Chief of Staff, Gergely Gulyas, urged Stockholm to take measures to improve trust with Hungary as it seeks Hungary's support for NATO membership. The relationship between the two nations is currently strained. He further mentioned that Sweden and Finland's decision to join a lawsuit filed against Hungary by the European Commission has only exacerbated the situation. Sweden's attempt to join NATO has been hampered by Turkey and Hungary, who have objected to Sweden's criticism of Orban's stance on democratic principles and the rule of law. US President Joe Biden has called on Turkey and Hungary to promptly complete the ratification processes necessary for Sweden to join the alliance while welcoming Finland’s entry. (“Sweden-Hungary ties at low point, Orban aide says, amid Stockholm NATO bid,” reuters, 06 April, 2023)
Increased avenues of nuclear technology cooperation between Russia and Belarus
On 07 April, Rosatom's Belarus office director, Stanislav Levitsky, announced a collaboration agreement between Rusatom Healthcare and Belarus' Medtechnocenter to supply medical equipment manufactured in Russia for Brachytherapy, a type of internal radiation therapy that is used to treat cancer. The partnership aims to develop medical devices, such as Brachium 2.0, which will include an improved ultrasound device and planning system to meet the needs of Russia, Belarus, and third countries. The cooperation agreement also includes plans to implement two or three Union State programs. Rosatom is also building a adiopharmaceutical plant in Kaluga Oblast, set to be completed by 2025. Additionally, Rosatom is developing storage systems, traction batteries for electric vehicles, and charging stations, with Belarus actively participating in these projects. Overall, the key avenues of cooperation between the two nations are nuclear medicine, nuclear research reactor, radioactive waste management, sterilization of food stuffs, and energy storage systems. (“Rosatom names key avenues of cooperation with Belarus,” Belta News, 07 April 2023)
GENDER
15 EU member stated joined in an LGBT lawsuit against Hungary
On 07 April, the Euronews reported on a legal lawsuit filed against Hungary's Child Protection Law, which was criticised for its perceived anti-LGBT stance. As many as fifteen EU countries have joined the legal challenge objecting for linking paedophilia with homosexuality, as it aims to strengthen the protection of children against sex offenders. It restricts depictions of homosexuality and gender reassignment in media content and educational material intended for audiences under 18. The European Commission raised questions over the necessity of applying the ban on LGBT content to achieve the law’s main objectives. Seeing Hungary's refusal to reconsider, the European Commission lodged a legal complaint before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in July 2022. The law in question was passed in June 2021 and on 06 April 2023 the deadline for countries to join the case elapsed. Those who joined the legal challenge against Hungary's Child Protection Law belong to Western Europe. This highlights a persistent gap between the East and West regions of the continent in terms of safeguarding the rights of the LGBT+ community. (Jorge Liboreiro, “15 EU countries, including Germany and France, join legal case against Hungary's anti-LGBT law,” 07 April 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
EU on the Afghan ban on women working for the UN
On 04 April, the EU released a statement on Afghanistan's ban on women from working for the UN and its affiliated organizations, funds, and programs. It is an act of discrimination that further exacerbates the already dire situation faced by women and girls in Afghanistan. These developments are unfolding against severe economic and humanitarian crises in Afghanistan, where an estimated 28 million people, or two-thirds of the population, require urgent humanitarian assistance. This has led to millions of Afghans being pushed to the brink of famine. This decision clearly violates international Human Rights Law, including treaties that Afghanistan has ratified, as well as international Humanitarian Law and the principles of humanitarianism. The EU aligns with the United Nations in condemning the recent ban by the Taliban. The EU emphasizes the importance of international cooperation to address Afghanistan's humanitarian and economic crises, which affect over two-thirds of the population and could lead to widespread famine. (“Afghanistan: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on Taliban banning Afghan women from working for the UN,” Council of the EU press release, 07 April 2023)