Photo : EPA-EFE/ANTON BRINK HANSEN
25 May 2023, Thursday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #525
IN FOCUS
By Rishika Yadav
Ukraine: Council of Europe and the 'Register of Damage'
On 17 May, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, announced the establishment of a "Register of Damage," under Resolution 2482 (2023), following a Council of Europe (CoE) summit held in Reykjavik, Iceland. The register aims to document the destruction caused by Russian forces in Ukraine,. 40 countries, the EU and G7 countries have signed onto the initiative, with more expected to finalize their internal procedures to join. The EU provided substantial funding for the Register, headquartered in the Hague, with a satellite office in Ukraine. The Register will operate for an initial period of three years, serving as a record of evidence and claims related to damage caused by Russian aggression.
The formation of the Register highlight the following two issues.
1. Efforts to make Russia accountable
The Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers decided to exclude the Russian Federation from the organization. This marked the first and only instance of Russia being expelled from an international organization. Prior to the exclusion, Russia's voting rights had already been suspended on 25 February, 2022, following the outbreak of the war. Since 16 September 2022, Russia is no longer a party to the European Convention on Human Rights, thereby depriving individuals under its jurisdiction of the Convention's protection. However, the European Court of Human Rights retains jurisdiction over violations that occurred before that date. The Court currently has four inter-state applications and around 8,500 individual applications related to Russia's military operations in Ukraine. The CoE is utilizing all available means to ensure Russia's accountability for human rights violations and serious breaches of international law, as well as to provide compensation to the victims of Russian aggression. The organization has been actively assisting Ukraine through legal and policy advice, training experts, and supporting the country's recovery and reconstruction.
2. Positive responses
The register is seen as a first step towards an international mechanism of compensation for victims of Russian aggression. Burić described the creation of the Register as a historic decision and emphasized its significance in supporting victims and laying the groundwork for compensation mechanisms. Iceland’s Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir highlighted the importance of the Council of Europe's role in ensuring accountability and expressed solidarity with Ukraine. German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, highlighted the importance of the registry in holding Russian occupiers accountable for war crimes and seeking reparations for the extensive harm. The register received support from other leaders within the CoE, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "The register is just one of a number of international initiatives set up to ensure accountability for the crimes inflicted in Ukraine,". Also, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized: "When we think in terms of reconstruction, it's an enormously important judicial element to have this register of damages to give justice to the victims." The United States, Canada, and Japan also expressed their endorsement. On the same lines, German spokesperson for the Federal Government, Christine Hoffmann said: “We welcome the creation of such a Registry. The damage inflicted on Ukraine by Russian aggression needs to be documented. This will be an important basis for the further reconstruction of Ukraine or for discussions on compensation.” Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal welcomed the establishment of the Register and invited other countries to join. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal regarded the register as a significant milestone towards justice and reparations for Ukraine, urging the prompt operationalization of the register for victims to submit their claims.
References
“Resolution CM/Res(2023)establishing the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation Against Ukraine,” coe.int, 16 May 2023
“Ukraine in maps: Tracking the war with Russia,” BBC News, 09 March 2023
“‘Historic’: European leaders say as they sign war register of damage for Ukraine,” Hindustan Times, 17 May 2023
“War in Ukraine: Follow up,” coe.int, 16 May 2023
“Europe, G7 sign war register for Ukraine,” The Economic Times, 17 May 2023
“Council of Europe approves Register of Damage against Russia,” Deutsche Welle, 17 May 2023
“Council of Europe Summit creates register of damage for Ukraine as first step towards an international compensation mechanism for victims of Russian aggression,” coe.int, 17 May 2023
“In Germany, the creation of the Registry of Damages described as an important foundation for reconstruction of Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 24 May 2023
War in Ukraine: Day 455
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 24 May, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, during his visit to Ethiopia, called Africa to end its “neutrality” in the Ukraine war. He said: “By being neutral towards the Russian aggression against Ukraine, you project your neutrality to the violation of borders and mass crimes that may occur very close to you, if not happen to you.” Highlighting the Ukraine-Africa ties, he referred to how Kyiv has prioritised grain export.
On 24 May, following the announcement of forming of marine corps, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that adding “new marine brigades, modern weapons and equipment,” to the marine corps would be the prime task. This is aimed at boosting the defence capabilities.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 24 May, Belgorod Governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov reported on a drone attack in Grayvoron city and Borisovka districts. He said: “Air defenses have shot down a drone above the Belgorod Region. According to preliminary information, there were no deaths or injuries.” Although no injuries were reported, a gas pipeline was damaged. On 23 May, a similar attack was reported in Belgorod, staged by Ukraine’s reconnaissance and sabotage group. According to Russia’s Ministry of Defence, those involved in the attack are identified as “Ukrainian nationalists” and were blocked through a “counterrorist operation” by Russian forces.
On 24 May, the Wagner group head, Yevgeny Prigozhin disclosed the number of causalties to be 20,000 in the Bakhmut battle. In an interview by Wagner’s press service, Progozhin said that close to 50,000 prisoners had been recruited, of which 20 per cent had died and 50,000 to 70,000 to have injured.
On 24 May, Russia’s Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on the deployment of Russia’s military units and border forces to counter Ukraine’s attacks in Belgorod. The attacks inside Russia have raised concerns on the continuity of the attacks. Peskov said: “Our military units, our border guards and corresponding agencies are doing their job.”
On 24 May, Russia’s Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu claimed on 120,000 “military specialists” to have been trained since the beginning of the war. Of which close to 5000 were trained to handle hi-tech weapons such as “T-90M Proryv tanks, BMP-2M infantry fighting vehicles with the Berezhok combat module, BMP-3 IFVs,” and 21,000 were trained for battlegroups.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 24 May, Deutsche Welle reported on Russia’s warning over future attacks inside. The move follows the attack after shelling in Belgrod area. According to Russia’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu: “We will continue to respond promptly and extremely harshly to such actions by Ukrainian militants.” So far, Ukraine has denied the claims of attacks.
On 24 May, in its intelligence update, the UK Ministry of Defence reported on Russia’s difficulty in implementing discipline. According to the report, the number of “Russian deserters” had increased. This was confirmed as close to 1,053 cases had been trialed since 2023 in Russia’s military court. In a statement: “Russia's efforts to improve discipline have focused on making examples of defaulters, and promoting patriotic zeal, rather than addressing the root causes of soldiers' disillusionment.”
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the war
On 24 May, Deutsche Welle reported on WHO’s resolution to condemn Russia for targeting healthcare facilities in Ukraine. The resolution was favoured by 80, while 52 countries abstained from voting.
References
“Wagner chief reveals losses in fight for key Donbass city,” RT, 24 May 2023
“Drone drops explosive device on car road in Belgorod — governor,” TASS, 24 May 2023
“Over 120,000 Russian personnel trained since start of special military op — defense chief,” TASS, 24 May 2023
“Ukraine updates: Wagner Group reports 10,000 prisoner deaths,” Deutsche Welle, 24 May 2023
IN BRIEF
By Sreeja JS and Nityashree RB
GREECE
President appoints a caretaker prime minister as talks for a coalition government fails
On 24 May, President Katerina Sakellaropoulou appointed Ioannis Sarmas, president of the Hellenic Court of Audit, as the caretaker Prime Minister ahead of election on 25 June. The incumbent Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsokais won the elections securing 40.1 per cent of the votes but fell short of an outright majority. The two parties that followed the New Democracy party also refused to form the coalition. According to the Greek constitution, the president appoints a caretaker Prime Ministers if coalition talks fail. The newly elected Parliament will convene and will be dissolved a day later before the caretaker government takes over. (Lefteris Papadimas, “Greece appoints caretaker PM ahead of June repeat election,” Reuters, 24 May 2023)
THE UK
Leaving the EU cost GBP 6.95 billion in food cost
On 24 May, The Guardian reported that according to the London School of Economics (LSE), the trade barriers due to Brexit has cost GBP 6.95 billion to the households. The trade barriers have increased the food bills by GBP 210. Since 2019, the cost of food has increased 25 per cent, in the absence of Brexit it must have been only 17 per cent, says The Guardian. According to the Office for National Statistics, food inflation is 19 per cent since 2022. The WHO urged the UK government to reduce the trade barriers to deal with inflation. (Phillip Inman, “Brexit food trade barriers have cost UK households £7bn, report finds,” The Guardian, 24 May 2023)
TURKEY
Victory Party endorses the opposition party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu
On 24 May, Victory Party leader Umit Ozdag endorsed the opposition, Republican People’s Party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Ozdag said that he would send back 13 million asylum seekers and migrants and hence he supports Kilicdaroglu who is anti-migrant. Kilicdaroglu's election campaigning was focused on the expulsion of refugees from Turkey. Ozdag’s endorsement of CHP comes as a response to Sinan Ogan, the third-place contender’s endorsement of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP). (“Turkey election: Anti-migration leader backs Erdogan rival,” Deutsche Welle, 24 May 2023)
REGIONAL
EU proposes plans for financial products
On 24 May, the EU set out plans to cut the amount the retail investors pay banks and insurers for financial products to accelerate investment and deepen its capital market. It will include a ban on banks and insurers paying commissions on sales of their products to brokers who give no advice to customers. Further, it proposes a limited ban on commission through tougher tests on the suitability of the product for the buyer and where the advice is being offered. The product will also have its value for money based on new cost and performance benchmarks from regulators. (Huw Jones, “EU sets out plans to cut the price of financial products,” Reuters, 25 May 2023)
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Pause AI’s protest against artificial intelligence
On 23 May, five members of Pause AI started a protest against the proliferation of AI outside the Microsoft Office in Brussels. This protest comes as the leaders of the largest tech giants such as Google and Open AI are on a visit across Europe to meet legislators of various countries. Pause AI was founded by Joep Meindertsma who believes that there is a chance that AI could mean the end of humankind. The group is not supported by any interest groups or sponsors. They stand for their two demands of halting the further roll-outs of ever-more-powerful AI systems and a mutual AI treaty signed by all governments. Resonating with their demands lawmakers of the European Parliament are working on the bloc’s Artificial Intelligence Act and an international conference on AI. EU’s law yet to be finalized later this year could set up barriers to developing risky AI applications. (Gian Volpicelli, “The rag-tag group trying to pause AI in Brussels,” Politico.eu, 23 May 2023)