Photo : president.gov.ua
12 June 2023 | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #540
War in Ukraine: Day 472 & 473
Nithyashree RB and Sreeja JS
War on the Ground
On 09 June, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths provided a three-step plan to provide humanitarian aid to Ukrainians who have encountered more than a year of war. The plan aims to get the Ukrainians to safety and provide emergency assistance and life-saving supplies. The first phase of dispatching the aid to Ukrainians in Kherson and indulging in search and rescue operations in flood-hit areas began on 08 June. The next phase includes providing drinking water to 700,000 Ukrainians who lack water. The third phase of humanitarian aid is yet to be discussed based on the future consequences of the Kakhovka dam destruction.
On 10 June, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met in Kyiv and signed a joint declaration. According to the declaration, both countries stated that Russia should withdraw its troops from Ukraine. The declaration expressed Canada’s support for Ukraine in international forums and affirmed that it will provide aid and assistance. The declaration remarked that Canada acknowledges Ukraine’s peace formula. The declaration said that both countries will ease the devastating results of the war including food price hikes, and to fight against impunity.
On 11 June, Ukrinform reported according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural resource of Ukraine, the Kakhovka dam lost around 70 per cent of the water. Dnipro River’s water level has dropped to 4.2 metres.
The Moscow View
On 09 June, according to RT, Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed Belarusian President Aleksander Lukashenko that the tactical nuclear weapons will be deployed by July 2023.
On 09 June, according to Tehran Times, post the Eurasian Economic Union meeting in Sochi Russian President Vladimir Putin said: “We can clearly say the offensive has started, as indicated by the Ukrainian army’s use of strategic reserves, but the Ukrainian troops haven’t achieved their stated tasks in a single area of fighting.” Putin added that the Ukrainian troops were unsuccessful.
On 10 June, according to RT, the head of the government of Kerson Andrey Alekseenko reported that reparations for the Kakhohvka dam will cost USD 138 million. He said that houses affected by the floods are being inspected, and rescue operations are being undertaken.
On 11 June, according to RT, the Russian defence ministry reported that 94 Russian soldiers have been swapped for 95 Ukrainian soldiers who were involved in the battle of Bakhmut. The ministry added that the Russian soldiers were in imminent danger under Ukrainian custody, according to the Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova. The Russian soldiers will be sent for rehabilitation in medical establishments.
On 11 June, according to RTE, Wagner Group's head Yevgeny Prigozhin announced that he will not sign any agreement with the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. According to the ministry, Shoigu urged the “volunteer detachments” to sign a deal with the Defence Ministry for efficient manoeuvres before 01 July. Prigozhin commented: “Shoigu cannot properly manage military formations. What could happen after this order is that they will not give us weapons and ammunition. We will figure it out, as they say. What could happen after this order is that they will not give us weapons and ammunition.”
The West View
On 11 June, the UK’s Ministry of Defence, in its daily intelligence update, remarked on the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam and its repercussions in Crimea. The dam collapse has severely disrupted Crimea’s primary source of fresh water, the North Crimean Canal (NCC). The water level likely dropped, and water would soon stop flowing to Crimea. The update further read that Russian authorities would meet the immediate water requirements of the people by using reservoirs, water rationing, drilling new wells, and delivering bottled water from Russia.
On 10 June, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit. In the joint press conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: “Counteroffensive and defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine; at which stage I will talk in detail.” Trudeau pledged around USD 375 million in new military aid. According to a statement released during the visit, Politico quotes, “Canada supports Ukraine to become a NATO member as soon as conditions allow for it.”
On 10 June, Wall Street Journal, in an article, conveyed that German investigators are examining evidence that suggests a sabotage team used Poland, a European Union neighbour and NATO ally, as an operating base to blow up the Nord Stream pipelines. Investigators first found the yacht following an October tip from a Western intelligence service. The probe has turned to clues inside Poland, which could further strain the relationship between Poland and Germany. German officials have no evidence of Poland's government involvement in the attack. Meanwhile, Ukraine has continuously denied any involvement in the Nord Stream attacks. On 07 June, Zelenskyy again reaffirmed that neither the Ukrainian military nor the intelligence did it.
The Global Fallouts
On 09 June, Kyodo News reported that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida promised Zelenskyy USD five million in support following the Kakhovka dam collapse.
On 08 June, according to Reuters, Taiwan-based computer manufacturer Acer supplied computer hardware worth USD 70.4 million to Russia between 08 April 2022 and 31 Mach 2023. The supply was through Acer’s subsidiary in Switzerland and several delivery services by order of that subsidiary, says Reuters. Acer did not clarify why it continued shipping its goods to Russia despite saying it would suspend business in April 2022.
References
“Joint Declaration by Ukraine and Canada,” president.gov.ua, 10 June 2023
"We stand by you’ declares UN relief chief, outlining emergency plan for Ukraine dam disaster,” United Nations, 09 June 2023
“Kakhovka Reservoir shallowed by 70%,” Ukriinform, 11 June 2023
“White House reacts to Russian nuclear move,” RT, 10 June 2023
“Putin: Ukraine counter-offensive has ‘begun’,” Tehran Times, 11 June 2023
“Kherson authorities estimate financial cost of dam destruction,” RT, 10 June 2023
“Russia brings nearly 100 soldiers home in latest prisoner swap,” RT, 11 June 2023
“Wagner 'will not sign any contract' with Russian defence minister,” RTE, 12 June 2023
Bojan Pancevski, Drew Hinshaw and Joe Parkinson, “Nord Stream Sabotage Probe Turns to Clues Inside Poland,” The Wall Street Journal, 10 June 2023
“Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 11 June 2023," Twitter, 11 June 2023
Jones Hayden, “Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says ‘counteroffensive and defensive actions’ under way against Russia," Politico.eu, 11 June 2023
“Japan PM vows $5 mil. in support after Ukraine dam collapse: gov't,” Kyodo News, 09 June 2023
Filipp Lebedev and Gleb Stolyarov, “Exclusive: Taiwan's Acer ships computer hardware to Russia after saying it would suspend business,” Reuters, 08 June 2023
EM Daily Brief
By Prerana P and Melvin George
MONTENEGRO
Unofficial result puts forth the victory of pro-EU leader Jakov Milatovic
On 11 June, Montenegro witnessed an unofficial result of an early parliamentary election. According to the Centre for Democratic Transition, the party named Europe Now Movement (PES), led by current President Jakov Milatovic won 26 per cent of the vote. He had been projected on top by pre-election polls. The President assured to root out the corruption in the nation. Montenegro is one of the candidates to join the EU, but the contamination of corruption, nepotism and crime has delayed the progress. The further proceedings of the election were closely followed, hoping the small NATO member in the Balkans would move closer to EU membership. Milatovic, a 36-year-old, entered politics in 2020 after the completion of his studies in the United States and the United Kingdom. The victory of first parliamentary victory conducted after 30 years paved the way for hope and a better future. (“Montenegro: Pollsters put pro-EU party ahead in snap vote,” Deutsche Welle, 12 June 2023)
SCOTLAND
Allegations raise against Former Minister Nicola Sturgeon
On 12 June, former Minister Nicola Sturgeon was arrested, stating allegations of mishandling Scottish National Party (SNP) funds. Her Husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell was also arrested after her release. The investigation states that the party money has been misused. More than EUR 1,00,000 was found parked in Murrell’s mother’s house. The Party’s treasurer was questioned regarding the same. There have been several allegations regarding any connection with the sudden resignation of Sturgeon and the current enquiry. (Andrew Naughtie, “Scotland: Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon arrested then released in police corruption probe,” Euronews, 12 June 2023)
THE UK
UK’s Digital Trade Network sets off with investments from the APAC
On June 12, a press release from the UK government reported the Asia Pacific (APAC) investors delegation to London Tech Week planning to pitch in EUR 100 billion into British tech firms. This is an expansion of the UK's Digital Trade Network (DTN) that would bring firms that work with fintech, clean tech, life sciences and Artificial Intelligence and others. Minister for Investment Lord Johnson said : “Just weeks after successfully negotiating our biggest post-Brexit trade deal with the CPTPP, we are seeing huge interest from investors in the region, with millions of pounds being invested into world-leading British tech.” Many APAC tech firms are shifting their Headquarters to the UK which includes Japanese startups Datagusto, Qufooit and booking platform Enrolmy in New Zealand. According to the new contract between UK and Oxfordshire-based Intralink to lead the new UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme. DTN will expand to Taiwan and Vietnam to ensure digital tech expertise from the region and market access, digital trading systems for the UK exporters. (“Asia Pacific investors set to pour millions into UK Tech after biggest post-Brexit trade deal,” Gov.uk, 12 June 2023)
REGIONAL
EU offers loan to Tunisia to help in its development
On 11 June, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a loan worth EUR 1 billion during a visit to Tunisia. The EU wanted to help the nation develop its shattered economy and rescue it from the financial crisis. President Kais Saied has rejected the proposal urging that the IMF should review the bailout. The fact lies that the IMF deal could take months to negotiate into action. EU is ready to provide EUR 150 million to reform the Tunisian year agenda. The Tunisian President claims that the partnership with the EU will combat illegal migration. The Prime Minister of Italy recommended expanding opportunities for young Tunisians and working in developing skills to help the economy. (“EU considering major Tunisia aid package as migration surges,” Reuters, 12 June 2023)