Photo : Sergei Savostianov/TASS
War in Ukraine: Day 485
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 23 June, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi met Russia's Rosatom Director to discuss the existing Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant scenario. There is growing concern about radiation since the war began. In response to the meeting Rosatom in a statement said: "We expect concrete steps from the IAEA aimed at preventing strikes by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, both on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and on adjacent territory and critical infrastructure facilities."
On 23 June, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia had created a special group to seal the information of the number of deaths after the dam breach. He said: "The Russian evil has formed special groups there to remove and, obviously, hide the victims' bodies." From the dam floods, Ukraine reported 21 to have died, while Russia reported 46.
On 23 June, Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister reported that Ukraine had stopped Russia from forwarding towards Kupyansk and Lyman in the eastern Ukraine. According to the minister 13 Russian cruise missiles were destroyed which were predicted to be aimed at Ukraine's military field in the western Khmelnitskyi.
The Moscow View
On 23 June, Wagner group head, Yevgeny Prigozhin released a post on Telegram, accusing Russian military for launching missile strikes at the group's camps. Although the numbers of causalities were not disclosed, mass numbers of forces are reported to have died. On the ground situation, Prigozhin added that Russia was being pushed back by Ukraine forces in the eastern and southern Ukraine, resulting in concentration in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
The Russia's defence ministry denied the claims, stating it as only a provocation. Russian Joint Forces General asked the Wagner group to stop its "rebellion." On the same Russia's Federal Security Service announced the launch of an investigation on Prigozhin for "calling for an armed rebellion."
On 23 June, Russia rejected France's President Emmanuel Macron comment on Russia's "destabilizing role" in Africa. Earlier Macron stated that Russia through deployment of private militias had committed "abuses" on civilians. In response, Russia's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: "Russia is developing friendly, constructive relations based on mutual respect and concern for each other's problems."
On 23 June, Russia's foreign ministry in response to the 11th package of sanctions imposed by the EU, announced to impose ban on more government officers, diplomats and people, including members of the European Parliament.
References
"Ukraine's Zelenskiy: Russia is hiding bodies of victims of dam breach," Reuters, 23 June 2023
“Rafael MarianoGrossi,” Twitter, 23 June 2023
"Russia urges IAEA to ensure Ukraine does not shell Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant," alarabiya, 23 June 2023
"Top Russian general sends message to 'mutinous' Wagner PMC," RT, 23 June 2023
"Kremlin rejects Macron charges that it is 'destabilizing' Africa," Aljazeera, 23 June 2023
"Ukraine updates: IAEA in Russia to ease Zaporizhzhia fears," Deutsche Welle, 23 June 2023
In Brief
By Sneha Surendran and Prerana P
FINLAND
An elevating case of wildfires can damage the property
On 23 June, Helsinki Times reported the increased risk of home damages, due to forest fire. Markus Uimonen, the Director of Property and Operation Compensation Services Pohjola Insurances, has stated his concern on the temperature rise, drought and wind play, which has caused the significant rise of wildfires. He described throwing cigarettes into the forest-fire warning area and disposable grills as human carelessness. Additionally, he advised that midsummer bonfires should include essential water, fire extinguisher and clean wood. He urged safety measures to be exercised to protect from the impact of wildfires. ("Climate change increases the risk of forest fires- Damage to homes may increase," Helsinki Times, 23 June 2023)
NORTHERN IRELAND
Windsor Framework committee meets to check progress
On 23 June, BBC reported that a specialized committee met in Brussels to check the progress made so far in the Windsor Framework. The Framework that was created in February aims to alleviate post-Brexit trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. This committee comprises of senior officials from the UK and EU. They said that adopting a legislation in the areas of agriculture, medicines, tariff rate quotas, and customs by the EU was a welcome move. Under the Windsor Framework, trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland will ease through forming a trusted trader scheme and a system of red and green lanes at Northern Ireland ports. The red and green lane system is slated to begin operations from October. (John Campbell, "Windsor Framework: NI Brexit deal committee meet in Brussels," BBC, 23 June 2023)
RUSSIA
Friction between military and Wagner chief threatens armed conflict within Russia
On 23 June, Russian government buildings and transport facilities were secured after reports of the Wagner Group head, Yevgeny Prigozhin, calling for an armed attack on the Russian military. This was in response to alleged strikes on Wagner's troops by missiles from the military. The defence ministry has denied the occurrence of any such attacks. The Kremlin reported that Prigozhin is being probed for mutiny and that Putin has been briefed about the situation. Meanwhile, the USA is also monitoring the rapidly developing situation. Russia has launched "Operation Fortress" in the city of Rostov-on-Don for personnel to be in "full readiness." Moscow has also activated the operation, ramping up security measures. The governor of Rostov-on-Don requested residents to stay indoors and exercise calm as reports emerged of armed troops in uniform surrounding a government building. Meanwhile, anti-Kremlin figure Mikhail Khodorkovsky called on Russians to lend their support to the Wagner chief to take down the leadership. ("Russia tightens security as Wagner chief accused of mutiny," BBC, 24 June 2023)
SWITZERLAND
The Swiss cities experienced a slight slip in their Livability index
On 22 June, Swissinfo reported the 2023 Global Livability Index, published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The report stated that the Swiss cities Zurich and Geneva have batched in the top 10 with third and sixth spots, respectively, but have slightly fallen in the 2023 ranking. Vienna has remained in its top spot, while the Austrian capital has fallen somewhat due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In the 2023 index, the country has expanded over 173 cities regarding its stability, healthcare, environment, infrastructure etc. ("Swiss cities slip down 'most-liveable-cities' ranking," Swissinfo, 22 June 2023)
CLIMATE
The world leaders have agreed to uplift the poorer countries from its debt crisis
On 23 June, The Guardian reported on the debt crisis affecting the poorer countries, while the global finance summit's measures failed to deliver debt forgiveness plan. The French President had urged for global taxes on aviation, shipping to fund climate action. World Bank has expressed their concern on establishing a planet tackling issues like food insecurity, pandemics, fragility, poverty etc. Over 52 countries are in debt distress rising the interest rates. The World Bank has also declared to pause the debt repayments for countries who are struggling with climate disaster and begin with new loans. Countries like France, Japan and UK has pledged their proportions of SDR for poorer countries which scores to around USD 80 billion. The summit concluded with an agreement to transform the world's approach and to uplift the poorer countries. (Fiona Harvey, "Paris climate finance summit fails to deliver debt forgiveness plan," The Guardian, 23 June 2023)
MIGRATION
Greece migrant boat had 350 Pakistanis
On 22 June, BBC reported that at least 227 migrants were rescued from the Canary Islands. The news comes a day after the sinking of a migrant boat that resulted in more than 30 deaths. Angel Victor Torres, leader of the Canary Islands region, called the accident a "tragedy" and urged the EU to create a migration policy. On 14 June, a boat carrying hundreds of migrants had capsized off the Greek coast in a tragedy described as one of the worst disasters in the Mediterranean this year. Egyptians, Syrians, and Pakistanis are among the migrants that are feared dead. Pakistan's Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah informed that at least 350 Pakistanis were on the boat. Presently, official data records the survival of 12 Pakistanis. ("Hundreds of migrants rescued off Canary Islands," BBC, 23 June 2023; "Greece boat disaster: 350 Pakistanis were on board, minister says," BBC, 23 June 2023)
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Roscosmos announces completion of new engine for Soyuz-5 rockets
On 23 June, Sputnik reported on the successful production of the RD-171MV liquid rocket engine by the scientific production association Energomash for Roscosmos, Russia's space firm. The engine will be used for test flights of the new Soyuz-5 carrier rocket which will be used to aid in the launching of unmanned spacecraft into near-earth orbits. Roscosmos hassaid that the new engine will be "the most powerful in the world." ("Space Advancement: Russia Wraps Up New Engine for Soyuz-5 Rocket," Sputnik, 23 June 2023)
Twitter ready to comply with new EU laws
On 23 June, The Guardian reported that the new EU laws on fake news would be followed by Twitter. Twitter's agreement to comply comes after a team from the European Commission conducted a stress test at the company's headquarters on 22 June. Thiery Breton, the enforcement commissioner of the new Digital Services Act praised Twitter for voluntarily agreeing to the mock testing, stating: "Twitter is taking the exercise seriously and has identified the key areas on which it needs to focus to comply with the DSA." The new laws, set to come into effect on 25 August, are aimed at combating misinformation, cyberbullying, and fake news on the internet. (Lisa O'Carroll, "Twitter agrees to comply with tough EU disinformation laws," The Guardian, 23 June 2023)
Finland introduces world's first phone-free zone
On 22 June, Euronews reported on world's first digital detox tourist island, Ulko-Tammio, located off the coast of Hamina town in Finland. Although the island has a functioning mobile network, the travellers are recommended to disconnect from social media during the visit. The island is uninhabited by people, and the visitors can stay in tents and cabins. Ulko-Tammio consists of hiking trails, bird-watching towers, water taxis and a wide range of flora and fauna diversity. The 2022 study report stated that, a week's break from social media had improved well-being and sleep cycle. A 2019 University of East Anglia study also reported that the digital detox can elevate mental health. (Charlotte Elton, "Phone-free zone: Finland introduces world's first digital detox tourist island," Euronews, 22 June 2023)
GENDER
Since 2012, gender pension pay has remained the same
On 22 June, the Swiss Life insurance company published the issue of lower pensions received by retired Swiss women. The pension was stated to be less than one-third (CHF 36,000) when compared to men (CHF 55,000). The gender pay gap in Switzerland has affected women, which score around 10-20 per cent less than men. The difference was declared the greatest for the widows. With about 30% of the gender pension gap, the country has tumbled down the lane of global equality ranking. ("Gender pension gap: Swiss women receive a third less than men," Swissinfo, 23 June 2023)
ENERGY
Italy's Eni acquires oil and gas company Neptune
On 23 June, The Guardian reported that Italy's Eni is going to take over the oil and gas company Neptune Energy in a USD 5 billion deal. Eni's Norwegian subsidiary Var Energy acquire Neptune's Norwegian business in a USD 2.3 billion deal. Neptune is involved in operating oil and gas fields across Norway, Germany, Algeria, the Netherlands, Indonesia, and the UK. The deal is expected to help Eni achieve its goal of reaching net zero by 2030. (Jillian Ambrose, "Eni to buy oil and gas company Neptune Energy in $5bn deal," The Guardian, 23 June 2023)
REGIONAL
Germany passes law to ease migrant entry
On 23 June, BBC reported on the passing of a new law in Germany that will enable migrant workers from outside the EU easier access to enter the country. A system to check age, skills, and qualifications will be instituted. Migrants will be given the opportunity to come with their spouses and parents. The move is seen as an effort to tackle the growing labour shortage issues and the risk this poses to the economy in the coming years. The easing of migration rules is one of the major agendas of the ruling SPD-Green-Liberal coalition. (Damien McGuinness, "Germany passes law to attract skilled migrant workers amid fierce debate," BBC, 23 June 2023)
France hosts global financing summit; inequality, climate change and global financing systems discussed
On 22 June, Deutsche Welle reported on the New Global Financing Pact summit that Paris will host for two days, beginning from 22 June. The event will focus on issues of poverty and climate change by restructuring the global financial system. Heads of state, international NGOs, and private sector representatives will be in attendance. French President Emmanuel Macron remarked in his opening statements: "No country should have to choose between reducing poverty and protecting the planet." He emphasized the need to increase public and private funding to eliminate inequality. The challenges faced by developing countries including climate change were highlighted by various speakers. ("Paris summit: Macron urges joint action on climate, poverty," Deutsche Welle, 22 June 2023)
EU court ruled on Hungary for infringing migrant rights
On 22 June, the EU court ruled on Hungary for flouting the bloc's law by forcing the asylum seekers to travel to the embassies in Ukraine and Serbia. After facing a heavy number of migrants of one million in 2015, the Hungary government, since 2020, has forced asylum seekers to get travel permit from Belgrade or Kyiv and further enter Hungary. The country has failed to fulfil its obligations. The EU blamed Hungary and its law for its disproportionate interference, and the commission will also decide on whether to amend, withdraw the legislation or charge fines against the country. ("EU's top court rules Hungary broke the law by forcing migrants to go abroad to start asylum process," Le Monde with AP, 22 June 2023)
Spanish investigation launched on the Moroccan boat rescue delay
On 23 June, The Guardian reported on an inflatable boat bound for the Canary Islands, had waited more than 12 hours for its rescue, which has ultimately lost at least 35 lives including a child. Two of the major migrations NGOs, Walking Borders and Alarm phone has blamed the Spanish and Moroccan authorities for their delay. The boat had carried over 60 people and the Moroccan and Spain had shared a search-and rescue operation. The Moroccan authorities arrived after 12 hours, which has led to more than 35 deaths and several of them mentioned to be missing. (Sam Jones, "Spanish investigation launched into fatal boat rescue delay," The Guardian, 23 June 2023)
The EU has invested over EUR 500 million to support Ukraine
On 23 June, the EU states has agreed to move forward with the proposed regulation in establishing the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP). The Russian war has exposed the European Defence equipment market and the EU member states have stepped forward to defend Ukraine's defence needs. The three-track approach aimed to deliver artillery ammunition, ground-to-ground equipment's for Ukraine. The project was coordinated by the European Defence Agency and has invested over EUR 500 million to the project. The EU has promised to provide re-filling stocks while supporting Ukraine. ("Boosting ammunition production in the EU defence industry: Council ready to negotiate with the European Parliament," European Council of the European Union, 23 June 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
EAC bothered by member Kenya signing trade deal with EU
On 23 June, BBC reported that the East African Community (EAC), a regional trading bloc, is unhappy over the recently concluded EU-Kenya trade agreement. Kenya is one of the seven-member strong EAC. Critics are of the opinion that the EAC should have been negotiating with the EU, rather than just Kenya. Supporters to Kenya's deal have pointed out that Kenya is the only EAC country categorized as "emerging" while the others are "least developed." This means apart from Kenyan products, all others continue to have access to the EU markets without the need for a deal. Therefore, it is vital for Kenya to have agreed to the current deal to safeguard their interests. (Waihiga Mwaura, "Kenya-EU trade deal: Why the East African Community was left out," BBC, 23 June 2023)
Switzerland congratulates Mozambique for its peace process
On 23 June, the Switzerland government congratulated the government and the people of Mozambique for successfully upbringing the disarmament and demobilization process. Switzerland has helped Mozambique achieve long-lasting peace and stability since the 2019 Maputo Peace Accord. Since 2019, over 5,221 ex-combatants have been demobilized, and 16 RENAMO rebel military bases have been closed. The Switzerland declared its continued support of humanitarian and development projects to the East African country. ("Switzerland welcomes 'milestone' in Mozambique peace process," Swissinfo, 23 June 2023)