INR | EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA : Weekly Updates

Prisoner Parole for Battlefield, Russian Gains, Hungarian PM Visits Kyiv

• In a controversial mobilisation approved by the parliament last month, more than 3,000 prisoners have been released on parole. In the face of personnel shortage in fighting the Russian forces, convicts have been given a chance at parole in return for battlefield services. 

• The Russian defence ministry has announced that it has captured control of two villages in eastern ukraine. These settlements include Stepova Novoselivka in Kharkiv region, and of Novopokrovske in Donetsk region. The Ukrainian military statements have partly denied the assertion. 

• The hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán is set to visit kyiv. This is the first visit since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and as Hungary takes over the rotating presidency of the EU. The pro-russian leader has often questioned the need to support Ukraine militarily and has instead called for a ceasefire. 

Read more : 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/02/ukraine-war-briefing-thousands-of-ukrainian-convicts-join-fight-against-russian-forces

 
Trump Claims One-Day Russia-Ukraine Peace, Russian UN Envoy Disagrees

• Donald trump, in the US presidential debate has repeatedly mentioned that he would be able to end the russia ukraine war in a single day if he were the president. This remark comes after Trump met with Zelensky and later putin. 

• The Russian ambassador to the UN has however rejected the claim and stated otherwise. He has accused Ukraine's western backers of prolonging the war. Nebenzia mentioned Putin's June 14 offer to order a ceasefire immediately if Ukraine surrendered some territories and gave up the plan to join nato. However, Ukraine did not take up Russia's ultimatum. 

Read more:

https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-ukraine-war-un-election-a78ecb843af452b8dda1d52d137ca893 

Hungary Takes EU Presidency Amid Controversy

• Hungary takes over the EU rotating presidency amidst criticisms that the prime minister Viktor Orban frequently violates rule of law and human rights. Hungary is the only European country that has maintained ties with Russia after its invasion of ukraine. Orban has also criticised military support to ukraine. 

• Orban plans to form his own group in the EU along with Austria's far-right Freedom Party and the centrist ANO party of ex-Czech premier Andrej Babis. Hungary has announced seven priorities for the EU, which include curbing illegal migration and bringing the Western Balkans countries "one step closer" to EU membership.

Read more:

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/hungary-takes-on-eu-presidency-amid-concerns-101719810708124-amp.html

Ukraine reinforces borders with Belarus

• The Belarusian military has reported that Ukraine is moving troops, arms and equipment into its northern Zhytomyr region. Belarus, a part of a union state with Russia and its close ally, has started reinforcing its borders with Ukraine after a security incident. 

• The border guard had shot down a quadcopter after it allegedly crossed the border from Ukraine to collect intel about Belarusian infrastructure. The Kremlin has stated it to be a cause of concern. Ukraine has claimed the reports to be a part of the Russian disinformation strategy. 

Read more:

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kremlin-says-report-that-ukraine-is-reinforcing-belarus-border-is-worry-2024-07-01/

Belarus Sentences 20 Exiled Analysts in Post-Election Crackdown

• Belarus has sentenced 20 political analysts to prison terms of at least 10 years each for conspiracy to overthrow the government and participating in an extremist group. The analysts live outside Belarus but could be imprisoned upon returning to the authoritarian state. 

• The crackdown began after mass demonstrations following the August 2020 election. The analysts are part of a crackdown on rights groups and independent news media, including Ales Bialiatski, founder of the Viasna human rights group.

Read more:

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/wireStory/court-belarus-sentences-20-analysts-prison-terms-charges-111602977

Russia's crude exports surge to their highest levels of the year

• Russia's seaborne crude exports have surged to their peak level for the year, with key Pacific port shipments bouncing back after a storm had hindered loading operations the previous week.

• The gross value of crude shipments jumped to the highest since October, rising to $1.86 billion in the seven-day period, despite an international sanctions regime designed to crimp President Vladimir Putin’s ability to finance the war in Ukraine.

• A total of 34 tankers loaded 25.9 million barrels of Russian crude in the week to March 10, vessel-tracking data and port agent reports show. That was up by about 4.1 million barrels from the previous week and the highest so far this year.

Read More - https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-02/russia-s-oil-exports-rebound-to-their-highest-level-since-may

A Ukrainian drone "swarm" launched an overnight raid on a Russian steel mill

• Ukrainian drones launched a "swarm" attack on Novolipetsk Steel's facility early Sunday, causing no serious damage, a company spokesperson reported.

• According to Russia's defense ministry, air defense systems intercepted 36 Ukrainian drones overnight that were aimed at several southwestern regions, including Lipetsk.

• The ministry also reported that Russian forces had captured the villages of Spirne and Novooleksandrivka in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, according to the Russian news agency RIA, marking the latest in a series of incremental territorial gains.

Read More - https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.ndtv.com/world-news/swarm-of-ukrainian-drones-attack-russian-steel-mill-in-overnight-raid-6003961/amp/1

Four regions in Kyrgyzstan have declared a state of emergency following deadly mudslides and flooding

• Due to deadly mudslides and floods caused by heavy rains in recent weeks, the Kyrgyz Emergency Ministry announced on July 2 that a state of emergency has been imposed in the regions of Batken, Jalal-Abad, Osh, and Talas.

• The ministry warned that the situation is expected to remain very dangerous for several days, with heavy rains forecasted to continue until July 7.

Read More - https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.rferl.org/amp/emergency-kyrgyzstan-regions-over-deadly-mudslides-flooding/33018468.html

China's President Xi Jinping is set to visit Kazakhstan and Tajikistan for important talks.

• According to Xinhua news agency, Chinese leader Xi Jinping departed on Tuesday for state visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, where he will also participate in a meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), comprising nine member states from Moscow to Beijing, represents approximately half of the world's population. Its permanent members include Kazakhstan, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran.

• Xinhua reported that Xi’s entourage includes Cai Qi, a top-ranking member of the Chinese Communist Party, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Read More - https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.firstpost.com/world/chinas-xi-jinping-heads-to-kazakhstan-tajikistan-for-high-level-talks-13788235.html/amp

The Taliban are leveraging Afghanistan's cricket success to their advantage, even as the women's team remains in exile

• Despite Afghanistan men’s team playing their inaugural official game only two decades ago and never hosting an international match at home, the future remains uncertain under the Taliban’s rule.

• After reclaiming power, the Taliban have signaled their intention to back Afghanistan's national cricket team, including plans for a new stadium in Kabul. However, these efforts are widely perceived as an attempt to "sportswash," as women continue to endure severe restrictions and injustices under Taliban rule.

• Amidst the turmoil, Afghanistan's women's cricket team advocates for equal opportunities and recognition, highlighting cricket as a potential positive force for women in the country.

Read More - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2024/07/01/afghanistan-t20-cricket-world-cup-taliban-women-australia/

News Bits collected by [Region Head]: 

Poulina Banerjee (BA IR 3rd year)

Drafted by: 

Gauri Upreti (BA IR 2nd year)

Angel Chindalia (MA IR 2nd year)

Published by: Varsha Das (BA IR 3rd year)

 

INR | EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA : Weekly Updates

1. Rare protest in Russia with Kyiv firing first US weapon in Russia

• With Washington lifting the ban on Ukraine on using its weapons inside Russia, Kyiv reportedly fired the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System [HIMARS] at the border of Belgrade city according to Russian sources.

• A group of 18 women appealed to the newly appointed Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov to impose a strict time limit for how long the soldiers could serve in Ukraine before rotating out of active duty.

• NATO’s window of preparation against Russia has gone down from 10 years to 2-3 years as claimed by Norway's top general, attributing this dwindling time frame to the growing industrial base in Russia.

Read more:

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-ukraine-war-live-news-putin-weapons-b2556153.html

Sanctions imposed against UK figures by Moscow

• Russia has added several British establishment figures, journalists, and experts covering important socio-political issues in Russia in a negative and untrue way to the list of people banned from entering the country.

• The rationale behind these sanctions is the anti-Russian rhetoric of British officials as the country has pledged £3bn for military assistance to Ukraine in 2024/25. Moscow has urged London to abandon its support for Ukraine.

Read more:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/jun/03/russia-ukraine-war-live-georgias-speaker-signs-foreign-agents-bill-into-law

Proceedings begin in a trial of 20 political analysts in Belarus

• The authorities have begun the proceedings against 20 prominent political analysts, all of them having left Belarus, belonging to reputed think tanks and universities of the world. 

• The analysts are accused of conspiring to overthrow the government and taking part in an extremist group.

• This move is the latest in the yearlong crackdown on dissent by the Belarusian authorities after the problematic 2020 election, providing Alexander Lukashenko his sixth term in office.

Read more:

https://apnews.com/article/belarus-lukashenko-tsikhanouskaya-crackdown-political-prisoners-6b58ce4019a7d2cf43acee3b721c7441

Moldovan opposition leader urges better ties with Russia

• The pro-Russian leader of Moldova’s leftist socialist party, Igor Dodon has called upon other opposition parties to form a single challenger to the pro-European president Maia Sandu in the October elections.

• While Dodon urges better relations with Russia and China, and to take no further part in military exercises with foreign partners, Sandu views Russia to be Moldova's greatest threat. According to Sandu, EU membership for Moldova, one of the poorest European countries, is the only way to safeguard its sovereignty.

Read more:

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moldovan-opposition-leader-calls-better-ties-with-russia-china-2024-06-01/

18 arrested in Poland for planning hostile acts on behalf of Russia

 

• Polish, Belarusian, and Ukrainian nationals among the 18 arrested over the past six months on allegations of plotting to carry out acts of sabotage in Poland, on behalf of Russia and neighbouring Belarus.

• These hostile acts include arson, cyberattacks, the pushing of migrants from Belarus into Poland, and an alleged plot to assassinate the Ukrainian president, Zelensky.

• Poland claims these acts to be a part of a wider plan to threaten the security of the country as it supports Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Read more:

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/poland-arrested-18-people-allegations-planning-hostile-acts-110777209

Romanian authorities detained a man after the attack on Israeli embassy took place in Bucharest

• A 34-year-old man was detained for allegedly attacking the Israeli embassy in Romania’s capital , Bucharest with a Molotov cocktail that resulted in small fire but no casualties were reported . 

• The man was taken into custody by anti-terrorism officers from the Romanian Intelligence Service before the arrival of the police .

• It has been reported that the incident was motivated by personal reasons and no international context of the current scenario of Israel was taken into consideration.

Read More - https://www.google.com/amp/s/indianexpress.com/article/world/man-detained-romania-attacking-israeli-embassy-cocktail-9369795/lite/

Belgium proposes to halt Hungary's participation in EU Decision making process

 

• Brussels wants to suppress the pro-peace forces and remove the last obstacle to war by silencing and excluding Hungary from decision-making processes, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in Budapest on Monday .

• The minister here was referring to the recent statements passed by the Belgium counterpart in relation to the Article 7 Rule of Law procedure against Hungary that deprives Hungary of its voting rights in the council of the European Union .

• Péter Szijjártó -  “We need very strong support and a big victory on June 9 to be able to resist the pressure in the coming weeks and months, to be able to speak out strongly for peace and to stand up against the preparations for a third world war here in Europe,” he stressed.

Read More - https://dailynewshungary.com/serious-proposal-belgium-seeks-to-remove-hungarys-veto-power-in-eu-decision-making/

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses China in disrupting the upcoming peace summit 

• 
  

• 

• “We want Asia to know what’s going on in Ukraine,” Zelensky said on Sunday. “We need the support of Asian countries. It is much needed.”

• While the US is encouraging a number of countries to be a part of the peace conference , China is neglecting it, says Zelenskyy.

• Zelensky also points out China’s influence in the global south that is being misused by Russia to disrupt the peace summit.

Read More - https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-working-hard-to-prevent-countries-from-attending-ukraine-peace-summit-zelensky-101717315249029.html

Slovak PM Robert Fico finally got discharged after being shot in an assassination attempt 

• 

• Fico was left in a serious condition after he was shot with four bullets at close range while he was greeting his supporters

• After going through an operation that was five hours long, accompanying another one two days later, finally the PM is recovering and has moved to home care from the hospital.

• The attacker was detained on the spot itself .

Read More - https://indianexpress.com/article/world/slovak-pm-fico-released-hospital-assassination-attempt-9363567/

Hungary stepping towards redefining its NATO membership 

• 

• Orban emphasised how a NATO mission to Ukraine would accelerate world war instead of the protection of member states of the alliance .

• “Our lawyers and officers are working [to define] how Hungary can exist as a Nato member without taking part in NATO operations outside NATO territory,” Orbán told national radio on Friday.

• Hungary is considered a “non-participant” country, he added, but it is working on a clearer definition.

Read More - https://abouthungary.hu/news-in-brief/fm-government-will-not-allow-hungary-to-be-sucked-into-natos-war-madness

News Bits collected by [Region Head]: 

Poulina Banerjee (BA IR 2nd year)

Drafted by: 

Gauri Upreti (BA IR 1st year)

Angel Chindalia (MA IR 1st year)

Published by: Varsha Das (BA IR 2nd year)

INR | WESTERN EUROPE: Weekly Updates

 

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announces surprise resignation

• Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has announced his resignation, citing “personal and political, but mainly political reasons” in a surprise move.

• Flanked by colleagues outside government buildings in Dublin on Wednesday, Varadkar said he felt he was no longer the “best man” for the job. 

• He said he would stay as prime minister until a successor can be elected after parliament returns from recess next month.

Read Ahead At : https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/20/europe/leo-varadkar-ireland-prime-minister-resignation-intl/index.html

Germany arrests suspected ISIS supporters accused of planning terror attack on Swedish parliament

• Two individuals accused of planning firearms attack on Sweden’s parliament were arrested in Germany on Tuesday, according to a statement by the Office of the German Federal Prosecutor.

• The pair, who authorities said are Afghan citizens, were arrested near the city of Gera in Thuringia, central Germany, on suspicion of terrorism, the statement said.

• Germany’s Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, said in a statement on Tuesday that one of those arrested is a suspected member of terror group ISIS, and one is a suspected supporter.

Read Ahead At:

https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/19/europe/germany-isis-suspects-sweden-intl/index.html

Putin warns the West a Russia-NATO Conflict is just one step from World War 3

• Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West on Monday that a direct conflict between Russia and the U.S.-led NATO military alliance would mean the planet was one step away from World War Three but said hardly anyone wanted such a scenario.

• The Ukraine war has triggered the deepest crisis in Moscow's relations with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Putin has often warned of the risks of nuclear war but says he has never felt the need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

• French President Emmanuel Macron last month said he could not rule out the deployment of ground troops in Ukraine in the future, with many Western countries distancing themselves from that while others, especially in eastern Europe, expressed support

Read Ahead At: 

https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/world-news/putin-warns-the-west-a-russia-nato-conflict-is-just-one-step-from-world-war-3/articleshow/108572202.cms

EU announces $8bn package for Egypt as part of deal to check migration

• The European Union has announced a 7.4 billion-euro ($8.06bn) aid package and an upgraded relationship with Egypt, part of a new deal to stem migration flows to Europe that has been criticised by rights groups.

• The deal is scheduled to be signed during a visit on Sunday by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and leaders of Belgium, Italy, Austria, Cyprus and Greece, according to officials.

• Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met separately with von der Leyen and other European leaders before the signing ceremony.

Read Ahead At: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/17/eu-announces-8bn-package-for-egypt-as-part-of-deal-to-check-migrant-flowst.

Finland moves to block asylum seekers from entering

• Finland plans to adopt temporary legislation. 

• It will allow its border authorities to block asylum seekers seeking to enter its territory from Russia, the government has said.

• Finland closed all crossings on its 1,340km (830-mile) border with Russia late last year amid a growing number of arrivals who did not possess valid documents to enter the European Union.

• However, asylum seekers have continued to arrive, and the government believes the numbers could rise significantly with the advent of spring and a rise in temperatures.

Read Ahead At:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/15/finland-moves-to-block-asylum-seekers-from-entering-via-russia

Russian Navy Replaces Chief Amid Ukrainian Successes in Black Sea

• Adm. Alexander Moiseyev introduced as acting commander in chief of Russian Navy.

• Moiseyev has extensive experience in nuclear submarines and has been awarded the title of Hero of the Russian Federation.

• He replaces Adm. Nikolay Yevmenov amidst speculation over Russian losses in the Black Sea.

• Ukrainian successes in the Black Sea, including disabling a third of the Russian fleet, prompted Kremlin's action. Attacks aimed at isolating Crimea and disrupting Russian military operations.

• Ukrainian victories allow opening of a maritime corridor for exporting commodities. Russian Defense Minister orders reinforcement of Black Sea Fleet to counter Ukrainian drones.

• Appointment of Moiseyev highlights opaque nature of Russian military politics; fate of Yevmenov unclear.

Read Ahead At: https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/19/europe/aleksandr-moiseev-russian-navy-intl/index.html

Russia and Belarus Athletes Excluded from Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony

• Russian and Belarusian athletes were banned from the opening ceremony due to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

• Conditions for inclusion include competing without national flags, emblems, or anthems. Russia expresses outrage over the IOC's conditions for its athletes.

• IOC condemns Russia's plan to host 'Friendship Games,' calling it a cynical attempt to politicize sport. The Friendship Games, planned by Russia for September, was deemed a blatant violation of the Olympic Charter.

• WADA raises concerns about unsanctioned multi-sports events compromising athlete health and fairness.

• IOC warns athletes could face exploitation as part of political propaganda campaign if forced to participate in Friendship Games.

Read Ahead At: https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/68606455

Russia Plans Evacuation of 9,000 Children Amid Ongoing Shelling from Ukraine

• Russia to evacuate 9,000 children from Belgorod region due to continuous shelling from Ukraine. The move aims to create a buffer zone to protect border regions from Ukrainian strikes and cross-border raids.

• Recent incursions by Ukrainian forces prompted Russian military and security action, resulting in casualties. Civilian areas, including Belgorod, were targeted frequently, leading to casualties and injuries.

• Previous evacuations have occurred sporadically since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Uncertainty remains regarding whether adults will accompany evacuated children, potentially increasing a total number of evacuees.

Read Ahead At: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/19/russia-says-it-will-evacuate-children-from-belgorod-after-ukraine-shelling

News bits drafted and compiled by: Deepanshi Pathak (BA IR, 2nd year) (Region Head)

Gungun Thakur (BA IR 1st Year)

Published By: Varsha Das (BA IR, 2nd year)