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World Bank Document
PROJECT INFORMATION DOCUMENT (PID) CONCEPT STAGE Report No.: 39111 Project Name Alchevsk Steel Mill Revamping and Modernization Region EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA Public Disclosure Authorized Sector Other industry (100%) Project ID P101615 Borrower(s) OJSC ‘Alchevsk Iron and Steel Works’ Implementing Agency OJSC ‘Alchevsk Iron and Steel Works’ Shmidt str.4 Alchevsk Lugansk Region P.O.94202 Tel: +38-06442-9-33-01, +38-06442-9-32-10 Email: [email protected] Environment Category [ ] A [X] B [ ] C [ ] FI [ ] TBD (to be determined) Date PID Prepared January 30, 2007 Public Disclosure Authorized Estimated Date of Review April 10, 2007 of CFEM Estimated Date of ERPA June 29, 2007 Signing 1. Key development issues and rationale for Bank involvement After a decade of economic decline following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine entered a period of strong growth and macroeconomic stability showing the highest GDP growth rates in Europe – average of 8.4% per annum between 2000 and 2004. With inflation under control, Ukraine achieved significant poverty reduction reporting some of the lowest poverty levels in the region. Democratic transformation of the country initiated in 2004 opened new opportunities for Public Disclosure Authorized economic growth and foreign investment as new government declared Euro-Atlantic integration the main policy priority. However, economic slowdown started beginning 2005, with GDP growth declining to 2.6% in 2005. Inflation increased to over 10% per annum due to an expansive monetary policy and increased social payments. Ukraine is an export-driven economy with an export reaching nearly 52% of GDP. The main exporters are traditional energy and resource intensive heavy industries – steel, chemical and machine building. -
Minsk II a Fragile Ceasefire
Briefing 16 July 2015 Ukraine: Follow-up of Minsk II A fragile ceasefire SUMMARY Four months after leaders from France, Germany, Ukraine and Russia reached a 13-point 'Package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements' ('Minsk II') on 12 February 2015, the ceasefire is crumbling. The pressure on Kyiv to contribute to a de-escalation and comply with Minsk II continues to grow. While Moscow still denies accusations that there are Russian soldiers in eastern Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly admitted in March 2015 to having invaded Crimea. There is mounting evidence that Moscow continues to play an active military role in eastern Ukraine. The multidimensional conflict is eroding the country's stability on all fronts. While the situation on both the military and the economic front is acute, the country is under pressure to conduct wide-reaching reforms to meet its international obligations. In addition, Russia is challenging Ukraine's identity as a sovereign nation state with a wide range of disinformation tools. Against this backdrop, the international community and the EU are under increasing pressure to react. In the following pages, the current status of the Minsk II agreement is assessed and other recent key developments in Ukraine and beyond examined. This briefing brings up to date that of 16 March 2015, 'Ukraine after Minsk II: the next level – Hybrid responses to hybrid threats?'. In this briefing: • Minsk II – still standing on the ground? • Security-related implications of the crisis • Russian disinformation -
Russian Hybrid Tactics in Georgia
Russian Hybrid Tactics in Georgia Niklas Nilsson SILK ROAD PAPER January 2018 Russian Hybrid Tactics in Georgia Niklas Nilsson © Central Asia-Caucasus Institute & Silk Road Studies Program – A Joint Transatlantic Research and Policy Center American Foreign Policy Council, 509 C St NE, Washington D.C. Institute for Security and Development Policy, V. Finnbodavägen 2, Stockholm-Nacka, Sweden www.silkroadstudies.org “Russian Hybrid Tactics in Georgia” is a Silk Road Paper published by the Central Asia- Caucasus Institute and Silk Road Studies Program, Joint Center. The Silk Road Papers Series is the Occasional Paper series of the Joint Center, and addresses topical and timely subjects. The Joint Center is a transatlantic independent and non-profit research and policy center. It has offices in Washington and Stockholm and is affiliated with the American Foreign Policy Council and the Institute for Security and Development Policy. It is the first institution of its kind in Europe and North America, and is firmly established as a leading research and policy center, serving a large and diverse community of analysts, scholars, policy-watchers, business leaders, and journalists. The Joint Center is at the forefront of research on issues of conflict, security, and development in the region. Through its applied research, publications, research cooperation, public lectures, and seminars, it functions as a focal point for academic, policy, and public discussion regarding the region. The opinions and conclusions expressed in this study are those of -
Russia's Hybrid Warfare
Research Paper Research Division – NATO Defense College, Rome – No. 105 – November 2014 Russia’s Hybrid Warfare Waging War below the Radar of Traditional Collective Defence by H. Reisinger and A. Golts1 “You can’t modernize a large country with a small war” Karl Schlögel The Research Division (RD) of the NATO De- fense College provides NATO’s senior leaders with “Ukraine is not even a state!” Putin reportedly advised former US President sound and timely analyses and recommendations on current issues of particular concern for the Al- George W. Bush during the 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest. In 2014 this liance. Papers produced by the Research Division perception became reality. Russian behaviour during the current Ukraine convey NATO’s positions to the wider audience of the international strategic community and con- crisis was based on the traditional Russian idea of a “sphere of influence” and tribute to strengthening the Transatlantic Link. a special responsibility or, stated more bluntly, the “right to interfere” with The RD’s civil and military researchers come from countries in its “near abroad”. This perspective is also implied by the equally a variety of disciplines and interests covering a 2 broad spectrum of security-related issues. They misleading term “post-Soviet space.” The successor states of the Soviet conduct research on topics which are of interest to Union are sovereign countries that have developed differently and therefore the political and military decision-making bodies of the Alliance and its member states. no longer have much in common. Some of them are members of the European Union and NATO, while others are desperately trying to achieve The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the this goal. -
Humanitarian Snapshot 20171205 EN V2
UKRAINE: Humanitarian Snapshot (as of 15 May 2017) OVERVIEWOVERVIEW HRP 2017:PRIORITIES Daily hostilities continued to generate civilian casualties and humanitarian needs despite the ceasefire agreement reached at the end of March, which brought about a brief respite in early April. According to OHCHR, a slight STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES decrease of conflict-related civilian casualties was recorded in April, with 66 casualties (13 deaths and 53 injuries) reported compared to 71 in March. Since the beginning of 2017, the majority of the civilian casualties was caused by shelling (55 per cent), followed by mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) at 35 per cent. Of particular concern is a recent sharp rise of civilian casualties as a result of the explosion of landmines and other Protection explosive devices at the start of farming season. Farmers and local population expose themselves to risks of such incidents as agriculture is among some of the limited sources of income. The real number of mine/ERW incidents is thought to be much higher in Non-Government controlled areas (NGCA), where humanitarian access is limited. While the conflict continues raging unabated, a risk of collapse of the inter-connected energy and water supply systems in both GCA and NGCA remains due to the unresolved issue of non-payment of debts despite multiple Access negotiations. The ongoing financial and bureaucratic bottlenecks could, in the immediate run, affect some 400,000 to 600,000 people on both sides of the ‘contact line’ in Luhanska Oblast, with people in Donetsk also at risk, according to the WASH Cluster. In late April, energy supplier Luhansk Energy Association (LEO) cut all electrical power supply to NGCA of Luhanska oblast, forcing the de facto authorities to take power from alternative sources, including Donetska oblast NGCA and the Russian Federation as a humanitarian action. -
News Digest March 2018
March 2018 EU announces EUR 24 million to address the humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine 28 February 2018 – European Commission The new EU funding will help address the basic needs of the most vulnerable populations along the contact line including in the non-government controlled areas. The EU, together with its Member States, is the biggest donor of humanitarian aid, early recovery and development assistance to Ukraine. With the latest contribution the EU has now provided over EUR 677 million since the beginning of the conflict in 2014. President of Ukraine and the EU High Representative discussed deployment of a UN peacekeeping mission to the Donbas 12 March 2018 – President of Ukraine During the talks between President Petro Poroshenko and Vice-President of the European Commission – High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, the issue of deploying a UN peacekeeping mission to Ukraine’s Eastern Conflict Area was discussed in detail. UN calls for accountability for human rights violations 21 March 2018 – OHCHR There is a systemic lack of accountability for human rights violations in Ukraine, according to a report published by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission. The report covers the period from 16 November 2017 to 15 February 2018. The reporting period was marked by the simultaneous release of detainees by the parties to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission interviewed 64 individuals released by the Government and the armed groups, recording their accounts of inhumane conditions of detention, torture or ill-treatment, including instances of sexual violence, threats of violence, and/or violations of fair trial guarantees. -
Ukraine's Relations with the EU and Russia
Ukraine’s relations with the EU and Russia: Why geopolitics and domestic reforms are linked Iryna Solonenko1 Introduction After Ukraine’s former President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign the country's Association Agreement (AA) with the EU in November 2013, a series of events unfolded that dramatically changed Ukraine’s relationship with the EU and Russia. The Euromaidan protests, or the “Revolution of Dignity,” which resulted in the transition of power from Yanukovych to the opposition, was followed by Russia’s military intervention, first the illegal invasion and annexation of Crimea and then the rise of Russian-backed separatists in the Donbas region. Although Russia denies its role in the proxy war taking place in the Donbas, ample evidence points to Russia’s direct involvement; Ukrainians overwhelmingly perceive the situation as the result of Russia’s actions.2 Russia annexed Crimea within less than a month in March 2014, and wrested part of Ukraine’s border territory in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions from Ukraine’s control. By May 2015, the war had left over 6000 people dead and more than 1.5 million displaced.3 This situation has already had a defining effect on Ukrainian-Russian relations and will continue to do so for years to come. Ukraine used to vacillate between integration projects with the EU and with Russia, avoiding a definitive choice between the two. This balancing act was also reflected in the protracted post-communist transformation and the lack of reforms that would Europeanize Ukraine. The prospect of signing the AA with the EU on the one hand and pressure from Russia to join the Customs Union (which, as of 2015, has become the Eurasian Economic Union) on the other hand demanded a choice in favor of one. -
OHCHR) Under Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/43/37
Submission for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) under Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/43/37 June 2020 This is the second written submission for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to providing information on the human rights situation in occupied Abkhazia, Georgia, and the occupied Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, Georgia under the HRC resolution A/HRC/43/37. The submission is provided by the Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC), a human rights organization, that works to support the creation of a free, equal society based on solidarity. EMC covers existing challenges and works on structural violence and repression in an interdisciplinary manner. Furthermore, EMC’s Equality Policy Program is engaged in assessing and advocacy of human rights challenges in the occupied territories of Georgia, Due to the lack of a political and legal solution to the prolonged conflict in the mentioned two regions, the protection of human rights is challenged and undermined. For decades this situation is deteriorating and unfortunately, the resolution is frequently politicized and is used by the political powers to gain additional leverage over each other. In particular, de facto authorities and the Russian Federation are often using their de facto and effective control over the region to gain further political power via their discriminatory policies towards ethnic Georgians living in these territories. Furthermore, their policies are infringing social, political and civil rights of Abkhazians and Ossetians as self-isolation and restrictive approaches affect their fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, education, right to adequate healthcare, etc. Bearing in mind the limited space of the submission we would like to highlight several problems applicable to the reporting period only. -
QUARTERLY REPORT for the Development Initiative for Advocating Local Governance in Ukraine (DIALOGUE) Project
QUARTERLY REPORT for the Development Initiative for Advocating Local Governance in Ukraine (DIALOGUE) Project October – December, 2013 QUARTERLY REPORT October – December, 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS RESUME 5 Chapter 1. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE REPORTING PERIOD 6 Chapter 2. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION 9 2.1. Component 1: Legal Framework 9 Activity 2.1.1. Legislation drafting based on local governments legislative needs 9 Local government legislation need assessment 9 and work on local government technical profiles Legislation monitoring 11 Activity 2.1.2. Expert evaluation of conformity of draft legislation 15 to the European Charter of Local Self-Governance Activity 2.1.3. Introduction of institutional tools for local governments 15 to participate in legislation drafting Round table discussions in AUC Regional Offices and meetings of AUC Professional 15 Groups Setting up a network of lawyers to participate in legislation drafting 19 2.2. Component 2: Policy dialogue 20 Activity 2.2.1. Increasing the participation of the AUC member cities 20 in the policy dialogue established be the Association at the national level Dialogue Day: answers to the questions raised 20 Cooperation with central government authorities 20 Parliamentary local government support inter-faction group (local government caucus) 24 Participation in the work of parliamentary committees 26 Activity 2.2.2. Setting up advisory boards at the regional level with participation 31 of AUC Regional Offices and local State Executive agencies at the oblast level Working sessions of Local Government Regional Advisory Boards 31 Activity 2.2.3. Establishing formal and regular coordination 35 mechanisms with other USAID supported activities and other donor organizations Forum of Donor Organisations working in the local government sector 35 Cooperation with other USAID projects and projects supported by other donor 35 organisations 2.3. -
Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), Based on Information Received As of 19:30, 10 May 2018
The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region, compared with the previous reporting period. The SMM observed fresh damage caused by shelling in a residential area of Myronivskyi. The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; it recorded ceasefire violations inside the Petrivske disengagement area, as well as near the Zolote and Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement areas. Its access remained restricted in all three areas.* The SMM observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line. The Mission continued to facilitate access to the Donetsk Filtration Station for Voda Donbassa water company employees; it heard ceasefire violations in the area despite security guarantees. The SMM continued to facilitate and monitor repairs to high-voltage power lines near Almazna and a water pumping station near Artema. DAILY REPORT Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 10 May 2018 This report is for the media and the general public. The SMM recorded fewer ceasefire violations in Donetsk region and more in Luhansk region, compared with the previous reporting period. The SMM observed fresh damage caused by shelling in a residential area of Myronivskyi. The SMM continued monitoring the disengagement areas near Stanytsia Luhanska, Zolote and Petrivske; it recorded ceasefire violations inside the Petrivske disengagement area, as well as near the Zolote and Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement areas. Its access remained restricted in all three areas.* The SMM observed weapons in violation of withdrawal lines on both sides of the contact line. -
The Security of the Caspian Sea Region
16. The Georgian–Abkhazian conflict Alexander Krylov I. Introduction The Abkhaz have long populated the western Caucasus. They currently number about 100 000 people, speak one of the languages of the Abkhazo-Adygeyan (west Caucasian) language group, and live in the coastal areas on the southern slopes of the Caucasian ridge and along the Black Sea coast. Together with closely related peoples of the western Caucasus (for example, the Abazins, Adygeyans and Kabardians (or Circassians)) they play an important role in the Caucasian ethno-cultural community and consider themselves an integral part of its future. At the same time, the people living in coastal areas on the southern slopes of the Caucasian ridge have achieved broader communication with Asia Minor and the Mediterranean civilizations than any other people of the Caucasus. The geographical position of Abkhazia on the Black Sea coast has made its people a major factor in the historical process of the western Caucasus, acting as an economic and cultural bridge with the outside world. Georgians and Abkhaz have been neighbours from time immemorial. The Georgians currently number about 4 million people. The process of national consolidation of the Georgian nation is still far from complete: it includes some 20 subgroups, and the Megrelians (sometimes called Mingrelians) and Svans who live in western Georgia are so different in language and culture from other Georgians that it would be more correct to consider them as separate peoples. Some scholars, Hewitt, for example,1 suggest calling the Georgian nation not ‘Georgians’ but by their own name, Kartvelians, which includes the Georgians, Megrelians and Svans.2 To call all the different Kartvelian groups ‘Georgians’ obscures the true ethnic situation. -
Citizens and the State in the Government-Controlled Territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk Regions Problems, Challenges and Visions of the Future
Citizens and the state in the government-controlled territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions Problems, challenges and visions of the future Funded by: This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union through International Alert. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of International Alert and UCIPR and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. Layout: Nick Wilmot Creative Front cover image: A mother and daughter living in temporary accommodation for those displaced by the violence in Donetsk, 2014. © Andrew McConnell/Panos © International Alert/Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research 2017 Citizens and the state in the government-controlled territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions Problems, challenges and visions of the future October 2017 2 CONTENTS 1. Introduction 3 2. Methodology 6 3. Findings 7 4. Statements from interviewees 22 5. Conclusions and recommendations 30 Citizens and the state in the government-controlled territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions 3 1. INTRODUCTION The demarcation line (the line of contact)1 and the ‘grey zone’ between the government-controlled2 and uncontrolled territories3 of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions separates the parties to the conflict in the east of Ukraine. The areas controlled by the Ukrainian authorities and bordering the ‘grey zone’ are very politically sensitive, highly militarised, and fall under a special governance regime that is different from the rest of the country. In the absence of a comprehensive political settlement and amid uncertain prospects, it is unclear how long this situation will remain. It is highly likely that over the next few years, Ukrainians in areas adjacent to the contact line will live under very particular and unusual governance structures, and in varying degrees of danger.