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Russia’s Rejection from UN Human Rights Council Membership

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Russia’s ambition to regain its seat at the United Nations’ Human Rights Council was dealt a significant blow as the nation failed to secure a new three-year term. Russia’s expulsion from the council in April of the previous year, prompted by its military incursion into Ukraine, had led the country to campaign vigorously for reinstatement, aiming to exploit divisions among UN member states regarding support for Ukraine.

Nonetheless, Bulgaria and Albania managed to secure the two available seats designated for Eastern European countries. The voting took place in the aftermath of a Russian missile attack in northeastern Ukraine, which resulted in the tragic loss of 52 lives.

The final tally revealed Russia receiving 83 votes in favor, a number that fell short of securing a seat. In contrast, Bulgaria received 160 votes, while Albania garnered 123. Russia’s vigorous campaign, which included offering incentives such as grain and arms to smaller nations, failed to garner sufficient support.

Throughout the process, Moscow had voiced its commitment to finding “adequate solutions for human rights issues” and expressed a desire to prevent the council from becoming an “instrument serving the political interests of a specific group of countries,” which was perceived to be a reference to Western nations.

Diplomats speculated that Russia had counted on receiving support from a considerable number of member states, particularly from developing nations, albeit privately. However, these nations appeared to have abstained from voting in favor of Russia publicly to avoid antagonizing Western states.

Russia’s campaign also included accusations that the United States had spearheaded efforts to prevent their return to the council.

Last year, Russia was suspended from the Human Rights Council with 93 members of the UN General Assembly voting in favor, 24 against, and 58 abstaining.

For the next three years starting in 2024, the Human Rights Council will comprise the following countries: Albania, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, China, the Ivory Coast, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Malawi, and the Netherlands.

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Viktor Sokolov: Russian video ‘shows Black Sea fleet commander alive’

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The Russian Defense Ministry has released a video featuring the commander of the Black Sea Fleet at a conference, despite Ukraine’s claim of his death. The timing of this footage, where Viktor Sokolov is seen in a video link with the defense minister, remains uncertain.

The Russian ministry stated that this meeting with high-ranking officials occurred on Tuesday. On Monday, Ukraine’s special forces announced that Admiral Sokolov and 33 other officers had been killed in a missile strike on the fleet’s headquarters in Sevastopol, Crimea, which is currently under Russian control.

On Wednesday, a television channel affiliated with Russia’s defense ministry aired an interview with Admiral Sokolov, where he claimed that the fleet was performing well. The exact date of this interview is unclear.

Kyiv did not directly name the admiral and lacked evidence of his death. Now, they are “clarifying” their earlier reports, referring to “open sources” for their claim about the admiral’s fate. This represents a notable shift in tone from their initial confidence.

The video, lasting eight minutes, depicts a Defense Ministry collegium meeting that purportedly took place on Tuesday morning, with Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu conversing with senior officials in Moscow. He is briefly shown on video link with the commanders of Russia’s five fleets, including the Black Sea Fleet, although none of them speak.

Facial recognition software suggests a match between the man in the video and other images of Admiral Sokolov. However, the BBC has not been able to confirm whether the meeting occurred on Tuesday or if the image of Admiral Sokolov on the video link is in real time.

Last Friday, Ukraine claimed to have targeted the fleet’s headquarters, which is considered a crucial target. Footage on social media showed smoke over the building. Russia stated that it had intercepted five missiles, though one serviceman was reported missing. Kyiv has been launching near-daily strikes against Russian forces in Crimea.

Aside from its role in potential attacks against Ukraine, the Black Sea Fleet symbolizes Russia’s long-standing military presence in the region. It was based in Crimea even before Russia’s annexation of the peninsula in 2014.

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Explosion at Nagorno-Karabakh Fuel Depot Claims 20 Lives and Refugee Numbers Soar

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A devastating explosion at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan, has claimed the lives of 20 individuals and left hundreds injured, according to local Armenian authorities.

Approximately 300 people were admitted to hospitals, with many in critical condition.

These tragic events coincide with the arrival of 13,350 refugees into Armenia from the conflict-ridden Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Nagorno-Karabakh is at the center of a long-standing dispute and is predominantly populated by around 120,000 ethnic Armenians.

The cause of the explosion in Stepanakert, the main city, remains unclear.

Gegham Stepanyan, the Human Rights Ombudsman, expressed concern on social media, reporting that the explosion had resulted in over 200 injuries, many of which were severe or extremely severe. Nagorno-Karabakh’s medical facilities are struggling to cope with the influx of patients.

Local authorities have confirmed the discovery of 13 unidentified bodies at the explosion site, with an additional seven individuals succumbing to their injuries in hospitals.

The seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan has prompted thousands of people to flee the region, following the Armenian government’s announcement of plans to relocate those displaced by the conflict.

Armenia’s Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, has raised concerns about ethnic cleansing in the region and expressed disappointment that the international community hasn’t acted more decisively.

Azerbaijan has stated its intention to reintegrate ethnic Armenians as equal citizens.

Refugees who have reached Goris in Armenia, near the Karabakh border, have shared their harrowing experiences, with one individual expressing a preference for death over their current situation.

Envoys from Armenia and Azerbaijan are scheduled to meet in Brussels for European Union-backed talks. These discussions mark the first diplomatic negotiations since Azerbaijan’s recent takeover of the enclave.

Both sides will be represented by their national security advisors.

Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous region in the South Caucasus, is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by ethnic Armenians for three decades.

Armenia and Russia have provided support to the enclave, with Russia maintaining a presence of hundreds of soldiers.

Last week, as Azerbaijan’s army advanced, five Russian peacekeepers were killed, along with at least 200 ethnic Armenians and dozens of Azerbaijani soldiers.

Azerbaijan’s defense ministry has reported the confiscation of additional military equipment, including rockets, artillery shells, mines, and ammunition.

Despite public assurances from Azerbaijan, concerns persist for the well-being of Nagorno-Karabakh’s residents. Only one aid delivery of 70 tonnes of food has been allowed since separatists agreed to a ceasefire and disarm.

Ethnic Armenian leaders emphasize that thousands are in dire need of food and shelter, many resorting to seeking refuge in basements, schools, or the open air.

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Polish Politics Grappling with ‘Ukraine Fatigue’ Concerns

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Since the outset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Poland has been a staunch supporter of Kyiv, providing military aid and making a passionate case for this support as crucial to Poland’s own defense against Russian aggression. However, there has been a notable shift in the Polish government’s stance on Ukraine.

Recently, a change in tone has emerged, raising questions about Poland’s commitment to Kyiv. Some Polish officials have suggested that Ukraine should show more gratitude for Poland’s support. Poland’s prime minister even hinted at the possibility of ending weapons transfers to Ukraine, though others in his party tried to backtrack on that message.

Polish President Andrzej Duda made a particularly controversial statement, likening Ukraine to a drowning man who could potentially pull down his rescuers. Moscow seized upon these remarks with enthusiasm.

The downturn in relations between the two neighboring countries began over a dispute about grain imports that remains unresolved. Ukraine needs to export its harvest, and land routes are vital since Russia has been deliberately targeting ports on the Black Sea and the Danube River. However, Poland, in a bid to protect its own farmers, has restricted cheaper Ukrainian grain from entering its domestic market, only permitting it to transit to the rest of the European Union.

This shift in Poland’s stance is not occurring in isolation, as “Ukraine fatigue” is looming over election campaigns in various countries. Poland’s governing Law and Justice party (PiS), which is leading in the polls but faces tight margins, is positioning itself as the defender of Polish interests. PiS aims to attract conservative voters who may be sympathetic to the idea that Ukraine is not showing enough gratitude for Polish support.

Despite criticism from opposition politicians who label this shift as dangerous nationalism, Poland’s changing tone reflects a broader trend. Ukraine is concerned about maintaining strong Western support as it faces Russian forces, making this shift in Poland’s stance a cause for worry. However, Poland emphasizes that international aid will continue to reach Ukraine’s frontlines through Rzeszow in the east, a critical transit hub for military supplies. Talks between Ukraine and Poland regarding the grain dispute are ongoing.

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Nagorno-Karabakh Authorities Accept Azerbaijan’s Request for Disarmament

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A day after Azerbaijan initiated an offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, ethnic-Armenian forces have agreed to a ceasefire brokered by Russia. This agreement includes the significant concession of complete disarmament by Karabakh forces. Nagorno-Karabakh, home to around 120,000 ethnic Armenians, is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.

Three years ago, Azerbaijan reclaimed areas in and around Karabakh and, on Tuesday, demanded an unconditional surrender. Karabakh authorities have reported at least 32 casualties, including seven civilians, and approximately 200 injuries since Azerbaijan launched what it termed “anti-terror” operations.

Azerbaijan’s leadership has announced plans to meet with Armenian representatives from Karabakh to discuss “re-integration” matters in the Azerbaijani town of Yevlakh, located about 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Karabakh’s regional capital, known as Khankendi to Azerbaijanis and Stepanakert to Armenians.

Mediated by Russian peacekeepers, enclave leaders have confirmed a comprehensive cessation of hostilities beginning at 13:00 local time (09:00 GMT). However, despite the ceasefire, loud explosions persisted in the regional capital, and minor clashes were reported by both sides. Azerbaijan claimed to have captured over 90 positions from ethnic Armenians since the conflict began.

Karabakh officials urged residents to remain in shelters and avoid heading to the local airport, which adjoins a Russian peacekeeping base. Nonetheless, a group of civilians gathered near the airport.

Russia revealed that its peacekeepers had evacuated 2,000 people from Karabakh villages since the offensive commenced. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that his government played no part in crafting the ceasefire text and insisted that Russian peacekeepers bore full responsibility for the safety of the local population. On Tuesday, he accused Azerbaijan of carrying out “ethnic cleansing” in Karabakh.

The terms of the truce require complete disarmament and disbandment of local Karabakh forces, along with a commitment for Armenian forces to withdraw, despite Yerevan’s denial of any military presence there.

Azerbaijan’s presidential envoy, Elchin Amirbekov, stated that Russian peacekeepers played a crucial role in facilitating the ceasefire’s implementation.

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Azerbaijan Commences Military Action in Nagorno-Karabakh

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Azerbaijan’s defense ministry has initiated “anti-terrorist” operations in regions of Nagorno-Karabakh controlled by Armenia. Tensions have remained elevated for several months concerning the disputed ethnic-Armenian enclave, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.

In Karabakh’s main city, air raid sirens and mortar fire were heard. Tragically, eleven Azerbaijani police and civilians lost their lives in a mine explosion and another incident.

Officials from the breakaway region of Karabakh stated that the Azerbaijani military breached the ceasefire by launching missile and artillery attacks along the entire line of contact. Representatives from Karabakh described it as a “large-scale military offensive.”

Azerbaijan and Armenia, neighboring nations, have previously engaged in two conflicts over Nagorno-Karabakh: first in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union and again in 2020. Three years ago, Azerbaijan successfully regained territories surrounding Karabakh, which had been held by Armenia since 1994.

Since December, Azerbaijan has imposed an effective blockade on the only route into the enclave from Armenia, known as the Lachin Corridor.

On Tuesday, Baku’s defense ministry accused Armenian forces of “systematically shelling” its military positions and claimed to have responded by launching “local, anti-terrorist activities” aimed at disarming and securing the withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from Azerbaijani territories. They emphasized that their targets were strictly military and not civilians or civilian infrastructure.

Armenia’s defense ministry denied claims of Armenian military fire, stating that they did not correspond to reality.

The sounds of artillery and gunfire were reported from Khankendi, the regional capital of Karabakh, known as Stepanakert to Armenians. An estimated 120,000 ethnic Armenians reside in this mountainous enclave.

Journalist Siranush Sargsyan reported that residential areas of the city had been struck, including a neighboring building.

Armenian officials noted that, as of 14:00 (10:00 GMT), the situation along Armenia’s own borders was “relatively stable.”

Russia’s foreign ministry disclosed that it had been informed of the Azerbaijani offensive only moments before it occurred, urging both nations to respect the ceasefire that was signed after the 2020 war. The EU’s regional special representative, Toivo Klaar, emphasized the “urgent need for an immediate ceasefire.”

The fragile truce that ended the six-week war in 2020 had been under increasing strain in recent months. Approximately 3,000 Russian peacekeepers were deployed to monitor the ceasefire, but Russia’s attention has been redirected to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently stated that Russia was “spontaneously leaving the region.”

Azerbaijan had denied increasing troop numbers in the region. On Monday, it permitted aid from the International Committee of the Red Cross to enter Karabakh via two routes, one through the Lachin Corridor from Armenia and the other on Azerbaijan’s Aghdam road.

Hopes for tensions to ease were dashed when Azerbaijani officials reported six casualties, including four police officers, in an incident where their vehicle hit a landmine in the Khojavand area, which had been retaken during the 2020 war. Meanwhile, ethnic Armenian officials in Karabakh asserted that it was Azerbaijan’s military that had violated the ceasefire.

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Former Austrian Minister Karin Kneissl Relocates to Russia Alongside Her Ponies

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Austria’s former Foreign Minister, Karin Kneissl, known for her pro-Russian stance, is relocating to St. Petersburg, Russia, accompanied by her two ponies.

Karin Kneissl had previously been residing in Lebanon but left her government position amid a scandal involving the far-right Austrian party that appointed her.

She explained that her ponies were transported to St. Petersburg via a Russian military transport plane from Syria.

Ms. Kneissl disclosed that her decision to move to Russia was driven by her role in managing a think tank at St. Petersburg University, which she co-founded. She emphasized the dedication required for this work and her inability to carry it out remotely.

When asked about her move to Russia’s second-largest city, she declined to provide further comment. However, on social media, she mentioned that her stay in Lebanon had been temporary “to survive” while she commuted to Russia for teaching.

Ms. Kneissl is renowned for her love of animals and cited sanctions against Syria and the security situation there as the reasons for using a military transport plane to bring her ponies and belongings to Russia.

The Leningrad region’s veterinary department confirmed that the ponies had undergone examinations and were placed in quarantine.

Karin Kneissl served as Austria’s Foreign Minister from 2017 to 2019, appointed as an independent by Austria’s far-right Freedom Party, which has close ties to Russia.

She gained international attention in 2018 when she invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to her wedding in southern Austria, with photographs showing her dancing with him.

Ms. Kneissl announced her move to Russia while attending the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, an annual event aimed at encouraging investment in Russia’s far east. During the forum, she was seen appearing to fall asleep while listening to President Putin’s keynote speech.

Karin Kneissl is a regular commentator on the Russian state-backed news channel RT and served as a board member of the state-owned oil company Rosneft.

She left Austria in 2020, citing death threats and a de facto ban on working in the country.

Her departure followed the collapse of the government coalition between the conservatives and the far-right Freedom Party in 2019, triggered by a scandal involving FPÖ leader Heinz Christian Strache, who was filmed allegedly promising government contracts to a woman posing as a niece of a Russian oligarch at a villa in Ibiza.

Currently, the Freedom Party is in opposition but leads in opinion polls, making it a strong contender in upcoming elections. Its new leader, Herbert Kickl, has criticized EU sanctions against Russia, blaming them for the rising cost of living.

Peter Gridling, Austria’s former spymaster from 2008 to 2020, expressed concerns about the Freedom Party’s ties with Russia and warned that the party had not severed its connections with the Kremlin.

Vienna, Austria’s capital, has a longstanding tradition as a hub for espionage, which persists to this day.

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Attack on Peaceful City Market Claims Lives of 17

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President Zelensky has strongly condemned a deliberate attack on the peaceful city of Kostyantynivka in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. The attack, which occurred in broad daylight on a bustling market street, claimed the lives of 17 people, including a child, and left at least 32 others injured. Videos circulating on social media captured a vivid orange explosion at one end of the street, where people were engaged in shopping. Russia has yet to issue a statement regarding the attack.

President Zelensky, holding Moscow responsible, expressed his outrage at the loss of innocent lives, emphasizing that the victims were ordinary citizens who had done nothing wrong. He cautioned that the death toll could rise further, characterizing dealing with Russia as confronting audacious malevolence.

The blast damaged a market, shops, and a pharmacy, but Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal assured residents that all essential services were functioning, and the fire was under control.

Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Ihor Klimenko, later announced that the search and rescue operation had concluded. Online footage and images depicted the explosion and its harrowing aftermath.

This incident represents one of the most severe attacks of its kind in recent months, striking a bustling street as people gathered at market stalls and café terraces. Ukraine’s prosecutor-general has initiated an investigation into the attack, pursuing criminal proceedings for violations of the laws and customs of war and documenting potential war crimes committed by the Russian Federation.

Russian officials have not claimed responsibility for the attack, and they have previously denied targeting civilians during their offensive.

Kostyantynivka, situated near the conflict zone, has experienced several attacks this year, causing civilian casualties and extensive damage to residential buildings and infrastructure. Additionally, the city is approximately 17 miles (27km) from the heavily contested city of Bakhmut.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Kyiv coincided with the attack, where he met with Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Ahead of his arrival, sirens blared across the country, and Kyiv’s air defense system intercepted missiles aimed at the capital. It was anticipated that Mr. Blinken would announce a new US aid package for Ukraine during his visit.

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Nerves and patriotism in Moscow after 18 months of war

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Moscow’s atmosphere is heavily influenced by Russia’s imperial history. The imposing Kremlin walls and towers create a sense of insignificance among visitors on Red Square.

A similar feeling arises five miles away at Victory Park, a vast complex of museums and memorials honoring the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany. Its centerpiece, a colossal square with a 141.8-meter obelisk, pays tribute to each day of World War Two.

During my visit, the National Day of the Russian Flag is celebrated, marked by the unfolding of a massive tricolor flag, reportedly the nation’s largest. Ringed by Russian soldiers, the flag unfurls to the tune of patriotic music. The museum director’s speech underscores the unifying power of such events.

In the wake of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has actively promoted such patriotic gatherings.

Inside the Victory Museum, an exhibition glorifies the “heroes” of the “special military operation,” likening Russian involvement in Ukraine to the Soviet efforts in WW2.

Andrei Afanasiev, a pro-Kremlin blogger and academic, believes that patriotism gains importance during wartime, asserting that Russia is facing a Western-led conflict that necessitates self-reliance and unity. He maintains that patriotism has surged and that the Russian people are mobilized and united by the war.

Russian state TV portrays “successes” and “progress,” but the actual situation contrasts starkly. A military analyst reveals that the Russian military acknowledges being in a tough spot, having lost territory and with morale low due to their unpreparedness for modern warfare.

The analyst indicates that information about the battlefield situation is distorted as it moves up the chain of command, including to the president.

The overall atmosphere in Moscow exudes apprehension. Recent events, such as Yevgeny Prigozhin’s mutiny and the devaluation of the ruble, contribute to a sense of unease. The city’s skyline is juxtaposed with an anti-aircraft system atop the Russian Defence Ministry, symbolizing the coexistence of beauty and apprehension.

While individuals might not be perturbed by individual occurrences, there’s a prevailing sentiment of concern about the present and fear for the future.

In Gorky Park, a picturesque scene unfolds, with families enjoying the surroundings. Nearby, the Russian Defence Ministry stands, topped by an anti-aircraft system. This contrast doesn’t alarm locals, with some expressing approval for the military stance.

Fear has taken root in Moscow. Opposition activists convene in inconspicuous spaces, with Yulia Galyamina leading the meeting. She laments the frequent arrests of activists but remains committed to her cause. Other activists, using pseudonyms due to fear, underscore the presence of anti-war sentiment in Russia and their dedication to the cause.

Despite the challenges, they believe in humanity’s ultimate triumph and vow to persevere.

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Wagner Group Leader Yevgeny Prigozhin Believed to Have Died Following Plane Crash in Russia

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Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was reportedly among the passengers aboard a Russian jet that crashed, resulting in the deaths of all 10 individuals on board. The crash occurred in the Tver region, northwest of Moscow. Social media linked to the Wagner mercenary group have suggested that Prigozhin’s private plane was shot down by Russian air defenses. The Grey Zone Telegram channel stated that Prigozhin died due to actions by traitors to Russia.

Prigozhin had previously led a failed mutiny against the Russian armed forces in June, though some experts believe the mutiny was staged, and he abandoned his “justice march” on Moscow after direct orders from President Vladimir Putin. The crash coincided with reports of the removal of senior Russian general Sergei Surovikin, who was known to have a connection with Prigozhin. The crashed aircraft, an Embraer-135, was en route from Moscow to St Petersburg with seven passengers and three crew members.

An investigation has been initiated into the crash, and all 10 bodies have been recovered. The Wagner mercenary group, which Prigozhin was associated with, has been involved in various conflicts including those in Ukraine, Syria, and West Africa, and is known for its brutality. Prigozhin’s mutiny had created tensions with Russian military commanders and President Putin.

President Putin’s initial response to Prigozhin’s challenge to Russia’s defense establishment was strongly negative. The circumstances surrounding Prigozhin’s death, if confirmed, have raised speculation, with some eyebrows being raised about the possibility of deliberate targeting. US President Joe Biden expressed that he was “not surprised” by the news of Prigozhin’s potential death.

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