Photo : SBS News
Photo : SBS News
By Alka Bala
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 20 March, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's President unveiled the peace formula in his speech at the third Summit for Democracy. He reiterated the world’s need for a balance between force and rules. The speech invited the Global South, Europe, the Indo-Pacific and all the regions to support re-establishing the international rules-based order. Zelenskyy underscored Ukraine’s efforts to restore food security through its ‘Grain From Ukraine,’ humanitarian food programme. The call for action and peace formula comes ahead of the preparations for the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.
On 20 March, according to European Pravda, the European Commission disbursed the first tranche of EUR 4.5 billion to Ukraine. This is part of its Ukraine Facility, the four-year support mechanism worth 50 billion euros aimed at “recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine,” as stated by Josep Borell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
On 20 March, the Kyiv Post reported the Russian launch of an X-59 missile aimed at Kharkiv, striking a private enterprise and a residential building, killing three people and injuring five. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, there remains the possibility of “individuals trapped under the rubble.”
On 20 March, according to a report by the UN Human Rights Office, focusing on the situation in Ukraine. Post the full-scale attacks by the Russian Federation on 24 February indicated a ‘climate of terror’ with violations such as detention, torture and enforced disappearances committed against the people who oppose the occupation. The report highlighted the re-routing of Ukraine’s internet and mobile networks through Russian networks, curbing freedom of expression and privacy. The report noted the destruction of infrastructure and resources in Ukraine and the government’s challenge in rebuilding and restoring the same.
On 21 March, The Indian Express reported the telephone conversation between Narendra Modi Indian Prime Minister and Volodymyr Zelenskyy Ukrainian President. The conversation focused on the India-Ukraine Partnership and the ongoing conflict with Russia, where India reiterated its support towards the efforts for peace and provision of humanitarian assistance.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 20 March, according to RT, Ukraine's ability to start domestic production of NATO-standard 155 mm artillery shells will not materialise until the second half of 2024. Ukraine’s defence industry was observed to be suffering from poor investment, shortage of stable sources of gunpowder, and procurement problem. However, Russia attributes the decline in Ukraine's manpower as the larger factor for its declining military capabilities.
On 20 March, RT reported the plans for the evacuation of 9000 children from Russia’s Belgorod region to Penza, Tambov, and Kaluga, regions deeper inside Russia. Vyacheslav Gladkov, local Governor stated that the first group of 1200 children will be relocated on 22 March as Kyiv’s forces strike targets behind the front line. The plans for evacuations come after Putin’s announcement “to create a buffer zone to protect border regions from long-range Ukrainian strikes and cross-border raids.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 20 March, according to Azerbaycan24, Radoslaw Sikorski, Polish Foreign Minister, welcomed the idea of NATO troop deployment in Ukraine as “not unthinkable," as stated by Emmanuel Macron, French President. Sikorski admitted that the presence of Western forces in Ukraine is an ‘open secret.’ However, Sikorski reiterated that Poland would not send troops to Ukraine, succumbing to Russian propaganda.
On 20 March, as part of the EU’s political and economic support to Ukraine, the Council agreed to renew the suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports until 05 June 2025 and would thus establish a deep and comprehensive free trade area (DCFTA). The Council and Parliament also plan on implementing a new safeguard for sensitive products such as poultry, eggs, sugar, oats, maize, groats and honey.
On 20 March, according to Euronews, the EU plans on deploying interests from frozen Russian assets worth 3 billion euros to Ukraine per year. Dens Shmyhal, Ukraine's Prime Minister welcomed the EU’s proposal and stated that “using the interest was only the first step” calling for “full confiscation or other use of all frozen assets.” Although the funds were proposed for reconstruction in Ukraine, 90 per cent of them would flow through the European Peace Facility, which provides Ukraine with munitions.
On 20 March, the US Department of the Treasury reported sanctions on two Russian agents, Ilya Andreevich Gambashidze and Nikolai Aleksandrovich, Tupikin for their involvement in malign influence via their companies, Social Design Agency (SDA) and Structura. According to the report, these companies have implemented fake campaigns, impersonated news websites, and created fake social media accounts on the direction of the Government of Russia.
References
“Justice must become the new global rule supported by the global unity – speech by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the 3rd Summit for Democracy,” President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 20 March 2024
“European Commission has disbursed €4.5 billion macro-financial aid tranche to Ukraine – Borrell,” European Pravda, 20 March 2024
“Russian Shelling Reportedly Kills Three in Kharkiv”, Kyiv Post, 20 March 2024
“UN report details ‘climate of fear’ in occupied areas of Ukraine, as the Russian Federation moves to cement control,” United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, 20 March 2024
“PM Modi holds talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” The Indian Express, 21 March 2024
“Ukraine can’t produce NATO-standard shells – WaPo,” RT, 20 March 2024
“Russia to evacuate 9,000 children after Ukrainian strikes,” RT, 20 March 2024
“Western troops in Ukraine ‘an open secret’ – Poland,” Azerbaycan24, 20 March 2024
“Ukraine: Council and Parliament reach a deal to renew EU’s autonomous trade measures,” European Council, 20 March 2024
“EU Policy. Brussels poised to send billions from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine,” Euronews, 20 March 2024
“Treasury Sanctions Actors Supporting Kremlin-Directed Malign Influence Efforts,” U.S Department of the Treasury, 20 March 2024