Photo : AFP-JIJI
Photo : AFP-JIJI
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On March 22, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s president, reported on a massive missile and drone attack of Russia using Shahed drones. He said: “There were more than 60 'Shaheds' and almost 90 missiles of various types overnight.” Zelenskyy stated that in response to the attacks, rescue was initiated and efforts to restore electricity was triggered. Highlighting the rapidity of the Russian attacks, he demanded for support from the West.
On 22 March, Herman Halushchenko, Ukraine’s energy minister reported on a “largest attack” on its energy sector. DniproHES Ukraine’s hydropower company confirmed the same on an attack on Ukraine’s largest dam and a subsequent damage to a power line leading to Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Halushchenko added: “The goal is not just to damage, but to try again, like last year, to cause a large-scale failure of the country's energy system.” Apart from this the Dnipro Hydroelectric Station in Zaporizhzhia was also reported hit “eight times” and observed as one of the largest attacks.
On 22 March, on the progress of mediation, Li Hui, China’s Eurasia envoy stated that there was a “significant gap” between Ukraine and Russia in the peace talks. He said: “…at the end they all agree that the war must be resolved through negotiations rather than guns.” Hui also stressed on the need for China to “play a more constructive role,” in the mediation and the necessity for rounds of negotiations to resolve the conflict.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 22 March, in response to the attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure Russia’s defence ministry stated that the strikes were of “retaliatory” nature. It claimed on attacking “…military-industrial complex, railway hubs, arsenals and places were Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries.” According to the ministry, the strikes had achieved all targets with 49 retaliatory attacks.
On 22 March, according to TASS, Russia’s security service FSB reported on arrest of seven Moscow residents related to a pro-Ukraine militia. According to FSB: “The seven detained residents of Moscow maintained contacts with the Russian Volunteer Corps, acting as part of (the) Ukrainian army.” The arrested were accused for discussing the ways to carry out violent actions against the “law enforcement agencies, servicemen and foreigners.”
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 22 March, The Washington Post reported on the rise in the death toll to 115 after a group of gunmen fired in one of the concert venues. On the same, Russia’s investigative committee confirmed on receiving warnings from the US government a month ago on the “planned terrorist attack,” in Moscow. According to the committee death toll is expected to rise with more than 107 hospitalised and arrest of the four gunmen who launched the attacks. On 22 March, the Islamic State claimed against the attack in Russia in Krasnogorsk and it showcased the vulnerability of Russia to such attacks. On 07 March, the US government had reportedly warned on the planned attack in Moscow based on intelligence report.
On 22 March, Germany and France signed a historic deal on developing the “tank of the future.” The same was confirmed by defence ministers of Germany and France. As per the plan, Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) production will be divided between the countries in 50-50 proportion. Boris Pistorius, Germany’s Defence Minister said: “We’ve agreed on how to divide up all tasks for this project.” Apart from this, the France-German company (KNDS) will also install a branch to produce ammunition and military equipment. This will also include training of Ukrainian soldiers and production of spare parts for Germany and France installed systems in Ukraine.
On 22 March, the EU leader high-level summit in Brussels agreed on support to Gaza and called for a “humanitarian pause” in Gaza. On Ukraine, the EU leaders agreed on the increasing need for Ukraine’s political, financial, economic and humanitarian support. In a joint statement: “The European Council is ever more steadfast in its support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized border. Russia must not prevail.”
References
“Russia hammers Ukrainian energy, military-industrial sites in massive retaliatory strike,” TASS, 22 March 2024
“Russia's FSB Says Detained 7 Pro-Ukraine Partisans in Moscow,” The Moscow Times, 22 March 2024
Chen Qingqing and Bai Yunyi, “China maintains communication on possible peace talk in Switzerland on Ukraine crisis: Chinese diplomat,” The Global Times, 22 March 2024
Ania Nussbaum and Arne Delfs, “Franco-German Shell Producer KNDS to Create Unit in Ukraine,” Bloomberg, 22 March 2024
Nick Alipour, “Germany and France announce “breakthrough” for joint tank project plus defence production in Ukraine,” Euractiv, 22 March 2024
Constant Méheut and Ivan Nechepurenko, “Russian Attack Leaves Over a Million in Ukraine Without Electricity,” The New York Times, 22 March 2024
“Ukraine updates: Russia launches 'largest' attack on energy,” Deutsche Welle, 22 March 2024