Photo : AP
Photo : AP
By Shilpa Joseph
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 28 May, according to Euronews, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President appealed all countries that stood for peace to attend the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland which is scheduled to take place between 16 and 17 June 2024. The agenda of the peace summit would be nuclear safety, freedom of navigation, food safety and humanitarian support and building upon Zelenskyy’s ten-point formula. According to the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs. out of the 160 delegations that were invited, 70 states and organizations have confirmed their attendance so far. While the US intends to join the meeting, there is no confirmation whether Joe Biden, the US President would be the representative. In response Zelenskyy said: "I believe this summit needs President Biden and other leaders need President Biden because they value the US reaction so his absence would only be an applaud to Putin, a standing ovation." China and Brazil, in a joint statement insisted that any peace conference must include both Ukraine and Russia with equal participation and fair discussion with direct dialogue of all peace plans. Zelenskyy pleaded the world leaders not to remain silent and attend the summit to work for a peaceful solution. He added that: "If you're silent, you’re satisfied with what's going on."
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 28 May, the TASS reported on Vladimir Putin, the Russian President address in a news conference on his preliminary understanding of the Ukrainian constitution. According to him, the current situation, the only legitimate power was Verkhovha Rada, the parliament and its speaker, since Ukraine’s President’s term expired the previous week. He claimed that since Ukraine was a parliamentary and presidential republic, the basic levers of power fall under the purview of the country’s representative body. He highlighted the Ukrainian constitution where it the parliament says extension of mandates amid martial law but excludes Presidential term.
On 28 May, RT reported on EU’s shortage of “cod” a critical ingredient used across the region. The report was disclosed by Russia’s fishing industry association indicating UN data. According to the report, a decline in the harvest and restrictions on Russian trade were observed as factors resulting in increase in the price and pushing other European countries to search for alternate options. German Zverev, the director of the All-Russian Association of Fish Producers said: “Despite the significant increase in prices, consumers are not abandoning [cod] en masse, although they partially switch to cheaper white fish, primarily pollock.” He also added on the impact on the fish processing businesses due to inadequate quantity to supply and in maintaining the market balance. All food items except caviar have been exempt from the EU sanctions. In October 2023, Norway had suspended all Russian seafood imports reasoning “inadequate infrastructure.” Apart from the effect on the EU, the sanctions have also affected Russia’s conduct of foreign trade and exit from western financial system. Earlier in 2023, the EU had imported close to 284,000 tons of cod with Russia’s share accounting for 54.7 per cent.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses of the US and Europe
On 28 May, Politico reported that Belgium assured them it would send the first batch of F-16 fighter jets, but with the condition that it would not be used on Russian territory. On a visit to Belgium, Zelenskyy signed a security agreement with Alexander De Croo, the Belgian Prime Minister which included the delivery of 30 US made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The agreement also provided Ukraine with at least EUR 977 million in Belgian military aid. Belgium pledged to support Ukraine with aid for a term of 10 years with modern armoured vehicles, air force equipment, naval security, mine clearance, and military training. This was following his announcement the previous year, on sending fighter jets to Ukraine. He aims to deliver the first aircraft by the end of 2024 and 30 more before 2028. The deal was signed shortly before the Belgian federal election on June 9 and will further depend on the new government’s foreign policy. De Croo also emphasised the utilization of weapons was for the Ukraine Defence Forces on Ukraine’s territory.
On 28 May, in a press release by the European Council, five main priorities were highlighted for the EU member states to act upon. The council approved the conclusions on the role of the EU as a security and defence actor in the conflicts in Europe and the world. First, the EU continues to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity with all means available. These include the Ukraine Assistance Fund as part of the European Peace Facility (EPF) and training and advice through the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). Second, strengthening and improving the access to public and private finance for the EU's Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) to provide for the needs of member states’ armed forces, and partners. Third involved civilian and military CSDP missions and operations including the EPF for targeted security and defence assistance in response to the needs of partner countries. Additionally, the Council calls on member states to expeditiously execute the Military Mobility Pledge 2024 and to further contribute to the full operationalization of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity by 2025. Fourth priority focused on the development of instruments such as the Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox and the EU Hybrid Toolbox to prevent and deter hybrid, FIMI, cyber threats, and malicious activities targeting the EU. The Council also drew its attention on space, maritime, and air domains as a part of the EU’s security and defence. Lastly, the need to expand mutually beneficial partnerships was discussed with a special focus on the UN-EU Strategic Partnership on peace and security. The conclusions planned to adopt a new comprehensive implementation document addressing the EU-NATO cooperation by the end of 2024. The new Military Mobility Pledge 2024 was adopted which aims to close any gaps in military mobility and help ensure the quick and easy transfer of military personnel, equipment, and assets.
On 28 May, Netherlands Ministry of Defence announced the initiative to deliver Patriot air defence system as proposed by the Dutch government. Combining close cooperation with several EU countries, it vowed to offer additional Patriot parts and munitions. The government invited the European countries to contribute from their existing stock as many Patriot systems were not in the stockpile. The Dutch government also acknowledged Ukraine’s need for military capability, energy production, and essential infrastructure. Kajsa Ollongren, the Dutch defence minister said that they were counting on the industrial suppliers who have pledged to speed up production and delivery of replacement systems.
References
Jorge Liboreiro & Shona Murray, “Biden's absence at peace summit will be a 'standing ovation' for Putin, warns Zelenskyy,” Euronews, 28 May 2024
“Zelensky no longer legitimate leader of Ukraine – Putin,” RT, 28 May 2024
“Putin warns West about consequences of long-range strikes on Russia,” RT, 28 May 2024
“Parliament and its speaker constitute only legitimate power in Ukraine — Putin,” TASS, 28 May 2024
“EU Top Diplomat Says Ukraine Has Right To Strike Russian Territory,” The Moscow Times, 28 May 2024
“EU security and defence: Council sets out five main priorities,” Council of the EU, 28 May 2024
Šejla Ahmatovic and Stuart Lau “Belgium to deliver first F-16s to Ukraine this year — with strings attached,” Politico, 28 May 2024
“The Netherlands spearheads initiative to jointly deliver Patriot system for Ukraine, calls on other European nations to contribute,” Netherlands Ministry of Defence, 28 May 2024