Photo : Yoan Valat/AP Photo/picture alliance
Photo : Yoan Valat/AP Photo/picture alliance
By Padmashre Anandhan
WAR ON GROUND
On 26 March, a Ukrainian presidential official spokesperson reported on Russian attacks on Ukraine's eight energy facilities. This comes despite two partially agreed ceasefires. In response, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of launching attacks overnight using Iran’s Shahed drones on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. He said: “Last night, there were another 117 proofs in our skies of how Russia continues to drag out this war — 117 strike drones, most of them Shaheds. A significant number were shot down by our air defenders.” The attacks included infrastructure across Kryvyi Rih city, Dnipro, Sumy and Cherkasy. He stated that the attacks despite a ceasefire indicated Russia’s unwillingness for real peace. Zelenskyy visiting Paris ahead of the summit on Ukraine called for serious contribution from Europe through troops. On the same, Igor Zhovkva, a top Ukrainian negotiator said: “We don’t need a mere presence to showcase that Europe is present.”
On 26 March, Ukraine’s military criticised Russia for not managing the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. This comes after it reported a huge spill of diesel. On the same, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said: “We have received reports of diesel reservoir damage at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.”
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 26 March, Russia's defence ministry claimed destroying nine Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea. It also reported attacks on energy facilities in Kursk, Bryansk and Crimea regions. Ukraine’s military denied the accusations.
On 26 March, a court in Russia convicted 23 captured Ukrainians for terrorism while Ukraine has denounced the trial calling its violation of law. Among the captured, 14 were former fighters from the elite “Azov Brigade” which Russia termed as “terrorist group.” According to the report, the court charged them for “staging a violent coup d’etat” and conducting terrorist activities. They were sentenced for 13-23 years in prison.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 26 March, in a joint press conference with Zelenskyy, France’s President Emmanuel Macron said that “It was too early” to regard lifting of sanctions on Russia. He stressed that the withdrawal will occur only if Russia agrees to comply to international law. He also announced EUR two billion as extra military aid to Ukraine, this includes anti-tank missiles, surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles and drones.”
On 26 March, in response to the US ceasefire mediations with Ukraine and Russia, Germany's Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock welcomed the efforts however warned that such dialogue would not continue with new demands and concessions every time. She added: “We must not fool ourselves, and above all, we must not allow ourselves to be blinded by the Russian president.”
On 26 March, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte assured NATO’s readiness for a military alliance to protect its allies in case of an attack and to respond strong. He spoke alongside Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk: “Reaffirming the commitment that NATO is obliged to defend Poland in any critical situation is very important for us.” On the same day, Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced the government’s plan to increase the defence spending to 3.5 per cent of the GDP by 2030. This means an increase by DKK 300 billion which is a rise from 2.4 per cent GDP of 2025. Kristersson said: “It is difficult to know exactly where it will land. We are pushing for it to be high enough to significantly increase the European NATO countries' ability to defend Europe.”
THE GLOBAL FALLOUTS
Implications of the War
On 26 March, France’s Total Energies CEO said that it would not be surprised if the Nord Stream gas is revived. According to the CEO, Europe does need some amount of Russian gas supplies if the industry wants to be competitive. This comes as the Russian gas flow has slightly changed after 2022 slow down leading to thoughts among policy makers to bring back the fuel.
On 26 March, UN. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric in response to the Black Sea ceasefire agreement called it key to protect the “civilian vessels and port infrastructure.” He also added: “Will be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains.”