NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Reuters/Leonhard
IN FOCUS
By Joeana Cera Mathews and Padmashree Anandhan
War on the ground:
Shelling continues, 70 per cent of Luhansk Oblast under Russia, and claims of new Russian troop deployment
On 12 March, the Ukrainian military announced via Facebook that Russia had captured regions east of the besieged city of Mariupol. According to the military, both Mariupol and Severodonetsk in the east are important captures for the Russian troops. Meanwhile, the military also published that Russian efforts to begin an offensive to the northeast of Kyiv had been "partially successful". Additionally, the Armed Forces of Ukraine said: "(Ukrainian troops were) inflicting losses on Russian invaders in manpower and military equipment, which significantly reduces their will to continue the confrontation." Given the humanitarian crisis in the city due to increased shelling, the United Nations Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine Amid Awad said that the UN was working toward safe humanitarian corridors that would aid Mariupol.
On 12 March, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that more Russian troops were being deployed to Ukraine following its losses. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy also held telephonic conversations with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the release of Melitopol's mayor, Ivan Fedorov. According to Zelenskyy, the mayor had been abducted by Russian troops on 11 March. The President demanded Fedorov's release and said: "This is obviously a sign of weakness of the invaders... They have moved to a new stage of terror in which they are trying to physically eliminate representatives of legitimate local Ukrainian authorities." He continued: "The capture of the mayor of Melitopol is, therefore, a crime, not only against a particular person, against a particular community, and not only against Ukraine. It is a crime against democracy itself. The acts of the Russian invaders will be regarded like those of 'Islamic State' terrorists." Ukraine's Parliament backed the claim, adding that the mayor was kidnapped due to his refusal to cooperate with the occupiers.
On 12 March, Luhansk Oblast's Governor Serhiy Haidai stated that 70 per cent of the region was under Russian occupation. Meanwhile, Ukraine-controlled areas witnessed an artillery bombardment leading to dozens of civilian deaths and other casualties. Via the Facebook post, Haidai also mentioned the lack of humanitarian corridors available for citizens to flee the region. Additionally, Sumy's regional administration head Dmytro Zhyvytskyi announced via Telegram that six escape routes were prepared for evacuation. Those from Sumy, Trostianets, Lebedin, Konotop, Krasnopillia and Velyka Pysarivka are likely to be taken to the south of Sumy, to Poltava.
On 12 March, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said that Russian forces had shelled a mosque in Mariupol. The Ministry tweeted: "The mosque of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Roxolana (Hurrem Sultan) in Mariupol was shelled by Russian invaders… More than 80 adults and children are hiding there from the shelling, including citizens of Turkey." Separately, an airbase near Kyiv's Vasylkiv was attacked by Russian rockets. Citing the town's mayor, Interfax Ukraine reported the missile to have also hit an ammunition depot.
On 11 March, Zelenskyy had stated that a renewed evacuation effort would be undertaken for Mariupol residents. The President said: "Russian troops have not let our aid into the city and continue to torture our people ...tomorrow we will try again, try again to send food, water and medicine." Addressing the Russian soldiers' mothers, Zelenskyy appealed: "I want to say this once again to Russian mothers, especially mothers of conscripts. Do not send your children to war in a foreign country… Ukraine never wanted this terrible war. And Ukraine does not want it. But it will defend itself as much as necessary."
The Moscow view:
Claims by Russia
On 12 March, TASS reported Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warning the US to be prepared for the country's sanctions list. Ryabkov maintained that it would "soon be made public". Ryabkov stated: "The lists are ready, we are working on this. This is, by and large, part of the daily work." Meanwhile, a Russian Foreign Ministry official Nikolai Kobrinets commented on the EU's sanctions against Russia leading to increased energy prices. As reported by Interfax, Kobrinets said: "I believe the European Union would not benefit from this. We have more durable supplies and stronger nerves."
On 12 March, the Russian embassy in Washington released a statement condemning Meta's decision to permit calls for violence directed towards the Russian military and related authorities.
The statement read: "Meta's aggressive and criminal policy leading to incitement of hatred and hostility towards Russians is outrageous… The company's actions are yet another evidence of the information war without rules declared on our country." Meanwhile, the State Duma Head of Information Policy and IT Committee Alexander Khinshtein proposed that Instagram be blocked in the country following the ban on Facebook.
On 12 March, the Head of Russia's space agency Dmitry Rogozin warned that the sanctions imposed on Russia could lead to the crash of the International Space Station (ISS). The Roscosmos head said: "The Russian segment ensures that the station's orbit is corrected (on average 11 times a year), including to avoid space debris… But the populations of other countries, especially those led by the 'dogs of war', should think about the price of the sanctions against Roscosmos."
On 12 March, Belarus' Armed Forces' Chief of General Staff Viktor Gulevich stated that the country did not intend to participate in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, Gulevich added that five battalion tactical groups (BTGs) were being deployed to the border to replace the forces already stationed there. Gulevich said: "I want to underline that the transfer of troops is in no way connected with (any) preparation, and especially not with the participation of Belarusian soldiers in the special military operation on the territory of Ukraine."
The West view:
Responses from the US and Europe
From France and Germany
On 12 March, the French Presidency released a statement on the phone call between French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The attempts for a phone call failed to push for a ceasefire. In the statement given in TASS: "…the Federal Chancellor and the French president insisted on an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and the start [of efforts] to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict. It was decided to keep silent regarding the remaining details, Scholz learnt about his evaluation of the current situation. The parties agreed to keep in touch." According to France, Putin did not seem to show any interest to end the war in Ukraine, next set of sanctions will be assessed in Brussels taking the latest developments in Mariupol into account. The sanctions majorly aim to side-line Putin from the international community. Apart from this, Macron also urged Putin to remove the blockade in Mariupol as people run out of water and power.
On 12 March, Macron, in the end of the EU summit, accused the UK of its grand statements on easing the visa process for Ukrainian refugees but not following in reality. He remarked that the UK was still following current rules where Ukrainian refugees have to travel to the UK for applying visa. The UK's response indicated that it is in the process of modifying to a simpler version.
From Bulgaria
On 12 March, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev put forth its interest to host talks between Ukraine and Russia. He said that Bulgaria can serve as a place for negotiation and, as an EU member, urged others to unite to find a solution. The UK Minister of State for Europe and North America James Cleverly recently visited to discuss the Ukraine war situation.
From the US
On 11 March, US President Joe Biden commented that the US would not directly engage by sending troops to Ukraine; he assured that NATO's sovereignty would stand guarded by the US, but warned that a direct conflict between NATO and Russia would mean World War III. Biden announced the ban on Russian alcohol, seafood and diamonds, which are considered more valuable to the Russian economy. Apart from the goods, the US Treasury sanctioned 22 Russian oligarchs. The growing intensity of sanctions is observed in the actions taken by the US.
On 12 March, upon the concerns raised by Ukraine on the possibility of Belarus joining hands with Russia, the US confirmed that there was no evidence showing the movement of Belarusian troops into Ukraine. The US pentagon spokesperson said: "We haven't seen any indications that Belarusian troops or forces have moved inside Ukraine."
From the UK
On 11 March, UK Ambassador Dame Barbara Woodward to the UN accused Russia's claims on Ukraine's use of biological weapons. The Ambassador denied by saying "a grotesque lie" and condemned Russia for engaging in war crimes. Woodward also recommended that Russia be stopped from using its seat in the UN to spread "disinformation and lies." Apart from this, the UK sent six additional planes carrying medical aid and equipment to support Ukraine.
From Italy
On 12 March, Italy seized a EUR 530 million worth superyacht of a Russian billionaire. Similarly, the French also seized a yacht last week. The seizing has increased due to recently imposed sanctions by the EU.
The Global Fallouts:
International implications of the Ukraine war
India
On 12 March, Russia has approached India to further its investments in the oil and gas sector which is currently under sanctions of the West. Russia, through this aims to expand its sales network in Asia. Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said: "Russia's oil and petroleum product exports to India have approached $1 billion, and there are clear opportunities to increase this figure." In response, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri discussed ways of firming "India-Russia partnership in energy sector." According to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the decision to expand in the energy sector will depend on many factors such as transit route, pay channel, and insurance.
Japan
On 12 March, Japanese multi-brands such as Uniqlo and Japan Tobacco have reversed their decision to withdraw business from Russia. Both the companies had announced the closing down last week. It has reasoned it as "clothing is a necessity in life," the decision has been taken to operate in 50 stores in Russia. Similarly, Japan Tobacco company which has a one-third share in the Russian tobacco market has modified its policy by stopping investment and marketing. Instead, it has opted to launch heated tobacco products.
Guatemala
On 11 March, eight Ukrainian refugees arrived in Guatemala due to the Russian invasion; another plane was on its way carrying more refugees from Ukraine.
Social Media
In the past week, social media platforms eased their policies to allow calls and posts against Putin or Russian forces, in response, Russia announced ban on the apps such as Meta, WhatsApp and Instagram. On 12 March, Meta's Senior Executive, differing from the previous stance, clarified on Meta that: "does not tolerate Russophobia" or any kind of discrimination towards Russians - and "we are only going to apply this policy in Ukraine itself." In continuation of the bans, YouTube has also joined in blocking access to Russian State Media. The spokesperson said: "In line with that, effective immediately, we are also blocking YouTube channels associated with Russian state-funded media, globally."
Entertainment
On 12 March, Pink Floyd and David Gilmour announced the removal of their albums from Russia and Belarus music platforms. They tweeted: "To stand with the world in strongly condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the works of Pink Floyd, from 1987 onwards, and all of David Gilmour's solo recordings are being removed from all digital music providers in Russia and Belarus from today."
Banks
On 12 March, along with Wall Street banks, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan Chase, Deutsche Bank announced closing down its business in Russia. Previously it did not agree to withdraw its services; upon accusation by the lawmakers and investors, it announced the closing down.
Sports
On 12 March, Hyundai, one of the main sponsors in football, announced its suspension of sponsorship to Chelsea Football Club by sanctions imposed against the club's owner. In the statement given by the company: "…However, in the current circumstances, we have decided to suspend our marketing and communication activities with the Club until further notice."
References
"Scholz, Macron speak with Putin again over Ukraine conflict — live updates," Deutsche Welle, 12 March 2022.
Léonie Chao-Fong, Miranda Bryant and Helen Livingstone, "Russia-Ukraine war latest news: Russian army suffering biggest losses in decades, Zelenskiy says, as fighting intensifies near Kyiv – live," The Guardian, 12 March 2022.
"Russian rockets destroy Ukrainian airbase in Kyiv region: Interfax quoting mayor," Reuters, 12 March 2022.
"Ukraine says Russian forces shelled mosque in Mariupol," Reuters, 12 March 2022.
"Russia warns sanctions could cause International Space Station to crash," France24, 12 March 2022.
"BBC live", BBC, 12 March 2022
"Macron, Scholz tell Putin about need for ceasefire in Ukraine," TASS, 12 March 2022
Michael Holden, Praveen Menon and Karl Plume, "Japan's Uniqlo makes U-turn to exit Russia as Britain hits oligarchs," Reuters, 12 March 2022
Suhasini Haidar, "Russia offers more oil to India," The Hindu, 12 March 2022
Cesar Perez Marroquin, "The first Ukrainian families fleeing the war and the Russian invasion arrive in Guatemala," Prensa Libra, 11 March 2022
IN BRIEF
By Ashwin Dhanabalan and Emmanuel Royan
THE UK
Prince Charles to attend the upcoming Commonwealth Service
On 11 March, UK’s Queen Elizabeth announced that she would not be attending the Commonwealth Service. However, Prince Charles would act in her place for the annual service. This was supposed to be her first in-person public meeting since she fell ill in October 2021. The Palace stated: “After discussing the arrangements with the Royal Household, the Queen has asked The Prince of Wales to represent Her Majesty at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on Monday.” However, the Palace clarified that the decision was not because of any illness but due to issues of the Queen’s movement to and from the service. (“UK’s Queen Elizabeth pulls out of Commonwealth Service,” Reuters, 12 March 2022)
Scottish Conservative party leader withdraws his letter for Boris Johnson’s resignation
On 10 March, the Scottish Conservative party leader Douglas Ross withdrew his call for the resignation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson over Downing Street parties. Ross said he had written to the 1922 Committee of backbench Tory Members of Parliament in January. Concerning the crisis in Eastern Europe Ross said he “had confidence in the prime minister to deal with this situation at the moment…everything else seems trivial.” Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called on Ross to not use the Ukraine crisis to backtrack on his principles. Furthermore, Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: “Ross has a backbone of a Jellyfish.” In response to the criticism, Ross stated that he did not care about other parties and mentioned: “The only person who would gain from the removal of a UK prime minister from office would be Vladimir Putin." (“Douglas Ross: Removing PM would only benefit Putin”, BBC, 10 March 2022.)
FRANCE
President Emmanuel Macron’s economic policies over the last five years
On 11 March, an article published by France24 reported insights on France’s President Emmanuel Macron and his economic policies as he declared his candidacy for reelections. Macron was a former investment banker and had served under the former President François Hollande as the Economy Minister. His economic policies had boosted businesses as he had reduced the tax rate of firms from 33.3 per cent to 25 per cent. His other policies were the reason why France’s GDP growth reached seven per cent in 2021, even with the pandemic dip of minus eight per cent in 2020. However, workers’ job security and job quality reduced as wealthy people in France grew wealthier. (Romain Brunet, “Trickle-down in drips and drops: The French economy after five years under Macron,” France24, 11 March 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
The EU asks for a pause in the Iran nuclear deal due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
On 11 March, EU’s Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell said the 2015 Iran nuclear deal was put on hold due to “external factors.” Since Borrell had been coordinating the JCPOA agreement, he further said: “A final text is essentially ready and on the table. As coordinator, I will, with my team, continue to be in touch with all participants and the US to overcome the current situation and to close the agreement.” The talks of reviving the agreement were earlier held in Vienna. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh responded by assuring “No external factor will affect our joint will to go forward for a collective agreement.” (“EU says ‘pause’ needed in Iran nuclear deal talks,” Deutsche Welle, 12 March 2022)