NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : State Emergency Service of Ukraine/via Reuters
War in Ukraine: Day 26
By Ashwin Dhanabalan
War on the ground:
Shelling on Kyiv and Odessa; siege of Mariupol; Russia accused of state terrorism
President Zelensky’s speech
On 21 March, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine would not accept Russian ultimatums to give up cities such as Kyiv, Mariupol, or Kharkiv. Zelenskyy said: “We have an ultimatum with points in it. ‘Follow it and then we will end the war’.” He further added: “Ukraine cannot fulfill the ultimatum.” His speech comes as Russia heavily shelled the cities of Mariupol and Odessa.
Shelling on Kyiv
On 21 March, Russian forces shelled the capital of Kyiv and killed at least eight people. Buildings were wrecked and piles of smoke and rubble were scattered around the capital. The force of the explosion from the shelling had decimated the shopping centre car park in the Podil district of the city. Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov claimed that the shopping centre was used to store rocket launchers. He said: “High-precision long-range weapons on the night of 21 March destroyed a battery of Ukrainian multiple rocket launchers and a store of ammunition in a non-functioning shopping centre.”
The siege of Mariupol
On 20 March, hours after the bombardment, the port city in eastern Ukraine had received the heaviest bombardment and fighting the people had seen since Russia’s initial invasion. About 400,000 people have been trapped inside the city for two weeks since the Russians besieged it and restricted humanitarian corridors. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: “that Russia’s siege of Mariupol was a terror that will be remembered for centuries to come.” However, Russia’s Defence Ministry blamed Ukrainian nationalists for causing the humanitarian crisis. The Ministry said they had even offered the people in the city to surrender.
Defence Minister accuses Russia of state terrorism
On 21 March, Ukraine’s Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said Russia was using state terrorism in Ukraine. Reznikov said: “Thousands and thousands of civilians…This is state terrorism. That is why [the] Kremlin must be stopped because it will go further. It will attack other countries.” He further thanked UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace for their military equipment that had boosted their defence capabilities. He said: “…Your role is special, and your courage and your spirit are in stark contrast with the passivity of some other countries.”
Shelling in Odessa
On 21 March, Ukraine’s biggest port, Odessa, was shelled by Russian naval forces in the Black Sea. The Russian forces even shelled residential buildings on the outskirts of the city. The forces continued to besiege Mariupol as Ukraine refused to surrender the port city. The Russian forces have also blockaded Odessa from the sea as it is a symbolic and strategic target for Russia.
Ammonia leak reported
On 21 March, an ammonia leak was reported near the chemical plants at Sumy. As a result, Sumy regional governor Dmytro Zhyvytskyy stated, the area within a five-kilometre radius was hazardous. This comes as Russian forces had besieged the northeastern Ukrainian city.
The Moscow view:
Claims by Russia
Telephonic conversation with the President of Uzbekistan
On 21 March, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin spoke to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on a telephone call. The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and the implementation of agreements that the two countries were working on. Putin also informed Shavkat Mirziyoyev about the course of its special military operations to protect the Donbas region. According to Kremlin.ru, Shavkat Mirziyoyev understandably responded to Russia’s position and actions in the region.
Russian court bans social media platforms
On 21 March, the Tverskoi district court in Moscow banned Facebook and Instagram, citing them as “extremist” organisations, and accused them of “Russophobia.” The move is a part of Russia’s crackdown on social media amid its military actions in Ukraine. Russia’s FSB security service said: “The activities of the Meta organisation are directed against Russia and its armed forces.” Earlier, Russian authorities had only blocked the social media platform but now it has legally banned it.
Russia summons the US Ambassador
On 21 March, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan and issued a demarche to the US for President Joe Biden’s comments on Putin. The Ministry said: “It was emphasised that such statements by the US president, which are unworthy of a statesman of such a high rank, bring Russian-US relations to the brink of breaking off.” Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had earlier raised these remarks and stated that they were “unacceptable and unforgivable.”
Concerning mediations with Kyiv
On 21 March, Moscow mentioned how it was grateful for the offers that many countries had extended to mediate the negotiations with Kyiv. However, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that they had to also make Ukraine more cooperative in the meetings. He said: “The choice of a venue for some hypothetical meeting is a secondary issue, although, of course, we are grateful to all countries that express their willingness to assist this negotiation process.” His statements came as Swiss President Ignazio Cassis offered to act as a mediator in the conflict. Cassis added: “Switzerland had both neutrality and the humanitarian tradition”.
Lavrov discusses with Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud about Ukraine
On 21 March, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke to Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The two leaders discussed Russia’s special operation in Ukraine and their peace negotiations with Kyiv. The Ministry said: “….He stressed that Russia is taking efforts to ensure the security of civilians while demilitarizing and de-nazifying that country.” The two leaders also discussed further strengthening Russia-Saudi relations.
Peace treaty talks with Japan terminated
On 21 March, Moscow stated that it was terminating its peace treaty talks with Tokyo as they had imposed restrictions against Russia. Russian Foreign Ministry said: “…In the current situation the Russian side has no intention of continuing peace treaty talks with Japan, for it is impossible to discuss the signing of a fundamental treaty in bilateral relations with a country that takes an outspokenly unfriendly stance and tries to cause harm to the interests of our country.” Furthermore, visa-free trips by Japanese citizens were cancelled, and a joint economic activity on the South Kuril Islands was also terminated in response to Japan's restrictions.
The West view:
Responses from the US and Europe
The US
On 21 March, US President Joe Biden disclosed that Russia’s attempts of cyber-attack plans will be countered by the US using every tool it had. Previously Biden has issued a warning on a potential cyber attack from Russia. Biden stated that Russia’s cyberattacks were provoked due to the current economic sanctions levied by the US. He said: “You have the power, the capacity, and the responsibility to strengthen the cybersecurity and resilience of the critical services and technologies on which Americans rely. We need everyone to do their part.”
Poland
On 21 March, Poland Prime Minister Mateus Morawiecki asked Switzerland to freeze Russian Oligarch's accounts and seize their assets. Swiss President Ignazio Cassis responded saying that the country had taken measures in line with European Union but denied the seizing of assets. He reasoned that in the case where the oligarchs own companies in Switzerland of any sector, taking off their assets will risk the operation of the companies.
The UK
On 21 March, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Council President Charles Michel have agreed to continue the cooperation for a unified UK-EU to respond to Russia’s invasion.
Germany
On 21 March, the government spokesperson of the German government announced the plan to supply additional arms to Ukraine, which will be done through placing orders in defense companies. The representative also confirmed that the supplied standard of the arms will remain the same as the previously delivered weapons.
The Global Fallouts:
International implications of the Ukraine war
MNCs
On 21 March, Burger King said that its overseas partner in Russia denied closing down 800 stores despite the warning to end the trade. Alexander Kolobov, who is the local partner said that he does not have the authority to stop the operations in Russia, and pointed out that it was the decision to be taken by the shareholders. He said that the decision to terminate will affect 25,000 persons, employees and their families. Many huge companies have shut down their businesses from Russia, however, businesses that are small in number or run by franchises have been running into a problem of dealing with complex contract agreements.
IOM
On 21 March, International Organisation for Migration reported the count of civilians displaced in Ukraine due to the war. As per the study conducted by IOM between March 9-16, it stated that close to 6.5 million people were displaced. IOM Director, General Antonio Vitorino said: “The scale of human suffering and forced displacement due to the war far exceeds any worst-case scenario planning.” Apart from this the OHCHR has recorded 2,421 civilians to have died as of 20 March.
UN
On 19 March, the UN reported the count of total civilians killed so far in the war. It estimated 847 civilians, which included 64 children to be killed since 24 February. Apart from the deaths, close to 1400 have been injured due to shelling and airstrikes as said by the UN human rights office (OHCHR). According to OHCHR: “Most of the civilian casualties recorded were caused by the use of explosive weapons with a wide impact area, including shelling from heavy artillery and multiple-launch rocket systems, and missile and air strikes.”
China
On 19 March, the Chinese Red Cross announced additional 10 million yuan of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The decision to provide aid was said by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin as part of the everyday briefing. Previously the aid given amounted to 5 million Yuan.
Egypt
On 21 March, Egypt devalued its currency by 14 per cent as the foreign investors withdrew from Egyptian treasury markets fearing war in Ukraine. As per Refinitiv data, the value of the pound reduced from 18.17 to 18.27 which was earlier traded at 15.7 after November 2020.
References:
“Ukraine's president says he will not accept Russian ultimatums to end war,” Reuters, 21 March 2022
James Mackenzie, “At least eight killed as Kyiv shopping centre wrecked by shelling,” Reuters, 21 March 2022
“Mariupol, under heavy bombardment, buries its dead by roadside,” Reuters, 21 March 2022
“Ammonia leak reported at chemicals plant in Ukraine's besieged Sumy,” Reuters, 21 March 2022
“Ukraine accuses Russia of state terrorism,” BBC, 21 March 2022
“Russian forces shell port city Odesa, Ukrainian officials say,” BBC, 21 March 2022
“Russia terminates peace treaty talks with Japan — Foreign Ministry,” TASS, 21 March 2022
“Lavrov informs Saudi top diplomat about special operation in Ukraine,” TASS, 21 March 2022
“Kremlin highlights importance of making Ukraine more cooperative in negotiations,” TASS, 21 March 2022
“Russia issues demarche to US ambassador over Biden’s remarks regarding Putin,” TASS, 21 March 2022
“Russian Court Bans Instagram, Facebook as ‘Extremist’,” The Moscow Times, 21 March 2022
“Telephone conversation with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev,” Kremlin.ru, 21 March 2022
“Nearly 6.5 mln displaced by war inside Ukraine – IOM,” Reuters, 21 March 2022
“Switzerland must freeze Russian oligarchs' accounts, says Polish PM,” Reuters, 21 March 2022
“Germany determined to deliver more arms to Ukraine,” Reuters, 21 March 2022
IN BRIEF
By Padmashree Anandhan and Emmanuel Royan
RUSSIA
Prison time extended for Navalny after the new verdict
On 22 March, President Vladimir Putin's most vocal critic Alexi Navalny was sentenced to nine years in prison, guilty of large scale fraud and contempt of court. Navalny was imprisoned in 2021 after surviving a nerve gas attack that he accused was perpetuated by the Kremlin. Prior to his imprisonment, Navalny was the main opposition leader in Russia, and his team frequently published investigations into the wealth of Russia's elites. However, Navalny is also accused of stealing several million dollars worth of donations given to his political organizations for personal use. He will now serve nine more years in a maximum-security prison. Which will be remote and with stricter conditions than the prison in Pokrov east of Moscow, where he has spent two and a half years. (“Russian court finds jailed Kremlin critic Navalny guilty of fraud,” Reuters, 22 March 2022)
REGIONAL
War in Ukraine imposes a strain on fertilizer supply chain
On 21 March, Euronews reported on the increase in production cost for farmers as the price of fertilizers boomed. The increase was due to the aftereffect of the Ukraine war. Russia, a major producer of fertilizer, exporting nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, has become a challenge for farmers to acquire. The war restricted access to such fertilizers and with no immediate alternative, the economic conditions of the farmers have worsened. In order to meet the gap, Brussels and the European Commission have proposed to use the agricultural ministry to help the farmer groups. (Gregoire Lory, “Skyrocketing fertiliser prices sends farmers production costs soaring,” Euronews, 21 March 2022)
EU Summit: EU countries divided over oil embargo
On 21 March, EU Foreign Ministers signed a political agreement to support Ukraine with an additional EUR 500 million support of arms and military equipment. In terms of furthering the sanctions and imposing an oil embargo on Russia. Poland and the Baltic States urged for tightening of sanctions on Russia in the land and sea trade. On the oil embargo, several EU countries along with Germany showed hesitance is agreeing. Germany's Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock said: “The question on an oil embargo is not a question of whether we want or don't want it.” (Christopher Pilcher, “Brussels agrees on more military aid for Ukraine, but no new sanctions,” Euronews, 21 March 2022)
ENVIRONMENT
Race to cut reliance on Russian Oil might increase global temperature
On 21 March, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned about addiction to fossil fuels in his keynote speech to the Economist Sustainability Summit. He warned that countries could become so obsessed with the immediate supply gap for fossil fuels that they ignore policies to reduce it. Scientists believe that keeping the rise in global temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius this century is critical to limiting the scope of the damage caused by global warming. To maintain that threshold, carbon output must be halved by the end of this decade. Instead, as Guterres points out, emissions are expected to increase by 14 per cent. (Matt Macgrath, “Climate change: 'Madness' to turn to fossil fuels because of Ukraine war,” BBC, 22 March 2022)