NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Reuters/Murad Sezer
War in Ukraine: Day 40
By Padmashree Anandhan and Ashwin Dhanabalan
War on ground:
Zelenskyy’s address, Dmytro Kuleba on Bucha, Destruction of Mariupol
Zelenskyy’s address
On 04 April, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned that there was no other choice than to negotiate with Russia to end the war in Ukraine. He added that it had to be done even though it was challenging to do it after uncovering the Russian force's atrocities against civilians. Concerning Bucha, Zelenskyy said it was “unforgiveable…all of us, including myself, will perceive even the possibility of negotiations as a challenge.”
Zelenskyy talked about the countries ready to provide the security guarantee to Ukraine and said: “Different countries are ready to guarantee different things.” However, he stated that they had not received a list of countries that would affirmatively join them and urged the US and its allies to prepare sanctions in advance to counter the Russian federation if needed.
Zelenskyy’s video address at Grammy’s
On 03 April, Zelenskyy made a surprise appearance virtually at the Grammy Awards celebration. He said: “Fill the silence with your music. Fill it today, to tell our story. Support us in any way you can. Any, but not silence.” He spoke about Ukraine’s musicians wearing armor instead of tuxedos and called on the industry to support Ukraine in any way they could.
​​Ukraine urges German embargo of Russian oil
On 04 April, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Germany, Andriy Melnyk, called on the government to reconsider its stance on sanctioning Russian fossil fuels. He said: “I recommend you read these reports about raped and murdered children in Bucha and Irpin before you start explaining to us again why an immediate embargo on Russian gas, oil and coal isn’t feasible.” His call comes after Ukraine accused Russia of crimes against civilians in Bucha.
Dmytro Kuleba on Bucha
On 04 April, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister said what happened in Bucha was just the tip of the iceberg. He added: “The horrors that we’ve seen in Bucha are just the tip of the iceberg of all the crimes (that) have been committed by the Russian Army.” He further demanded more sanctions against Russia and asked them to visit Bucha if they had any reservations about implementing the sanctions.
From the Mayor of Kyiv
On 04 April, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitscho urged the citizens of Kyiv not to return for "at least another week." He said a curfew is still imposed in several districts as fighting continues near Kyiv. Klitschko also said that many explosive devices were found near the capital.
Shelling in South Ukraine
On 04 April, shelling by Russian forces wounded 34 and killed eight people in two towns of Southern Ukraine. Ukraine’s Prosecutor-General said: “As a result of enemy shelling, seven residents of Ochakiv were killed and another 20 were injured. In the city of Mykolaiv, one person died and 14 people were wounded, among them a child.”
Destruction of Mariupol
On 04 April, the port city of Mariupol’s mayor Vadym Boichenko said that it had been 90 per cent destroyed after being besieged by Russian forces. Boichenko said: “The sad news is that 90 percent of the infrastructure in the city is destroyed and 40 percent is unrecoverable.”
The Moscow view:
Claims by Russia
Putin on ending simplified visas
On 04 April, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said Moscow has scrapped simplified visa rules for the officials and journalists whom Moscow deemed “unfriendly.” As a result, countries such as Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland, and Liechtenstein will no longer be able to apply for visas through the simplified procedure.
Lavrov on accusations for Bucha
On 04 April, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov talked about the situation in Bucha and mentioned that Western leaders should examine their own consciousness before accusing Putin. He stated that Moscow would hold a news conference to clarify that its soldiers did not kill civilians in Northern Ukraine. He said the images were staged by Ukraine and were being used to tarnish Russia’s image.
Moscow to respond to expulsion of diplomats from France and Germany
On 04 April, Moscow said it would respond to France’s decision to expel Russia’s diplomats from the county. On the same day, Germany announced the expulsion of 40 Russian diplomats. Moscow assured that it would respond to their actions.
Russian ambassador in Vilnius asked to leave
On 04 April, Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said the Russian ambassador to Vilnius would have to leave. He said: “The Lithuanian government, in response to the ongoing aggressive actions of Russia in Ukraine, has decided to downgrade the status of the diplomatic mission.”
Russia insists on UNSC meeting for Bucha
On 04 April, Russia said it would insist on holding a UN Security Council meeting over accusations against Bucha. This comes as the UK attempted to refuse to organize the meeting. Russia’s representative to the UN, Dmitry Polyansky, said: “It is hard to imagine and realize, but the British presidency of the Security Council, which has just begun, is trying to deny us our right to request a separate Security Council meeting on the terrible Ukrainian provocation in Bucha.”
The West view:
Responses from the US and Europe
Hungary
On 04 April, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban won for the fourth consecutive, and during his speech he accused President Zelensky and Brussels diplomats as “opponents.” Although Hungary refuses to supply weapons to Ukraine, it has allowed half a million refugees into the country.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron upon the massive killings in Bucha called for more sanctions on Russia and said that Russia is responsible for committing war crimes in Ukraine. He urged to impose sanctions on the oil and coal industries of Russia and assured coordination with Germany, and the EU to further the sanctions on Russians. In his address, he failed to mention Russian gas which is imported by the EU for 40 per cent.
Poland
Recent reports state that close to 2.5 million people had moved into Poland from Ukraine since the start of the war. The average number of people crossing the down has increased from 16,800 to 22,300 per day.
On 04 April, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, on the bodies found from the attacks in Bucha and Irpin, said that such action must be named genocide. He called Russia “pure evil” and asked the EU countries to seize the assets of the Oligarchs. Apart from this, he criticised Germany for standing in the way of levying stricter sanctions on Russia due to its energy dependency.
Georgia
Georgia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the killings in Bucha. It tweeted: “We are devastated by the scenes of brutal atrocities. All those involved in these war crimes must bear responsibility!” Internally, the government faces criticism from the opposition for its support to Ukraine, Although the government has been supporting, it is yet align with Europe on imposing sanctions.
The US
On 04 April, US President Joe Biden called out President Putin as a war criminal. He accused Putin of the killings in Bucha and asked for a trial. He said: “This guy is brutal, he is a war criminal... but we have to gather all the detail so this can have a war crimes trial.” One of the US tech firms, Maxar Technologies using satellite imagery tracked the site in Bucha. It reported that the images showed evidence of excavation and mass grave.
The EU
On the civilian killings in Bucha, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU was ready to investigate the war crimes in Ukraine. In her tweet: “the atrocious murder of civilians in Bucha and elsewhere in Ukraine.” The investigation team will act as a connection between Ukraine’s prosecutor general, Europol and Eurojust.
The UK
On 04 April, on the disinformation campaigns of Russia, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the truth on killings in Ukraine cant stay hidden. Similar to Ursula, he also tweeted: “Russia’s despicable attacks against innocent civilians in Irpin and Bucha are yet more evidence that Putin and his army are committing war crimes in Ukraine.” Although Russia continue to take claim for the killings, the Bucha massacre has raised condemnations across Europe and the US. Adding to Johnson, UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, called for tightening of sanctions on Russia for its actions in Ukraine. She stressed on taking of a tougher approach towards Russia and to strengthen Ukraine for negotiations. Liz truss is scheduled to go Poland, Brussels and meeting with G7, NATO leaders to discuss on the war.
The UK Ministry of Defence reported on increased shelling in the city of Mariupol, it pointed that Russia’s objective to capture Mariupol was to establish land corridor from Russia to Crimea. It also added that Ukrainian troops had a strong resistance and still hold key part of the city in control. Later the UK intelligence said that Russian troops and mercenaries were recouping and consolidating its offensives, military company in Donbas.
Germany
Germany’s Economic Minister Robert Habeck said that although the whole of the EU is working on alternating Russia’s oil and gas, Germany will not sanction an immediate embargo on Russia. The reduced imports from Russia stand at 25 per cent of oil and 40 per cent of gas to Germany. The minister also reaffirmed further reduction.
On 04 April, Germany expelled 40 Russian representatives from the country due to the Bucha massacre. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that Germany will continue to aid Ukraine with arms.
The Global Fallouts:
International implications of the Ukraine war
Climate
On the release of the IPCC report on climate disaster, the UN Secretary General, António Guterres criticised the governments and business leaders for lying and warned that the climate crisis will be catastrophic. The implications of Ukraine's war on energy prices have forced the countries to fall back to fossil fuels and IPCC reported that increased usage on fossil fuels will make the target of achieving 1.5C impossible.
ICRC
ICRC which has been attempting to reach Mariupol for evacuation and aid has been constantly facing challenge in reaching the place due to Russian bombardment. It has been facing the same issue in Zaporizhzhia, where people seem to be trapped without basic supplies.
Democratic Republic of Congo
The central bank of the Democratic Republic of Congo issued a statement on keeping the primary interest rate at 7.5 per cent even in the situation of rising food, and fuel prices due to pandemics and Ukraine war. It has been on a row of reducing its main interest rate from 18.5 per cent to 8.5 per cent in 2021. According to the bank, it expects the economy to face more economic repercussions in the future.
Canada
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced sanctions on nine Russians and nine Belarusians for helping Russia in the invasion. She said: “By enabling (Russian President) Vladimir Putin's senseless invasion of Ukraine, these close collaborators of the regime are complicit in the horrific events unfolding before our eyes.”
References:
“Ukraine foreign minister says Bucha killings are just the "tip of the iceberg”,” Reuters, 04 April 2022
“8 dead in Russian shelling in south Ukraine,” The Straits Times, 04 April 2022
“Mariupol mayor says city ’90 percent’ destroyed following siege of over a month,” The Times of Israel, 04 April 2022
“Putin's Western accusers should examine own consciences -Lavrov,” Reuters, 04 April 2022
“Moscow to respond to expulsion of its diplomats from France -Interfax,” Reuters, 04 April 2022
“Moscow to respond to expulsion of its diplomats from Germany - Interfax,” Reuters, 04 April 2022
“Russia to insist on UN Security Council meeting on Bucha situation on April 4 — envoy,” TASS, 04 April 2022
“Russian ambassador has to leave Vilnius as Lithuanian ambassador is recalled from Moscow,” TASS, 04 April 2022
“Moldovan president refutes reports about redeployment of Russian troops in Transnistria,” TASS, 04 April 2022
“Putin Ends Simplified Visas for ‘Unfriendly’ Countries’ Officials, Journalists,” The Moscow Times, 04 April 2022
“BBC Live,” BBC, 04 April 2022
“IPCC report: ‘now or never’ if world is to stave off climate disaster.” The Guardian, 04 April 2022
“Democratic Republic of Congo central bank keeps interest rate at 7.5%,” Reuters, 04 April 2022
“Canada to impose sanctions on nine Russian, nine Belarusian individuals,” Reuters, 04 April 2022
IN BRIEF
By Emmanuel Royan and Sai Pranav
FRANCE
Russian yacht seized under the EU sanctions faces complexities
On 04 April, La Ciotat Shipyards of the French Riviera said it does not know whom to bill the docking fees for Superyacht Amore Vero, following its seizure by France. On 02 March, two days after the EU added the Russian oligarch and CEO of Rosneft Igor Sechin to its sanctions list, customs authorities detained the yacht as her crew prepared to sail out of dock. French authorities could not notify other parties about the Amore Vero's status because verifying the ownership of megayachts may be difficult. The questions surrounding the Amore Vero reveal the complexities the authorities face when targeting Russian assets. Maritime Lawyer Pascal Flot said that the super-rich frequently control their assets through a complex network of shell corporations in offshore tax havens. (Layli Foroudi, “In France, a seized superyacht creates headaches, not just for its owner,” Reuters, 04 April 2022)
GERMANY
30-year-old case of racist arson attack on a refugee home
On 04 April, a man was apprehended by German Federal Prosecutors for the arson of an asylum house 30 years ago. The prosecutors had discovered new leads after three decades, suggesting that the man had done the act with an extremist intention. This violent act of racism had caused the death of a 27-year-old man named Samuel Yeboah from Ghana and injured two others, while 18 other people escaped unharmed. The day prior to the arson, on 18 September 1991, the suspect was seen discussing with his extreme right-wing acquaintances about the series of racist attacks on the Eastern German town of Hoyerswerda and how a similar act of violence could be done in their town of Saarlouis. (“Germany: Far-right extremist arrested over fatal 1991 attack on refugee home,” Deutsche Welle, 04 April 2022)
THE UK
Channel Four broadcaster to be privatised
On 04 April, the UK government decided to privatise Channel four, a publicly-owned but commercially financed broadcaster. The broadcaster has opposed such a move, claiming that there is no proof that the privatisation would be able to better fulfil its mission of providing challenging and distinctive programmes to those underserved by competitors. And expressed disappointment that the government had not acknowledged the public interest concerns that had been emphasized. The Channel further stated they would “continue to commission much-loved programmes from the independent sector across the UK that represent and celebrate every aspect of British life as well as increase its contribution to society, while maintaining ownership by the public.” (“British government set to sell broadcaster Channel 4,” Reuters, 05 April 2022)
Treasury department set to regulate and recognise Stablecoins as accepted form of payment
On 04 April, the UK treasury announced to regulate a few cryptocurrencies like Stablecoins and asked the Royal Mint to create Non-Fungible Tokens. To gain users' trust in adopting digital currencies, Stablecoins will be recognized as accepted means of payment. Stablecoins value is derived from traditional currencies or assets like gold, therefore are stable and less volatile. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak Stated: "We want to see the businesses of tomorrow - and the jobs they create - here in the UK, and by regulating effectively we can give them the confidence they need to think and invest long-term." Sunak said he desired to make the UK a global hotspot for crypto asset technology by firm control of the emerging sector. (Michael Race and Daniel Thomas, “Cryptocurrency: UK Treasury to regulate some stablecoins,” BBC, 05 April 2022)
REGIONAL
President Viktor Orbán’s re-election might halt EU funding
On 04 April, Incumbent President Viktor Orbán, a Russian ally, secured his re-election to a fourth consecutive term. Russian President Vladimir Putin Congratulated Orbán despite Hungary's support for EU sanctions against the Kremlin. In his victory speech, Orban mentioned the "opponents" he had defeated, among them were the international media, the Brussels bureaucrats and the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who has criticised him for not letting the supply of weapons pass through Hungary. Member of European Parliament, Daniel Frenud and Petri Sarvamma expected the commission to trigger Rule of Law mechanisms and stated that “We appeased Viktor Orbán … and we, the union, appeased Vladimir Putin. And if we continue on this path.. We will find ourselves obsolete.” (Jennifer Rankin, “Victory of Putin ally Orbán in Hungary may trigger freeze on EU funding,” The Guardian, 04 April 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
Plankton's illuminated shores of Napier, New Zealand
On 04 April, New Zealand’s north island’s shorelines were illuminated by bioluminescent planktons with blue-green colors after nightfall. Algal ecologist at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Karl Safi said: “Dinoflagellates produce this light when disturbed, and will give a light flash lasting a fraction of a second – disturbing the predator trying to consume them.” A photographer from Napier who captured the moment calls it “The aurora of the sea.” Around the shores “biohunting” communities have emerged to alert one another when they witness the phenomenon. (Tess McClure, “Aurora of the sea’: luminous plankton light up New Zealand shores” The Guardian, 05 April 2022)