NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Reuters
War in Ukraine: Day 56
By Padmashree Anandhan, Ashwin Dhanabalan, and Rishma Banerjee
War on the ground:
Attacks in Azvstal steel and iron factory
Zelenskyy’s address
On 20 April, president Zelenskyy in his daily address spoke about his meet with the president of the European Council Charles Michel. Reportedly, they discussed the ways in which the European Union could help Ukraine, especially with defense, finances and with sanctions. They also spoke about the integration of Europe. Zelenskyy said: “This is the historic moment when we can develop maximum speed in joining the European Union. We have already proved that the Ukrainian state and public institutions are effective enough to withstand even the test of war. We are already doing as much to protect freedom on the European continent as other nations have never done.”
Mariupol
On 20 April, Ukraine Military reported on the assaults on the Azvstal steel and iron factory, where Ukraine’s troops and people remain trapped. The same was confirmed by deputy mayor of Mariupol, he said: “It’s mostly citizens of nearest destroyed buildings and a lot of workers of steel plants. They know that steel plants had good bomb shelter and some stocked food and water in the bomb shelter. That's why they decided with their families to live in this bomb shelter.” He added that Russia had set a new time of 1100 GMT for the Ukraine troops to surrender and the forces continue to fight against Russia. It was also reported that Russia had blocked all the supply corridors, to trap the people in Mariupol from water, food, medicine and any form of aid.
On 20 April, Ukraine said that Russia violated a ceasefire that had been decided upon to evacuate women, children and elderly people from Mariupol. Regional governor, Pavlo Kyrylenko said that fewer buses than had been decided upon could be evacuated. Deputy prime minister Iryna Vereshchuk, who is in charge of these humanitarian corridors said they “did not work as planned today.” Ukraine’s troops in Mariupol have not stopped fighting even after Russia issued an ultimatum. Senior Ukrainian negotiators on the other hand said that they were open to holding special talks with Russia in Mariupol provided they are unconditional in nature.
Sloviansk
On 20 April, Ukrainian troops could stop the progress of Russian forces from Izyum in the northeast to Sloviansk. Ukraine’s presidential advisor commented on this and said: “They have focused their forces there, that is where they are trying to advance, but so far they are not succeeding.”
Other developments
Other cities in the east such as Donetsk, Tavriya, the village of Popasna, Rubizhne and Severodonetsk districts have been under attack by Russia’s military. It was confirmed that “twelve tanks, 28 armoured vehicles and one artillery system, and Ukraine's air force, one plane, one helicopter, six UAVs and a cruise missile,” were destroyed by Russia.
The Moscow view:
Claims by Russia
Russian tycoon criticised the atrocities by Russian troops
On 20 April, Oleg Tinkov, a tycoon, lambasted Russia's role in the Ukrainian citizen massacre and called for an end to the war. After him, the businessman Boris Mint voiced his criticism of the president. Mint added: “every right-thinking person has a duty to speak out against this appalling war and Vladimir Putin’s growing authoritarianism.”
Russia tests new intercontinental ballistic missile
On 20 April, Russia’s president Vladimir Putin was seen at the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile launch in Plesetsk. Putin said the missiles had “the highest tactical and technical characteristics”. He added that anyone who would make threats to Russia would now have to think twice. Putin further congratulated the Russian forces saying: “I congratulate you on the successful launch of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. It is a great and landmark event in the development of advanced weapon systems in the Russian army.”
Russia on draft agreement handed over to Ukraine on 15 April
On 20 April, Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said they had not received any reaction from Ukraine on their draft agreement. She criticised the Kyiv regime’s negotiations team as they did not respond to Russia’s proposal. Zakharova further mentioned how Kyiv was debunking other issues than responding to Russia’s draft agreement.
On the same day, Kremlin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated: “We’ve said it repeatedly that the rate of work of the Ukrainian side leaves a lot to be desired, and the Ukrainian do not display great willingness to intensify the negotiations process.” He further accused the Ukrainians of backing out from previously achieved agreements or even their own words each time. This caused terrible consequences for the efficiency of the negotiations.
Russia calls for probe into fake news of them using nukes in Ukraine
On 20 April, Zakharova called for action against the developers and customers of the fake news that stated Russia had used nuclear arms in Ukraine. She added: “Someone has been manufacturing these materials, and there must be someone who designed the concept. I think it would be correct and timely to look into the entire chain.”
Medical gear supply from the West restored
On 20 April, Russia was concerned about a potential shortage and a near-total collapse of the supply of essential medical devices as it depends on the West for its medical equipment, such as pacemakers and radiotherapy devices. Even though these devices and prescription drugs are exempted from the sanctions, their supply has been disrupted due to customs and insurance hurdles caused by the sanctions.
Russia to sue Apple
On 20 April, Russia’s lawyers mentioned that they would be suing Apple for shutting down its payment service in the country. The lawyers accused Apple of causing intentional moral damage to Russian users. Attorneys added: “…the amount of the recovery must be substantial in order to compensate for the moral damage caused.”
Peskov on Wimbledon
On 20 April, Kremlin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned Wimbledon that the tournament would be harmed if Russian players were banned. The Grand Slam tournaments are scheduled to run between June and July. The Wimbledon officials are hinting toward banning players from Russia and Belarus. Peskov added: “We reiterate that it is inadmissible to hold athletes hostage to various political beliefs, political intrigues and hostile behaviour in regard to our country. We can only regret this.”
The West view:
Responses from the US and Europe
The US
On 20 April, in response to the launch of Russia’s ICBM with nuclear capacity, Pentagon said that the launch was not viewed as a threat and “It was not a surprise.” The launch strikes a warning signal as President Putin indicated as a threat to the western powers.
US Defence Department spokesperson, John Kirby confirmed the delivery of the additional aircraft and parts to Ukraine. He denied supplying complete aircraft, only spare part was being sent to Ukraine. It is also expected that the US will be sending helicopters soon to Ukraine.
Belarus
The Wimbledon organizers have accused Belarus of helping Russia invade and attack Ukraine from its region and banned the Belarusian tennis players from entering the tournaments. The ban will include the high-ranked player, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus who ranks four in the women's category.
The UK
On 20 April, UK Defence Ministry in the update on Ukraine's ground situation stated that Ukraine forces were deterring Russia’s attempts, despite the shelling continuing to increase in the eastern Donbas. It observed that Russia’s forces faced “environmental, logistical and technical challenges,” which showed its inability to reach its targets rapidly.
The Ministry also found that Russia had positioned a new offensive on its eastern border with Ukraine. It warned that Russia could use its forces to break into the defence held by Ukraine. Apart from this it also tracked those offences in northern Ukraine were deteriorating due to the withdrawal of Russia’s forces. It said: “However, there is still a risk of precision strikes against priority targets throughout Ukraine. Russian attacks on cities across Ukraine show their intent to try and disrupt the movement of Ukrainian reinforcements and weaponry to the east of the country.”
Germany
Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock post her meeting, with the Latvian leader said: “"we have delivered anti-tank missiles, Stingers and other things that we have never spoken about publicly so these deliveries could happen quickly.” She assured that Germany will support Ukraine with advanced weapons and soldiers to help against the new offensive of Russia in the Donbas region. As per the statement released by the German Foreign Ministry: “Reaction from the EU, NATO and the international community to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.”
The EU
On 20 April, European Council president, Charles Michel tweeted after his visit to Ukraine and meeting with Zelenskyy. He said: “in the heart of a free and democratic Europe.”
The Global Fallouts:
International implications of the Ukraine war
China
On 20 April, China criticised the west for providing weapons for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. China’s ambassador Zhang Jun added: “We call on Russia and Ukraine to adhere to the general direction of dialogue and negotiation, continuously narrow differences, and accumulate conditions for a ceasefire.” He further mentioned that providing Ukraine with weapons would only prolong and escalate the conflict.
Meta
On 20 April, an appeal was made against Russia’s court banning Meta from operating in the country. The court accused Meta of operating in Russia on the grounds of extremist activity.
The UN
On 20 April, UN chief Antonio Guterres asked Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to receive him and discuss the possibility of peace. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric mentioned that separate letters were handed to Russia and Ukraine. Dujarric added that Guterres wanted to also look at the future of multilateralism based on the Charter of the United Nations and international law.
The UNHCR chief said: “Eight weeks into the conflict, we are at 5 million and counting, with 5 million unique stories of loss and trauma.” This comes as 218,000 third-country nationals, primarily students and migrant workers, have had to flee the country. The UN's International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said 7.1 million people were displaced inside Ukraine.
G20
On 20 April, the US, France, the UK, and Canada finance ministers walked out of the G20 meeting as Russia’s representatives initiated to speak. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “We are united in our condemnation of Russia’s war against Ukraine and will push for stronger international coordination to punish Russia.” Responding to the walk out staged by the countries, Russia’s finance minister, Anton Siluanov, urged the G20 group not to politicise the group’s work.
IAEA
On 19 April, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was informed by the Ukrainian authorities that communications had been restored between the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and the state atomic power regulator. IAEA’s director general Rafael Grossi mentioned that the development was good news and added that he would lead a team to the plants and carry out a series of assessments.
References:
“Today is a historic moment when Ukraine can develop maximum speed in joining the EU - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” President of Ukraine, 20 April 2022
Natalia Zinets, “Ukraine blames Russia as attempts to evacuate civilians from Mariupol fall short,” Reuters, 21 April 2022
“Ukrainian forces stop Russian advance towards Sloviansk - presidential aide,” Reuters, 20 April 2022
Michael Race, “Russian oligarch lambasts country's ‘massacre’,” BBC Live, 20 April 2022
“Russia says it has tested new intercontinental ballistic missile,” The Guardian Live, 20 April 2022
“Putin congratulates Armed Forces on successful launch of Sarmat ICBM,” TASS, 20 April 2022
“Russia handed over draft agreement to Ukraine on April 15, still no response — diplomat,” TASS, 20 April 2022
"Russian diplomat calls for probe into fake news about potential use of nukes in Ukraine,” TASS, 20 April 2022
"Wimbledon to feel the pain if Russian tennis players are barred, vows Kremlin,” TASS, 20 April 2022
“Russia presented draft document with clear wording to Ukraine, expects response — Kremlin,” TASS, 20 April 2022
"Russian lawyers to sue Apple for shutdown of payment service,” TASS, 20 April 2022
Francesco Guarascio, “Risk of medical gear shortage in Russia falls as West restores exports,” Reuters, 20 April 2022
“BBC Live," BBC, 20 April 2022
“German Foreign Minister Baerbock begins Baltic tour with promise of stronger support,” 20 April 2022
“Latest News in the Russia-Ukraine War,” WSJ, 20 April 2022
Daphne Psaledakis, “U.N. chief separately asks Russia's Putin, Ukraine's Zelenskiy to receive him,” Reuters, 20 April 2022
“UK and US lead G20 walkout of finance ministers,” The Guardian Live, 20 April 2022
“G20 delegates to stage protests against Russia over Ukraine war,” The Guardian Live, 20 April 2022
“More than 5 million have fled Ukraine since invasion, says UN,” The Guardian Live, 20 April 2022
"China criticises west's provision of weapons and sanctions,” The Guardian Live, 20 April 2022
“Direct communications between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Chernobyl nuclear power plant has been restored,” Voice of America, 20 April 2022
“Appeal against Meta's ban for 'extremism' launched in a Russian court, says Interfax agency,” Euronews, 20 April 2022
IN BRIEF
By Padmashree Anandhan, Ashwin Dhanabalan
ITALY
Italy new rule to reduce air conditioning temperature in public buildings
On 21 April, Italy’s foreign minister announced a new rule restricting the school and public buildings to maintain the temperature of air conditioners below 25 degrees Celsius. The step of energy cutting is termed as “operation thermostat.” With this step, the government estimates to cut down 45 per cent of its natural gas. The decision was welcomed by the minister for public administration, stating it as a positive sign and saying it will result in reducing the energy cost of the public office buildings by 57 per cent. A representative of the Five Star Movement said: “It’s correct that the public administration is setting a good example, cutting waste and raising awareness among citizens about rationalising consumption. It’s a simple way to contribute and reduce dependency on gas.” (“Italy puts 25C limit on air conditioning as Ukraine crisis forces energy rationing.” The Guardian, 21 April 2022)
ENERGY
Germany and the Netherlands are closer to extracting gas from the Wadden Islands
On 21 April, due to the rising energy crisis from the Ukraine war, a German and Netherlands company called the ONE-Dyas has come closer to extracting natural gas through drilling in the Wadden Sea. According to the minister of economic affairs, Netherlands and Germany have a long term supply contract that does not account Groningen gas field. It is located above the Wadden Islands and contains a sea bed that has “low-calorific gas, suitable for households.” The extraction is expected to begin in two years’ time and the area expands to 60 billion cubic meters. (“Germany, Netherlands closer to drilling new natural gas field in Wadden Sea,” NL Times, 20 April 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
Denmark to also set up an asylum processing centre in Rwanda
On 20 April, Denmark mentioned that it was planning to set up a reception centre for asylum seekers in Rwanda after the UK. Denmark’s integration minister Mattias Tesfaye said: “Denmark has good cooperation with Rwanda, based on a broad partnership…We have been in close dialogue to further strengthen our partnership.” However, human rights groups and opposition politicians have condemned the proposals as unethical. Denmark’s government said that it would have a “more dignified approach.” (“Denmark in talks with Rwanda over processing of asylum seekers,” Euronews, 20 April 2022)