Photo : Reuters
IN BRIEF
By Joeana Cera Matthews and Padmashree Anandhan
UKRAINE
President Zelenskyy announces general mobilization
On 24 February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ratified a decree ordering the general mobilization of the country’s citizens. According to the Ukrainian Presidency’s website, conscripts and reservists are expected to report over the next 90 days. During a video address, Zelenskyy said: “We have been left alone to defend our state… Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don't see anyone. Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of NATO membership? Everyone is afraid.” The Ukrainian border guard ordered males of 18-60 years to not leave the country until the martial law is lifted. (“Ukraine president orders general mobilization,” Deutsche Welle, 24 February 2022)
SPORTS
UEFA shifts the final game venue to Saint-Denis is France
On 25 February, the executive committee of UEFA announced the removal of hosting rights of Saint Petersburg to hold the Champions League final. It was decided that Stade de France in Saint-Denis will be the host to the final match. In recent weeks the discussion over shifting of the venue for the final league match took place as the situation in Ukraine escalated. Post the Russian invasion, the decision solidified. The link between UEFA and Russia was Gazprom. The Champion League’s prime sponsor was Gazprom since 2012, and due to the conflict situation, it has been removed from the sponsoring of the player kits. (James Thorogood, “Champions League final moved from Saint Petersburg after Russian invasion of Ukraine,” Deutsche Welle, 25 February 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
Imran visit Russia midst of the invasion
On 23 February, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Russian President Vladimir Putin met midst of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the statement released by the Russian Government, the meet focused on bilateral cooperation, regional topics such as developments in South Asia and reaching a deal on energy gas pipeline as Pakistan faces an energy crisis. The meet was condemned by the west, but both parties have denied the meeting to link with the Ukraine invasion. According to Brussels-based Pakistani journalist: “Regardless of what he says, by going to Moscow, Khan has conveyed a message to Europe and the US that he has decided to side with Russia in the Ukraine conflict.” (Shamil Shams, “Ukraine crisis: Why Imran Khan's Russia trip will further isolate Pakistan,” Deutsche Welle, 25 February 2022)
Ukraine: Protests erupt condemning Russian aggression
On 24 February, citizens across the world took to the streets condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Demonstrations were witnessed by Ukrainians living in Japan, Germany, and the Czech Republic. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to the growing concern of the Ukrainian security situation: “Putin is endangering the lives of countless innocent people and the peace order on our continent. This is Putin's war.” In Moscow, a few citizens who protested outside the Ukrainian embassy were arrested while Turkey and Spain witnessed protesters crowding outside the Russian consulates in their respective capital cities. (Claudia Dehn, “Standing up for Ukraine: Anti-war protests around the world,” Deutsche Welle, 24 February 2022)
France and China sign cooperation deal over infrastructure projects in Africa
On 24 February, France and China announced a joint plan to construct seven infrastructure projects worth USD 1.9 billion in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. The pact will be the first third-party intergovernmental cooperation, including projects in infrastructure, environmental protection and new energy. As per the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC): “French enterprises have a unique advantage in advanced manufacturing, environmental protection and engineering construction, while Chinese firms have accumulated rich experience in basic infrastructure construction, energy, equipment building and the internet. Enterprises from both countries are complementary, and have a huge potential for third-party market cooperation.” A recent study suggests that foreign investments in China are found to be corrosive in nature across Eastern and Central Europe. Out of which Hungary has the highest cut, seconded by Poland in railway transit, Slovakia and Czech Republic where its investments have grown to the extent of influencing the internal communication networks. Whereas France's economic relations with Africa declined to seven per cent, while Chinese FDI grew in 2020. (Jo Harper, “France and China link up in global infrastructure projects,” Deutsche Welle, 24 February 2022)