Photo : Reuters/Piroschka van de Wouw
03 March 2022, Thursday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #139
IN FOCUS
By Padmashree Anandhan
Top five developments in Ukraine - Day seven of conflict
1. Conflict Escalations: War crime investigation launched and Kherson under control of Russia
On 03 March, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor launched a war crimes investigation on Russia on suspicion of its military bombing civilians. After 39 countries raised the concern to ICC, filed the investigation on Russia. According to the Chief Prosecutor, ICC has already sent its team to the conflict area to collect evidence that comes under war crimes, crimes against humanity, or anything violating under the Geneva Conventions. In addition, the investigation will track individuals involved in ordering the attack on civilians in the invasion and help target them to impose charges.
Inside Ukraine, Kherson, a southern port city, has now been taken control by the Russian military, securing the state administration building, and the Mayor of Kherson has confirmed the same. The next target of the Russian forces is expected to be Mariupol, which is the next largest port city serves the direct connection for Russia to reach eastern Ukraine through Crimea. The UK intelligence reported that the progression of Russia into Kyiv had slowed down due to "Ukraine's resistance, mechanical breakdown, and congestion.
2. Ukraine responses: President Zelensky demands supply of warplanes and urges direct talks with Putin
In his remarks to the civilians, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reassured that the Ukrainian military was still under control of the port city despite fears of Mariupol being captured by Russia. However, as the cities' shelling continued, Zelensky asked for one-to-one talks with Russian President Putin and urged NATO to send warplanes, as it did not approve the no-fly zone. On the same, the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine criticized NATO for refusing to obligate the no-fly zone and accused it of the civilians' death. She also warned that this misstep would further the war to direct conflict between the West and Russia.
3. Russia's claims: President Putin threatens with plans of demilitarisation and disclosed the count of soldiers killed
On 03 March, Russian President Vladimir Putin in his address, claimed that Russia "is going according to the plan," and marked that "demilitarisation," of Ukraine will be achieved. He also said through "Special military operation," the plan is being executed and criticized Ukrainian forces for using foreign students as "human shields." Furthermore, the President appreciated the "bravery" of the Russian troops in fighting against Ukrainian forces; he also disclosed that 498 Russian soldiers have been killed till now in the war. On the other hand, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, said that Russians were not considering launching a nuclear third world war.
4. External actors' response: France, UK, US, UN, and WHO condemn Russia and raise concerns for worsening situation in Ukraine
From the UK, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss called for countering the invasion by targetting Russia's economy and cracking it down. She stressed extending the SWIFT ban from certain banks to all Russian banks and to lessen oil and gas dependency from Russia.
From the US, President Joe Biden called for "immediately cease bloodshed." The announcement of tour of the US Secretary of the State Antony Blinken was announced. Who is scheduled to visit six European countries to discuss the Ukrainian conflict. The US welcomed the vote of the UN to rebuke the invasion.
From the UN, an emergency meeting was held at the General Assembly to pass a resolution against the invasion, where the UN strongly accused and demanded Russia to withdraw its troops. In the voting, While India abstained from voting, Russia, Belarus, Syria, North Korea, and Eritrea polled against the resolution.
From France, Macron is observed to be the only leader who has been continuously in contact with Putin. On 03 March, after the telephonic call with Putin, Macron warned that Russia would not stop invading Ukraine and the whole of Ukraine was under threat. He condemned Russia, stating it as an "aggressor."
From the WHO, it has expressed deep concerns over the growing humanitarian crisis and highlighted the attacks affecting the health workers and health care facilities in Ukraine.
5. People's stance: Growing protests in Europe, Russia and fleeing Ukrainians
The first few days of the protest began in most of the European cities against Russia for invading Ukraine, which spread to people in Russia and across the world in support of Ukrainians. Anti-war protests in large numbers were observed in Berlin and St. Petersburg in Russia. The protests in Russia are put under control by the police through direct clashes and mass arrests. In the recent statement from the UN, close to one million people in Ukraine have left Ukraine, and the count is on the rise. As Russia progresses into various port cities launching attacks on civilian buildings, the state of people in Ukraine has turned into a nightmare, striking fears to leave the country.
IN BRIEF
By Joeana Cera Matthews Padmashree Anandhan
ROMANIA
Two aircraft crashes lead to an investigation
On 03 March, eastern Romania witnessed two crashes as both a fighter jet and a search-and-rescue mission dispatched for the same crashed. The cause for the country’s deadliest crash since 2014 is still under investigation. Seven soldiers of the search-and-rescue team along with the pilot of the fighter jet are reported to have died. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis termed the accidents “a tragic night for Romanian aviation” while his condolences were expressed towards the victims’ “bereaved families”. Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry has announced that aircraft models of the MiG-21 LanceR fighter jet and the IAR 330-Puma helicopter would not take-off until after the investigation. Further, Defense Minister Vasile Dincu expressed that there were no indications of an attack. (“Romania: Military personnel killed in aircraft crashes,” Deutsche Welle, 03 March 2022)
REGIONAL
Georgia: Formal application for EU membership submitted
On 03 March, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced that Georgia had submitted a formal application to join the EU. Following the signing of the application, Garibashvili said: “We are applying today for EU membership… Georgia is a European state and continues to make a valuable contribution to its protection and development.” The Georgian move towards EU accession follows Ukraine’s bid to the same. Georgia, like Ukraine, was also a former USSR state and fears a repetition of August 2008 when Russia invaded two breakaway regions called South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Moldova is also expected to apply for the membership soon. (Timothy Jones, “Georgia formally applies for EU membership,” Deutsche Welle, 03 March 2022)
ENERGY
Ukraine: IEA Chief calls on Europeans to save energy, reduce dependency on Russian gas
On 03 March, the International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol called on the Europeans to save energy by turning down their thermostats by a degree. Birol said: “Russia is using its natural gas resources as an economic and political weapon. This is clear to everyone in the world.” The agency has created a 10-point plan that advocates for European governments to impose a windfall tax on fossil fuel companies profiting from the energy price hikes. This could be used to reduce the energy bills for consumers suffering from the crisis while allowing for a reduced dependency on Russian gas imports. No more new gas contracts are encouraged with Russia’s Gazprom. Meanwhile, the IEA advises a delayed closure of nuclear power stations, fast-moving wind and solar energy-related constructions and increased energy efficiency in homes and businesses. The European Commission is expected to release its own energy strategy based on the IEA’s proposals. (Fiona Harvey, “Turn down heating by 1C to reduce need for Russian imports, Europeans told,” The Guardian, 03 March 2022)
SPORTS
Beijing Winter Paralympics: IPC bans Russian and Belarusian athletes over Ukraine crisis
On 03 March, the International Paralympic Committee announced that it was banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in the Beijing Winter Paralympics. The decision announced on the eve of the competition was appealed to by Russia. The Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin commented on the appeal effort: “We are currently in work to establish our legal position to file lawsuits on the protection of our athletes’ rights, against the discrimination of athletes based on their ethnicity and the use of sports as a tool of a political pressure.” The Minister added that the decision was a “blatant violation of athletes’ rights and a manipulation of the Olympic Charter and human lives’ values in pursuit of political goals”. Nonetheless, the IPC’s decision was commended by the UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries among others. (Paul MacInnes, “Russia head for court to overturn ban on athletes at Winter Paralympics,” The Guardian, 03 March 2022)